Another Do's and Don'ts of Social Media

There are many opinions on how to leverage Twitter and other social media sites to grow your business. Here's my take on some do's and don'ts.

• DO strike up a conversation...you never know where it might lead. Chances are, exactly that; a lead. You need to pay attention and connect on something specific about that individual. Don't become a forgweeter just as Jason Tryfon suggests here.
  
  
• DON'T pretend to be someone else. Authenticity is paramount and your credibility will be flushed if there is any doubt. Furthermore, there is no reason not to be you. Twitter has people in business and people being personal (some a mix of both). You choose who you follow. Chris Brogan has blogged about the freedom to follow or not if you'd like a succinct explanation.
  
  
• DO have an avatar reflective of you or your business. Not having one at all sends a message of incompleteness. I never follow anyone I can't see. If you're tweeting for business, unless you are in the pet business, pets aren't big sellers for me either nor are most caricatures.
  


• DO send personal direct messages to the followers you choose to engage with. I send one to everyone who follows me. That doesn't mean I follow everyone back. DO NOT be tempted by the auto DM's they seriously annoy those of us who do the personal ones. Although a nice touch to be immediately responded to, the effect is erased when recognized as an auto.
  
  
• DO set an alarm, set an appointment because this is addictive. Twitter doesn't run out of food or the staff don't kick you out. It's one great big networking event that can go on as long as you want.
  
  
• DON'T participate expecting to "sell your junk." Connect first, sell later. Period.

There's a ton of information and a gazillion people looking to connect. How far is your network taking you these days? Consider Twitter and other social media outlets to expand your reach.

Nimbly yours,
JCM