You’ve heard it said before, what you put on the web, stays forever! But how many people really heed this sort of advice? I have been trolling through the internet in my research for the top 10 things that you NEVER want to do with Social Media. I bet you’re already doing some of these things.
1. Don’t use text speak or other unnatural conversation
I’m sorry, but text speak makes you look dumb. If people cannot work out what you’re saying without too much effort, they’re not going to be impressed. It also pays to keep clear of profanity, pretend that your grandmother is reading your posts. And whatever, leave out the CAPS
2. Don’t be negative
Negative people drive me nuts. I have people in my friend feed on Facebook who are always moaning about stuff that I really don’t care about. I have enough another problems in my world without having to hear all about somebody who was keep up by their baby all night! While there are times to share sad things, make sure that you don’t come across as negative.
3. Don’t forget that you’re dealing with real people/relationships
Just because you’re online, doesn’t mean that the people reading your posts are robots. This is “Social” media. It’s all about people connecting with each other. Things that hurt people in real life still apply in the social world. Don’t sling mud, slang off at the boss or dump your girlfriend online.
4. Don’t use fake or misleading profiles
People want to know who they are talking to. You need to be transparent. Make sure that your profile picture is of you, not someone else, and not your baby. Also, depending on who might be looking at your profile, declare any affiliations that you have. For instance, I often state who my employer is and also state that my comments are not those of my employer.
5. Don’t provide TMI – Too much information
Bombarding your friends & followers with TMI is really annoying. Those games and quizzes that send out updates at every achievement are really not an achievement at all. They are a pain in the butt. Showing the world that you are the best farmer on Farmville just says one thing – You don’t have a life!
Share information that is helpful. ’Eating Breakfast’ is really of no help to anyone else.
6. Don’t think you’re going to get rich quick – stop selling
There are so many get rich online schemes, that if I had a dollar for everyone, I wouldn’t need to work. I have tried a lot of them and none have made me rich. Posting every book being sold on Amazon will lose you friends and followers really quickly. If I want advertising, i’ll clear the junk mail out of the letterbox.
7. Don’t post personal information
No. No. No. Never post personal information. If you don’t feel comfortable, then don’t post it. When you complete profiles on the likes of Facebook, don’t provide an accurate age, you’ll leave yourself open to identity theft. Typically, you’ll forget the date you provide and people will wish you happy birthday at random! Might just be what you need on one of those negative days.
Other things that you shouldn’t share include your geo location. A lot of smartphone applications provide this feature. Be aware of it and use it with discretion. Not only are you saying where you are, but your also saying where you’re not, i.e. not at home. Likewise, don’t say that your going on holiday, that’s just an open invitation for unwanted visitors.
8. Don’t share photo’s or information that may embarrass
This goes without saying. I suggest that you leave your smartphone at home if you’re going out drinking. By the time you realize what you posted while boozing, it’s likely to be too late. You may also cause embarrassment to someone else. The rolling effects could be catastrophic.
9. Don’t ignore your followers
‘Social’ is about engaging with people. If someone leaves you a message, comments on one of your posts or mentions you, then you need to respond. You are using social media to engage with others, it is a two-way dialogue. It is rude to ignore people in real life so why would it not be in the world of social media?
10. Don’t SPAM
Most people would never SPAM people through email, but they seem to be willing to do it on Facebook and Twitter. Leaving repeated messages over and over again is just annoying. Selling products every couple of minutes is just a put off. ’Social’ is about connecting with people, having a conversation and helping each other out. SPAM does none of this.
The top 10 things you never want to do with Social Media – avoid like the plague
Mon, Apr 30th 2012 3:11a Vaughan Rivett You’ve heard it said before, what you put on the web, stays forever! But how many people really heed this sort of advice? I have been trolling through the internet in my research for the top 10 things that you NEVER want to do with Social Media. I bet you’re already doing some of these things.
