| When we start marketing and networking on social | | | | 2. Don't say anything you don't want your mother to |
| media sources like Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, we | | | | hear. Although social networking has a casual element, |
| sometimes forget some of the simple rules of | | | | keep in mind that you are building a reputation online |
| engagement. | | | | for your business. Be careful before disclosing too |
| In his book, "Everything I Needed to Know, I Learned in | | | | much personal information or getting caught up in |
| Kindergarten," author Robert Fulghum reminded us of | | | | controversial discussions. If someone posts a negative |
| the basics of getting along with others. Although it was | | | | comment on your blog, don't immediately shoot back a |
| originally published in 1989, his observations are timeless. | | | | flaming response. Mom wouldn't like that. |
| Even in our high tech world, we can look back at | | | | 3. Listen to others. The whole purpose of social media |
| some of the lessons we learned in elementary school, | | | | is to get others to interact with you. That means you |
| and see that it applies to establishing successful | | | | have to create an environment where people want to |
| relationships online. | | | | respond. If you have your own blog, you can do this by |
| 1. Don't be bossy. If you are a small business owner or | | | | asking questions. You can visit other blogs and find out |
| entrepreneur, chances are you are bursting with | | | | what others are thinking and join that discussion. |
| excitement about your product or service. You want | | | | It sounds simple, but how many times have you clicked |
| to shout its praises from the rooftops. But when you | | | | on a website looking for information and been |
| are building tenuous relationships with others, especially | | | | inundated with heavy sales copy? Or read a blog |
| across the Internet, you need to take a more subtle | | | | where the author dismisses comments that contrast |
| approach. | | | | his? Or see where someone says something |
| Instead of delivering a heavy handed sales pitch, focus | | | | completely inappropriate on Facebook that diminishes |
| on your customers and what they need. What | | | | your view of him? |
| problems are stumping them? What is costing them | | | | By remembering the basic social rules that you would |
| time, energy and efficiency? Then, let them know how | | | | use in establishing face-to-face relations, you'll have |
| your products or services can help. | | | | success in creating relationships online. |