Social networking’s become a popular sales and marketing tool, but that doesn’t mean everyone’s using it correctly. Used incorrectly, it could actually turn off the very folks it’s intended to reach.
Rule No. 1 in the social networking game: Offer something useful. If the content you’re providing isn’t interesting or applicable to your audience, you’re wasting their time — and yours.
It’s also important to be aware and respectful of how others use social media. No everyone appreciates being “sold” via a technology they perceive as personal and social. (Contacts or prospects who use social networking for their personal life — connecting to old friends and family members — may not appreciate being sold on your latest real estate listing or that great lobster special your restaurant is featuring.)
It’s also important when social networking to guard your image. Too much complaining or whining can harm your business image. Focus on the positive, the upbeat and the possible.
And as an extension of this positive attitude, try to temper your reaction to criticism when posting, tweeting or blogging. A defensive attitude will come across quickly and badly if you’re not careful.
For this reason, it’s important that you enlist the help of an experienced marketing communications professional who can give you an idea of how your social networking attempts could be perceived.
