Mind your online manners

Social networking is a bit like visiting a foreign country – each site seems to have its own language and culture.  Here are some general guidelines to make sure you don’t get off on the wrong foot.

1.  Introduce yourself properly. Rather than just sending the standard request to ask someone to be your friend or to join your network, add a personal note. If you know them this will be easy. If not, explain why you would like to connect with them or who you know that is a mutual connection.

2. Include a photograph in your profile. It’s much nicer to put a face to a name, and if you’re trying to build your presence online, it makes you more recognisable when people can see the same picture across the various online platforms.  A professional photo is something you will use again and again, and it’s worth investing in one.

3. Include a biography. It’s helpful for others to know what your business is, where you’re based (the internet is global don’t forget!), and possibly something personal depending on the relevance. A lack of biography means it is less likely for those you don’t know to accept your connection, and it can make it look like you’re hiding something (for instance, spammers don’t have profiles or have vague, meaningless ones).

4. Don’t just start spouting about your business. Think about what your first few “posts” or updates could be. These could be a mixture of introducing yourself and your business, something useful or interesting connected with your line of work (e.g. a link to an article or an insightful quote), industry news, useful tips – variety is the key. People will switch off if you just talk about your products and services all the time.

5. Take part. Add comments to other people’s articles, let them know you like something they’ve written, pass it on to others if you think they will enjoy it too. Encourage people to comment and ask questions on your updates.

6. Acknowledge others. If somebody comments on your posts or articles, respond and thank them for contributing. Start a discussion, engage with others.  However, don’t have a private discussion in public!  It’s a bit like having a loud mobile phone conversation on a quiet train. If the conversation starts to go on, but is not relevant to the topic, send private or direct messages instead.

It’s much like being at a real-life networking event. Have a go, and watch and learn how others do it.  You will soon start to see different styles, and be able to see who does it well – then you can emulate them.