Three R’s For Using Social Media in Your Business

Social media is the buzz!  Every technology and entrepreneurial blog is talking about how to make it work for you.   People are using it for any number of purposes:  to stay in touch with friends and family; to meet new people and broaden their circle of contacts; to build a brand and promote their business; and as entertainment.  There are hundreds of social media sites ranging from the mega-site Facebook to smaller niche sites like Tip’d (http://tipd.com/) (finance) or BallHype (http://ballhype.com/) (sports).  You can find a place to socialize online regardless of your primary interests.

However, if you are planning to use social media for business there are a three rules you want to remember in order to maintain a good reputation, and ensure that your networking efforts don’t end up working against you.

1. Be Real

Even if you are posting under a profile that bears your company name, you want to use your own name and use a real, human voice as you interact on the site.  If you go on your social media site and simply post links or press releases, people will lose interest quickly.  The whole point behind social networking is being, well, social.   That doesn’t mean you should post pictures of you wearing a swimsuit, drinking tequila shots on the beach in Cancun.  However, you should include photos of yourself that show you have real interests; and fill out the personal profile to reflect some of your genuine interests.  Use an avatar with your face in it, and engage in some light exchanges between your friends.  All work and no play makes you a colossal fuddy-duddy on a social networking site.

2. Be Responsive

You need to be able to spend enough time on your social media sites that you can explore the profiles of your friends and contacts, make comments to them, and notice when they add a new photo of their pet hamster or a link to a particularly interesting article.  And when people comment you, it’s a good idea to acknowledge them.  Check your profiles daily for new private messages or new friend requests.  If someone adds you as a friend, make it a point to thank them and say hi.  So much of what goes on online is automated that it means a lot when you get a personal message or comment from someone.

3. Be Regular

I know you’re busy. Everyone is busy.  That’s just how the modern world works.  But if you are going to commit to using social media, you absolutely must make time to spend on the site regularly.  Even 15-20 minutes per day which will let you respond to your messages, check out what’s new on your friends; profiles, and make your presence known.  You also want to watch out that you don’t over-extend yourself on so many social networking sites that you don’t have the time or energy to manage them all.  A solid plan of regular, consistent, and thoughtful participation on your social network is the key to gaining a loyal following and promoting your business.