Practical Advice for Social Networking

I get a regular enewsletter called Speakernet News.  As a Virtual Assistant for Professional Speakers I like to keep abreast of what’s happening in their industry.  The following came from their most recent newsletter and I sought permission from the author to republish it here.  The article makes really good valid points about using Social Networks and setting up profiles.

Social network tips – RJ Garis

There is no point in having a MySpace, Facebook or any other profile unless you are going to keep it active. If you are not going to log in daily or at least weekly, don’t bother having one. It will just send the wrong message.

People will think you are disorganized and neglectful. Messages and add requests received on a social network profile must be handled in a timely manner (just as if they came from your primary Web site).

You must also guard your content. Don’t accept all add requests. That will turn your profile into nothing more than a joke. When it comes to social networking friends, it’s about quality, not quantity. You must make the time to actually screen them, or again don’t bother having a profile.

Don’t accept irrelevant add requests either. In other words, make the effort to keep it all real. You should also set your preferences to pre-screen all comments people want to post on your profile.

Decline anything not in keeping with the image you want to present.

Don’t allow raunchy sexual photos or foul language, and don’t allow random people to use it for their own advertising. Otherwise, your profile will quickly become irrelevant, boring and less than legitimate.

Remember, a profile is just another form of Web site. It’s part of your public persona. Before adding anything – consider the impression it will have on those viewing it.