Social networking comes in many forms. On of the most powerful ways to network, whether you do you networking through StumbleUpon, Facebook, LinkedIn, or another social site, is to join or create a Group.
Social networking groups are hard to manage and you have to market them the same way that you market any other activity that you do. You have to get good at promoting them. If you don’t have the time to promote a group then you might as well not start one. But that doesn’t mean you can’t join one – or more.
Every social site allows users to join groups and participate in the activities. Joining one of these groups is a lot like being a member of a forum. That means there are some general rules, or etiquette, to follow when you do.
- No. 1, don’t spam. People find it annoying when every comment you make is a promotional comment. Just join the conversation and have fun.
- Don’t troll. Otherwise known as being rude. It turns people off and you won’t get the business you’re looking for.
- Treat people as you would want to be treated.
- Be helpful. People will respond to you a lot better if you just try to be helpful to them. Answer their questions, be a friend, etc. You know, what Robert Fulghum said he learned in kindergarten. Play well with others.
- If an occasion does come up that allows you to tout yourself or mention a promotion that you are having, don’t pass it up. You don’t have to go looking for these opportunities too hard. They pop up. Just don’t do it too often or you’ll be called out on it.
- Stick to the relevant topic. This is very important, in forum postings as well as group conversations.
Group moderators can and will ban trouble makers. Don’t be one of them. Have fun and enjoy yourself. Social media marketing takes time, but the nice thing about groups is you can interact with them when it’s convenient for you.
