What Social Media Etiquette Is… and Isn’t

Posted by Adam_Gottlieb under Social Media
From http://www.famousbloggers.net 4851 days ago
Made Hot by: Small Business Tribe on August 16, 2011 4:14 am

As more and more businesses and self-employed professionals head online, heeding the call for all things social media-related, there seems to be some confusion regarding what is considered both acceptable and commendable behavior in social media circles, versus what is looked at as unnecessary, annoying, or just plain offensive.

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Comments

Written by Cathy_Kelly
4839 days ago

Great post, good useful points.

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Written by businessavante
4851 days ago

Enlightening as always, Adam.

As a moderator here on BizSugar, what surprises me are some 1st-time authors who start with a controversial or possibly offensive article. Since the audience doesn't really know where they're coming from yet, why not introduce themself in such a way that they get to know their core values 1st, then if they throw in a little controversy (or salty language), the readers will have a way to gage it.

Duncan

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Written by Adam_Gottlieb
4851 days ago

Very good point, Duncan. It's common sense; social relationships 101... I think the people who do this online, probably do something similiar even when they are face to face with other people...

With so many things, such as information, entertainment, and food coming at us in an instant, some people may not have developed the patience needed to build relationships, build up a business, etc- whether online or off. They want *everything* to happen in an instant.

Adam

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Written by HeatherStone
4851 days ago

Adam,

Great overview about social media etiquette, especially about some very misunderstood aspects of what constitutes good social media etiquette vs. bad (being accessible and at the same time selective, for example.) Social media involvement is expanding massively so realistic understanding of the level of involvement necessary and possible is key. If you are engaging in social media for business, as in the case of marketing or any other activity, you must also have time to run your business. Being thoughtful and courteous in your use of social media must go hand in hand with a realistic understanding of your time constraints. Sloppy and lazy social media use will quickly alienate your community and potential customers while unreasonable levels of social media involvement while trying to be everything to everyone can quickly become a time sink that will swallow other important parts of your business whole.

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Written by Adam_Gottlieb
4851 days ago

All very true... What many small business owners fail to realize is that they will get the most out of their social media engagements when they are an extension of their face to face relationships in tone, content, and intent. Setting boundaries and communicating with people respectfully applies as much online as it does offline.

Adam

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