Social Media Engagement

Social Media Engagement

It’s interesting to me that many people seem to think we all need lessons on how to begin with Social Media. I appreciate that this “extra work” in many cases is deemed as play, or not really work, so, education and leadership is required.

Really, I get this …  I really do, and that’s the reason we have put together starter presentations for Facebook, Twitter & Linkedin.

The part I don’t get … is all these articles, books and blog posts that are somehow authoritative on the Rules of Engagement. I’ve written about this issue previously and it’s pretty straightforward stuff. In the social streams, be yourself, change that, be your polite self! Important lessons we all learn “play well in the sandbox” give everyone a chance, do small things. If you’re not sure try reading Dale Carnegie’s “How to Win Friends and Influence People”.

Here are the guidelines according to Bick!

• Be polite
• Be active
• Say thank you
• Be yourself
• Ask questions
• Send personal messages
• Always reply
• Do small things
• Be transparent
• Join groups
• Answer all questions
• Be in the public stream
• Share, share, share
• Recommendations make friends
• Be brief
• Less is more
• Keep it positive (when you can)
• Write about what you know
• Let others make their point
• Be exciting
• Provide new content, value
• Say you’re sorry

Isn’t this exactly how your mother would like you to behave out in public?  The take away on Social Media Engagement; be nice out there! As much as it may seem social media is fun, or a time waster, think again.  Like it or not, it’s a new way of communication for both you and your business.

Michael Bickerton, Raven5 Ltd, Toronto, May 10, 2011

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