Keep It Real People!

I will admit to you that I am pretty new to the whole social media stuff. I have had a Twitter account for a while but not done much with it. I recently signed up for Facebook and I have really enjoyed getting back in touch with old friends and lost family members.

I am also exploring all the ways to promote a business through social media but I am struck by all the spam! I have joined a couple of groups and sent out some friend requests. I get the “add” and immediately I get hit with “check out this” and “buy my stuff” and “make a gagillion on Facebook or Twitter with my system”. Yuck!

Mind Your Social Network Manners

I really think that there should be more awareness of social media “etiquette”. Places like Facebook and MySpace and all the others are about building relationships with people and connecting with others. Consider yourself a guest in someone’s home when you visit their profile and write on their wall.

Many of us have businesses and yes, we want to expand our networks to make more money but people do not like to be hit over the head with one offer after another right out of the gate. There is no trust built between people when it’s done this way. I would trust a friend’s advise over a stranger’s sales pitch any day!

Social Networking Is About Building Relationships

And here is my friendly advise: give away some value, sincerely help people without expecting anything in return and you will be a person who’s opinion is valued and trusted. Sales will come from that.

Has this happened to anyone else? Am I the only one that is bothered by this? What do you guys think about it? I’m curious to know your feelings on the subject of pushing products on people in Facebook, so please comment below.

Technorati Tags: Facebook, Network Marketing, Social Media, Twitter