If you say being social, you get you the prize.


I’m writing about social media and how a lot of people who have approached me the past few days via Facebook or Twitter, do it all wrong. I’d just like to provide some etiquette to the few this pertains too. Grant it, not everyone is going about being social the wrong way online, but there are some things that I’d like to clear up for them.


The story behind this post is that during the past few days I’ve been joining a lot of networking marketing groups on Facebook to connect with folks and, of course, eventually introduce them to my business. However, something weird started happening. I started receiving a lot of add requests with either no introductions or requests with notes straight away about their business.


It happened once and I let go by. It happened twice, and I addressed the individual on the proper way to being social online. It happened three times and I figured that there must be a lot of marketers out there using Facebook and other social media platforms totally wrong. With wrong usage you end up with less than ideal results.


So, I’m writing to help others out in being more social when it comes to using social media platforms to grow their business or make connections.

If you look at from the following standpoint, I think you’ll see that it makes a lot more sense. Being social online is just like meeting someone in the real world. First, you introduce yourself and provide a comment that establishes some common ground, like:
“Hey Reginald, I see that you’re a network marketer as well. I recently joined this group and hope to make connections and exchange ideas on how to be a more effective marketer.”


That opening right there I, nor anyone else, would have a problem accepting your friend request or tweet. Now, during the course of email exchanges or chats, you’ll be able to ask questions that would indicate whether or not that person would be a good fit for your opportunity.


Not everyone is cut out to be on your team, by the way. I remember when I was learning about networking marketing, I was told about the three foot rule – anyone within three feet of you is a potential recruit and you should go talk to them about your business. I remember how slimy I felt every time I approached someone with that thinking and mindset.


I sort of feel like that now, but only in reverse, when someone approach me like that without first trying to find out what I’m all about. I have feelings and stuff.


Truth be told, I have a great business that I’m involved in. If your business does not give you free customers and distributors, then I’m 99.9% sure that I’m not going to be interested. Once that’s settled, we can talk about anything you care to. By the way, I have a post that guides you through the questions you should be asking before joining a network marketing opportunity. Go check it out.


So, to reiterate the point that I’ve repeated in the post – social media is about being social. Network with people, get to know them and what makes them tick, and then you’ll be a better position to offer assistance, vis-a-vis your business opportunity. If you’re not doing it this way, you greatly reduce your chance of success.


Tips from one networker to another.