Do:
- Complete your profile – A partial profile says “I’m kind of interested in building relationships and providing value, but not really.”
- Use a personal photo – People buy from other people – not from products – and they will learn all about your solutions if you provide value.
- Create a strategy and measure results – Identify your target audience, outline objectives, and measure results.
- Read blogs and discussions before diving in – It helps to read blog articles and feedback in your market niche and identify the discussions that are the most effective when creating your strategy.
- Utilize your brand – Be consistent in using your brand on your blog, Twitter page, Facebook fan page, etc.
- Be human – Interject your personal interests and experiences but be careful not to post something shocking or private you may regret down the line.
- Provide relative news – Journalists and bloggers are continually looking for news stories to share with their readership – take advantage of the opportunity to be promoted by others.
- Blog effectively – Provide valuable insights, include links to your related articles and utilize sign-ups for your Facebook Fan page, LinkedIn group, newsletter, etc.
- Think about your message – Be consistent in promoting solutions and providing value to your followers.
- Create sought after marketing collateral – Provide a free white paper, webinar, newsletter, etc. that outlines a solution to a problem.
- Be involved in relevant discussions – Connect with like-minded individuals, leave comments, join discussions, and create relevant discussions.
- Spam – A message that starts with “You really need this” or “Amazing deal” does not go over well on social media sites and can turn people off quickly.
- Sit on the sideline – Social media is about connecting and building valuable relationships and you have to be in the game to take advantage.
- Be disconnected from your discussions – People who take the time to participate in your discussions should be provided with feedback and recognition.
- Dwell in negativity – Your attitude affects your altitude – honest critique and feedback is fine but if your discussions continuously focus on the negative, people will avoid engaging in conversations with you.
- Be haphazard – You should align your strategy with your time allotment, message content, and also participate consistently.
- Give up early – It takes time to create a network of valuable connections and to reap the benefits of partnerships and expanded client relationships.
- Be fake – Don’t try to make up different personalities for different social media platforms – be yourself.




