I Thou Shalt Always Listen
Facebook is a cocktail party or a Family Reunion or a Back Yard Barbecue. Don’t be the jerk who talks and talks and talks and talks and never listens. Today, Social Media allows the business owner to LISTEN to the conversations of past, present and future client clients AND empowers that business to contribute to the conversation. IF you are not using Social Media as a listening device, you are are missing out.
II Thou Shalt Be Authentic
You may be able to pull the wool over the eyes of your mother-in-law but Social Media empowers almost everyone to interpret your intentions with sharpshooter accuracy and crystal clarity. The quickest way to lose your credibility is to have a hidden agenda! The memories of the less-than-authentic are never fond.
III Thou Shalt Like, Comment and Tag Frequently
Social Media is a conversation. Liking, commenting and tagging is starting, participating in and contributing to to that conversation. If you aren’t purposefully starting and engaging in conversations regularly…you are choosing to be a wallflower and you will be overlooked.
IV Thou Shalt Use A 4:1 Ratio Or Better
You should post 4 or more thoughts, observations or opinions etc for every one status update regarding your industry, business or cause. What you do for a living is a valid portion of the conversation…not the whole thing.
V Thou Shalt Thoroughly Fill Out Your Info/About Me Section
Some people will read these sections. When they do and discover a clear word picture of who you are, what you do and what you stand for, they are more likely to know, like you and trust you.
VI Thou Shalt Not Live On The Poles
Nobody likes to hang out for very long with Permanently Positive Pauly or Forever Negative Nelly. It is perfectly acceptable to visit the poles, to occasionally be mad or criticize or be incredibly positive or joyful. This is being authentic.
VII Thou Shalt Send A Note With Every Friend Request
When you take a moment to remind the person receiving your friend request of your connection with them they are much more likely to accept.
VIII Thou Shalt Never Billboard Your Business
Don’t be THAT guy. Don’t be the guy at the party who moves from group to group passing out his business cards and never takes the time to engage anyone. Don’t be the real estate agent who posts all sixteen virtual listings every Tuesday or the magical new weight-loss formula lady who posts ‘Danger-Danger’ articles 12 times a day. (Not that we dislike real estate agents or magical weight-loss secrets.)
IX Thou Shalt Not Ignore
Every time someone leaves a comment, likes something you do, say or post or tags you in a post, you must respond to them in some way. They are talking to you. Not responding to them in some way is considered rude.
X Thou Shalt Convey Your Competence
It is likely that this one will take the most work. Don’t sell. Don’t ask for business. Share valuable, educational, enlightening and useful information. This will position you as a giver and potentially trigger some sort of reciprocation. Doing this will also help your audience want to and choose to do business with you.
