What Are The Biggest Social Networking Mistakes People Make?

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What are the Biggest Social Networking Mistakes that People Make?
Too Eager
One of the first things to try and realize is, especially for those with a new business, is to get in the right frame of mind. Being in the “right frame of mind” will keep you from “walking through the mud” as you start your new endeavor. Allow your business to be seen by the ones on the receiving end by first establishing a relationship. Meet them as a person and not as a business object. They will connect with you better once they get to know you.

Shadow Profile
Always make sure you have a nice picture of yourself on your profile. People want to know who they are talking too. A “blank” profile with nothing on it about who you are as a person will lead to “blank” business connections. If you would like to know who I am please visit my profile at http://sta.rtup.biz/profile/TroyWalls and read the blog that says “Who is Buddy Walls”. And do not be afraid to add me as your friend.

Respect the Rules
Any new network that you may enter please take the time to read the rules before posting. They may have a certain agenda or forum they are discussing, in other words a central topic they are trying to focus on. Do not enter in and start blasting your way through with large campaign ads. That will cause them to “click” you out quicker than anything, because they have seen ten thousand of those already. People are smarter than you might think.

Have a great week and please be sure and visit my profile page and add me as your friend!

Buddy Walls

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Comment by Christine on April 30, 2009 at 4:16pm: Well I can only speak for myself--but I agree with the "Shadow Profile" mentioned above. Although I do want more than a picture!

Now on sites like this--talking only about your business is one thing. (as it's a business site LOL) But on places such as myspace--that is not strictly a business site--your business should be only part of the site!

I also like to see something on your site (such as a blog post) that you actually wrote. I don't want to simply see the literature that you were given!!! Even an extra paragraph to that is wonderful!

I don't know--I don't mind the comments too much--as long as it's just one or two and not ten! LOL

Much more annoying to me is giving me pretty much just a website to check out! Give me at least a little more information than that--so I can decide whether or not to take the time to check out said website!!!

As for the rules--in my opinion it's not always easy to go by them! An example. One of the reasons that I don't have a signature line is because there are a few places that don't allow them! Most places do--but I don't know how to keep track of who does and who doesn't!!!!!

Comment by Neal Gilbert on April 15, 2009 at 1:52pm: It depends on the network.

Twitter: If you just try and market your product and do not "give back" to the community, Twitter will become a big waist of time.

Facebook/My Space: Don't put information on these sites that you don't want customers or clients to see. This information "Never" goes away.

Comment by Michel Haddad on April 13, 2009 at 12:56am: I have read the comments here with great interest. I am fairly new to the social network scene and I really appreciate all of the helpful comments.

Comment by Faith Sloan on April 10, 2009 at 2:18am

Almost 8000 affiliates and astronomical increase in Alexa Ranking in the past few weeks! Sign Up For Free and Take A look.

I'd like to add:
Trash talking one program in order to make yours appear better. The better approach is to comment on the merits of the program and then focus in on the advantages of your business or program to an industry norm or standard.

Don't make it personal. You will turn off potential clients, customers, and/or affiliates faster than a speeding bullet!

God Bless
Faith

Comment by Richard Zdanis on April 7, 2009 at 2:14pm: This one's easy..... it's always easy to spot the old "used car" salesman mentality(no offense intended to used car salespeople). Why would I do business with someone I just met online? It's like dating.... Would you marry a person after a first date? Of course not. It's similar in the business arena. First impressions can be deceiving. I take AT LEAST a day to "think it over" no matter WHAT the person is talking about. If the person says something like "this special opportunity for today only!" then I know it's not worth it.
It is SOOOO important to be cautious in this economy. There are many people looking to sell to you and promise riches....If it's too good to be true (especially in a social networking site) it usually is. Always get a referral of someone YOU know that might know about this person.

Comment by MythMan Jay on April 7, 2009 at 7:42am: @Solveigh: I agree with you; 'money' is NEVER the goal in a social-network. Think of Ray Kroc, founder of McDonald's: He simply gave a place where friends can meet! The money ... well, that was there; but he would've done without it if he could've!

Comment by Terry P Rizzuti on April 6, 2009 at 2:19pm: All of this discussion has been very useful to read. Thank you all.

Comment by Sidney Sclar on April 6, 2009 at 9:23am: Sidney Sclar.

Networking with people that actually know the difference between sales and networking. Thanks.
Sales is all about me, and networking is all about we. Social events are better when they stay
social and sales meetings have a mission.of their own. Balance the two and meet more people more than once.

Comment by Ban Seaton on April 5, 2009 at 9:20pm: I think it is very important to let people get to know you before introducing them to your business or product no matter how good they are. they will tend to even appreciate and support you better later on if they see that you have something that could be of value to them.

Comment by Chris Capre on April 5, 2009 at 8:02pm: i think wasting too much time into becoming popular and not really creating ways for people to want your service. social networks can be hypnotizing but offer little in return if you get hooked into the social aspect of it

great post