How to conduct yourself online!
I was recently contacted by a former customer on LinkedIn
, whom I last spoke to professionally over a decade ago. Remembering him as an amiable chap, I thought long and hard about connecting with him, because I normally only connect with people who I currently do business with. However, on this occasion, I did.I regretted this decision when only ten minutes later, I got a request for a recommendation (a sort of testimonial) which was a bit bizarre because I hadn't seen him for a decade. I don't know about you, but I care about my reputation and if I say I recommend someone, it needs to be truthful. Needless to say, I sent a very polite reply back explaining my reasons why I would not be recommending him, only to get a sarcastic reply back. My only response was to DELETE THE CONNECTION.
Who did he think he was? Didn't he understand the various rules of engagement on the web? This incident really wound me up and inspired me to write this Blog, about the so called written and unwritten rules conducting yourself online. So here we go:
Operate online, how you would operate offline.
The way you conduct yourself professionally in Social Media circles should be the same way you would conduct yourself in real life. Conduct yourself professionally, and you will do well.
Don't bully or be sarcastic.
If you send out negative messages, you will gain a negative impression from fellow web users. What you should do is offer advice and treat people how you would like to be treated, and you will find that people will listen to you.
Don't overtly sell...that puts people off.
Instead, offer something, a bit of advice, news, product previews etc. If you offer something without any conditions, you will find that people will start to trust you and in the long term listen to your advice and buy from you.
Don't overreach yourself.
There is nothing worse than developing an online audience only to find that you cannot deliver. When entering the online environment you must remember that there are other important thing in life such as family, work and friends which should be your priority first before overcommiting yourself and spending too much time online...you will only disappoint your followers.
Be constructive.
Don't use generic comments because they are just annoying. Leaving a comment should be a productive activity for both you and the author of the article. Don't waste everyone's time with gibberish that anyone can write. Effective dialogue is often how fellow web users notice you.
Don't pester people.
Your pestering will be amplified tenfold on the internet which will give you a poor reputation. After all, you don't want to be accused of being a stalker!
Don't bore people.
There are so many people retweeting other peoples quotes or telling their minute habits...no one gives a damn and it puts followers off.
Don't get sucked in by the online, get rich scams...and don't impose them on your online acquaintances.
There are idiots out there setting up multiple Twitter profiles, blasting out fantastic get rich quick messages all day long. Most of these sales messages contain affiliate links or links to sales pages they've created. Don't get sucked in, they are a con. The purpose of social networking is to interact and contribute to a huge community of learning.
Don't forget your personal security.
Don't be too eager to give out your email address, telephone number, bank details unless you can guarantee you know who will be holding them. Don't advertise the fact that you are going on a 2 week holiday around the world...it is a great advertisement to the would be burglar to come around your house at their leisure.
Act according to the social network.
The way you would operate in front of a MySpace audience will be totally different to that in LinkedIn. Understand the network and act accordingly.
If someone starts to follow you - check them out and follow them back.
You don't obviously have to do this, but if they are interesting, follow them back.
If you conduct yourself online in the right way, you will get yourself noticed for all the right reasons. Make sure that you participate in a positive way, and you will be provided with a gateway of opportunities.
For more tips, click on Internet/Web tips to grow your business.
Ian Lockyer
www.easimarketing.com
How to conduct yourself online!
By: Ian Lockyer Recommended Online Trading Strategy Attorneys Online Post Your Resumes - Seven Steps to Posting Your Resume Online Stream NHL Pittsburgh Penguins vs Dallas Stars Online Live via PC Posting a Resume - Myths about Posting Your Resume Online Buying Your Blank Gun and Firing Blank Guns Online Post Resume - Tips on Using Your Resume Online Effectively Post Your Resume - Top 10 Reasons to Post Your Resume Online Post Resume Online - How Not to Post Your Resume A Short Introduction To Online Journalism Classes Online Nursing Classes Are Available For Parents! Trade Qualifications Create Consumer Trust Watch Georgia Tech VS Virginia Tech Live Stream Online NCAA® Football Week 10 on November 4