Some people just need better social networking etiquette. They do not understand that the old rules of sales and the brutish force way of communication are not useful. That is why they need to have better social networking etiquette. Here are 3 things to do and not do when using social networking.

Social Networking Etiquette Do’s

1. Develop a relationship with someone. If you take nothing away from this post, or even this blog, it is that relationships are the crux of social networking. It does not matter how fast your computer is, how many friends and followers you have, and how many views you received on Youtube if you can not convert them into prospects. You do that by building a relationship.

2. Help others! I do my best to RT as many good articles as possible, comment on other people’s blogs, and share friend’s events on Facebook. I do this because I realize that these sites are not about me. They are about connecting with people on a deeper level. No one connects on a deeper level when it is all about them-self. Do yoga or meditate if you want everything to be about you. When you network, focus on others.

3. Share more informational articles and thoughts than promos for your business. One of the things I will admit that I am guilty of is over-sharing my blog posts. I write these to help people and want everyone to read it. Mea Culpa! Mea Culpa! On the other hand, I attempt to limit my business promotions to 10-20% of all my posts. I view my business first as being an educator and facilitator of social networking and then as a place to do business. So, I have no plans of lowering the number of tweets directing people to my blog, because I put my heart and soul into thinking of great content to share with my readers every day.

Social Networking Etiquette Don’ts

1. Hi My Name is …. Buy My Product Now! Who in the world are you? If you start with this as your introduction in social networking, stop now. You are probably either wasting your time, my time, and/or your money. Either way, this is the definition of a lose-lose proposition. At least just relegate yourself to a Facebook or Google ad where that type of behavior is expected. This goes back to creating a relationship. You do this through communicating, not promoting. I very rarely even buy or continue my conversation with these people. The only time I do continue the conversation is to then ask a demeaning question, because they wasted my time. For examples, of ways to demean those who present you with oppressive offers click Get to The Point.

2. Not introducing yourself on Facebook and LinkedIn. I understand better than most that on Twitter you can friend pretty much anyone you want. No introduction necessary, which is fine! However, the rules of engagement on Facebook and LinkedIn are different. I know that LinkedIn and Facebook say you should already know the person you are connecting with on these sites ahead of time. In the interest of not boring you, I will say this should be ignored. However, you need to make sure that you at least provide a valid introduction message. Tell people who you are and why you want to meet them. Even the Amazing Andy Nathan has to send people a message telling them who he is, or they will not connect with them.

3. You tag me one more time in your little calendar and then send me 30 updates from all of your friends that I do not know, because you thought I would look cute tagged as a polar bear needs to stop. The people who are the incessant taggers drive me crazy. When someone I have just met puts me in a picture, I get nervous. That does not lead to warm, happy thoughts when I see that I am listed as a bear, fish, someone’s left eyebrow, etc. I had three people tag me last month for January a day away from my birthday. Who does that? The rant is over, and so should your incessant tagging.

So now that you know the social networking do’s and don’ts, what are you waiting for? Go social networking, comment on my blog with your etiquette thoughts, communicate with others.  Just remember to use the right amount of social networking etiquette.