Social media is a great way to reach your market, position your message and network with like minded entrepreneurs
To get the most out of your efforts with social media there are do's and don'ts on getting the most out of your efforts. .
3. 1. Leverage your time and efforts
Determine what is personal and what is professional.
There’s a huge difference. Family often doesn’t care about
your business activities, and your clients may not give a
hoot about where you went with Aunt Betsy over the
weekend.
Know what you want to accomplish within a specific
amount of time. Getting the most out of social media takes
discipline, with tracking time being at the top.
4. 2. Complete your profile
It’s amazing how many people have an incomplete profile.
If you’re using social media for business, the profile is your
calling card. Potential clients do read profiles. If they are
going to engage your services they want to know you are
qualified. A well thought-through profile makes their
decision-making process easier.
5. 3. Be authentic
The world of business has changed for many of us. In years
past, we were told to act, talk, dress and behave in ways
that may not have conveyed our authentic self. Today, it’s
about creating community with those who are aligned with
our vision and us with theirs. Because of this, there is a lot
of advantage to being truly authentic.
Will everyone resonate with us? Absolutely not. That’s OK.
When we know who we are and connect with a community
(tribe) we are aligned with, we are able to thrive in ways
that were not possible in the past.
6. 4. Time your activities
As previously mentioned, you do want to utilize your time
effectively. It’s easy to spend far too much time in social
networks and diddle your day away.
Although it is very important to spend quality time in your
targeted social networks, to go in and out all day is not
effective. Put a specific amount of time aside, up to three
times a day, to post, respond to messages and connect
with others.
You will get much more done by taking 15 minutes three
times in a day in your social networks than not to schedule
out your time.
7. 5. Give yourself a cooling off period
I don’t know too many people, who have not gotten irked
by something someone posted. When you see something
you don’t like, the urge to immediately lash back might
surface.
If something irritates or angers you, rather than responding
immediately, take time to step away from the situation,
regroup, and then respond.
After all, once something is posted, that’s it. There’s no
turning back.
9. 1. Not everyone wants to read your posts
Don’t assume that everyone is reading what you are
posting. The fact is, not everyone cares about what you
post. Or even if they care, they may not have time to read
everything you send their way.
10. 2. Not everyone shares your opinion
It’s easy to see how feelings get hurt around politics,
religion, gun rights, and other heated topics. Don’t assume
that everyone in your circle of friends, your connections,
your circles or your followers have the same views as you
have.
The beauty of social media is that we have the opportunity
to learn about many cultures, beliefs, lifestyles and views.
To assume everyone believes as we do shuts the door on
the possibility of incredible dialogue that can mend fences,
break down walls and bridge differences.
11. 3. Don’t add without permission
It’s pretty frustrating to find out we’ve been added to a
group, without our permission. Avoid adding people just
because you think they would like to be in your group. Ask
first.
12. 4. Don’t forget your manners
It seems that some people have forgotten basic manners
when it comes to social media. Act as if you are face to face
with the people you communicate with, and it’s likely your
manners will be at their best. For some reason, in the
virtual world many people have lost sight of what good
manners are.
Don’t share personal information about others unless they
give you permission. Be careful about what pictures you
choose to put up with others in the shot. They may not
want their image posted.
13. 5. Don’t tag others if you’re promoting as
an affiliate
Often people will promote an expert’s event, product or
service as an affiliate. It’s not cool to tag the expert when
you post because then you are marketing to their
community. As an affiliate, it’s about you marketing to your
community.
If they give you permission to tag, then go for it. But unless
you know for sure this is okay, avoid the temptation.
14. In conclusion
Social media is one of the most powerful ways to reach
your market, position your expertise and grow your
business. And as you read, there are definite dos and
don’ts to getting the most out of your efforts.
Above and beyond anything, common sense is the
essential element to achieve optimum results.