Social media etiquette - some basic principles

A friend asked me yesterday, if she unfriended someone, would they be notified? Our subsequent conversation revealed that this rather casual acquaintance of hers was often confrontational and rude on Facebook, and that got me thinking, what is and is not acceptable behavior on social media channels?

Social media is the online version of working the room, and basically, all the social graces and standards that you apply to your every day interactions in face-to-face situations apply online as well.

• Be polite and respectful
• Don't swear or be rude
• Resist the temptation to argue
• Don't be confrontational
• Help others with advice and answers to their questions
• Say please and thank you
• Extend the courtesy of responding when someone writes on your wall, @s or DMs you, or messages you
• Don't blatantly push/sell your product or service

The professional goal of social media is to build relationships that may one day turn into business opportunities. You would never walk into a restaurant, interrupt everyone's dinner, pass out your business cards, then leave. So why would you think this is acceptable online?

People do business with people they like, and the way to earn respect is to be authentic and genuine in your interactions with social media friends and acquaintances. Treat people the way that you like to be treated, and always remember that once online, it's there for good. Draft, review, and reconsider before posting. Protect your reputation.


by: Christine Pilch
Christine@GrowMyCo.com
On LinkedIn
On Twitter

Image Credit: Microsoft

Comments

[www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=1452981949]

I could not have said it better myself!

[Christine Pilch]

Thanks, Shawn.