About the worst thing you can do via social networking is to come across as an advertiser looking to promote a product or service. Social-media expert Muhammad Saleem says you must avoid these pitfalls:
- Don’t be a spammer. Seek out people who will be truly interested in what you have to say.
- Don’t be a stranger. Social networking thrives on relationships… the more the better.
- Don’t be noise. Once you have people’s attention, focus on adding value to the conversation.
- Don’t be lazy. You have to participate to get anything out of social networks. Don’t just build a profile and let it gather dust while you wait for people to notice. They don’t.
- Don’t put all your eggs in one basket. Diversify your efforts. Seek out specialized social networks for advertisers and in the fields you serve.
- Don’t be fake. Don’t pretend to be a satisfied user of a product, for example. When you’re found out, the backlash will far outstrip any short-term gain.
- Don’t be selfish. Social networking is about the community, not you. “You must contribute more than you want to get out of it,” says Saleem.
About Wendi McGowan