1. Don’t use text speak or other unnatural conversation
I’m sorry, but text speak makes you look dumb. If people cannot work out what you’re saying without too much ef [read] Keywords: applications
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Insider tip: It’s not social if your the’re not talking about you
Sat, Apr 28th 2012 10:24p Vaughan Rivett Let’s not forget, by nature people are social. Generally speaking, this is part of the human DNA. In turn this means that people are sharing. They like to share what they’ve been doing, their opinions and their thoughts. Not only that but they also like to be heard.
Have you ever stopped to think about what people are saying about your brand? Now, I know a number of you will be thinking about the results of your last customer survey. You know the one I mean, the one wher [read] Keywords: apple
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Business Gets Social – Roadshow – Coming to New Zealand
Mon, Apr 23rd 2012 4:44p Vaughan Rivett IT directors, managers and technical professionals can get the tools, tips and tricks needed to implement and use IBM’s industry-leading social, mobile and cloud solutions to build a nimble, innovative culture… enable collaboration between distributed teams… and beyond.
Attend this event and receive a technical update from the local IBM® experts on the recent Lotusphere® 2012 event held in Orlando USA. The event includes key updates and demonstrations on the latest social collab [read] Keywords: collaboration
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Turning customers into Brand Advocates
Mon, Apr 23rd 2012 3:11a Vaughan Rivett It’s one thing to have customers, and loyal customers, at that. But, what does it take to turn a customer into a “Brand Advocate”. This type of person is someone who will tell others about your brand with passion. In fact, they will most likely tell the world through the use of Social Media. There are three key components that need to be considered to transform customers into Brand Advocates:
Company Culture
Engagement
Exceptional Experience
Company culture is the for [read] Keywords: facebook
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I really don’t think you understand who I am – I am Social
Thu, Apr 19th 2012 2:44p Vaughan Rivett The other day I went to the supermarket to pick up a few food items (how many blog posts have I written lately which involve food?). I found a product which I liked the look of and saw that it had been reduced from $8.00 to about $5.00. As a result I decided to take two while taking advantage of the offer.
I went to the counter to pay for the goods expecting a total of $10.00. However, the cashier said that it came to $16.00. I questioned this and pointed out that there was a “Red-la [read] Keywords: facebook
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Forecourt attendant ‘gets’ social business
Wed, Apr 18th 2012 2:36p Vaughan Rivett Today I visited a petrol station to put fuel into my somewhat thirsty car. It was the Sommerville station here in Aucland, New Zealand. I did the normal thing and filled up my tank and went to pay for the fuel before leaving. I was wearing a polo shirt with the slogan “Get Social. Do Business” printed on it.
The service station attendant read the slogan aloud and smiled. He looked at me and said “You can’t do business if you’re not social”. I doubt t [read] Keywords: facebook
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Ever made “Social” eggs? – A how to guide to using videos for Social Business
Mon, Apr 16th 2012 3:00a Vaughan Rivett Have you ever heard how to cook a “Social” egg? Now I know that this has got you thinking, sounds a bit crazy maybe? Lately, I have been a home, by myself, with my wife and kids overseas (except for one). During this time I’ve had to cook my own meals. Past history would suggest that I should not be in the kitchen, in-fact, my wife usually sends me out to the BBQ to cook.
I decided that I would be adventurous and learn to cook a poached egg. I got out my iPad and sea [read] Keywords: blogging
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Reducing staff attrition rates through connected and engaged employees
Sun, Apr 8th 2012 10:40p Vaughan Rivett I’ve been reading a blog which is written by Flora, who has recently taken on a role as a Human Resources Adviser at a woman’s clothing chain, with stores all around New Zealand, Funky Town. Last Wednesday, she published a blog article entitled “Too much turnover“. She outlined some of the issues she faced with a turnover rate of up to 40%. A lot of this being driven by the use of casual and part time staff.
I’m not sure that this percentage can be looked at b [read] Keywords: facebook
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