Yes, New Year resolutions are lame. But the fact is, this time of year it’s just natural we reflect on changes we want to make and where we want to be in the coming year. So for all of us who do the whole social networking thing, I thought I would throw out some important social networking resolutions for 2009. These really are here as suggestions, in particular for those of you who are new to social networking and may not understand the etiquette of a web community.
- I will not automate my social networking. This is not social networking, everyone. The worst of this, in my opinion, is the auto-direct message on Twitter when I follow someone. Worse yet is when that automatic message suggests I “feel free” to visit their blog or buy their crap.
- I will give, not take. If you want to be part of a community, you need to contribute to it first. Then you will be welcomed. As you social network, always ask yourself, “What can I do to help my followers/friends/subscribers?” Just like blog kharma, social networking kharma goes a long way. Here’s the cool part. You can give for completely selfish reasons, if that helps you get through it. That’s because I have found every time I give, the social network gives back tenfold. It’s truly a beautiful and amazing thing.
- I will be a person first. No one wants to talk to a logo or an entity. Even online. It’s OK to be representing your work or your company or a brand. But you should enter the communities of the web as a person first and foremost. Use your face (hey, a real one, not some weird created cartoon avatar). You can obscure your identity with a headshot from an unusual angle or a partial face. Use your name (or at least a pseudonym if you need privacy). Be a person who is promoting something, don’t BE the thing.
What else would you suggest to those who are looking to get a fresh start (or a fresh attitude) for their social networking? And, of course, Happy New Year.
Illustration © ilco on sxc.hu
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Kelby Carr
Kelby Carr is the founder and publisher of Type-A Parent. She also is the organizer of the Type-A Parent Conference. She is the author of the soon-to-be-published Pinterest For Dummies, Portable Edition. You can follow her on Twitter at @typeamom and circle her on Google+.
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6 Responses to Social Networking Resolutions
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Great list! I would add, don’t just use Twitter to promote your blog or giveaway. While its great to share your posts, make sure you use it to connect with others. Twitter is all about community. You have to dig in to really get the most out of it.
Good article… good points! Esp. #3. Amen
That’s a mouthful right there! Networking is about intentionally listening to needs of others and (if) when applicable, contributing to those needs. Great post
This is good to think about for the coming year. I’ve been blogging for years and Twittering for months, but I just joined Facebook and am trying to figure out the best way to mesh- or differentiate- myself in those spaces.
kim/hormone-colored dayss last blog post..Naked for Chanukah
Great post and thanks for the advice!
We just sent out a ‘Sneak Peak’ of http://www.mylifelist.org that uses the power of social networking to help people achieve their goals.
http://www.mylifelist.org/emarketing/1208/30.html
Bill Starr
CEO, My Life List
I like this post. I’m still new to all of this but I’ve found number 2 to be very true. Not just in social networking but in life.
When I was waitressing many years ago I learned that my attitude did more to determine if I was going to have a crappy night or not than anything else. Even better, the more positive I was the more positively, in general, people reacted to me. Sometimes I forget that life lesson but when I remember and make a real effort to put it in action I am always rewarded.