After you’ve read all these do’s and don’ts, you’ll probably be feeling like you’ve just received a lecture from your glaring parent. Okay, not really. I’m much more lighthearted than that!

But, seriously, there is a way to approach Social Media and there are definitely things you want to avoid as you brave the Social Media waters.

It can seem scary, but it’s not as bad as you think. Don’t worry about it so much that you don’t enjoy the experience, but do worry (in a healthy way) about presenting yourself in a professional manner.

For instance, you can share something fun, while maintaining your professionalism in every way. You don’t have to get rude, defensive, or vulgar to gain a following and become one of the “popular kids in school.”

Following are some things to consider as you mingle the online social scene, attempting to become a Social Media butterfly.

A Few Do’s and Don’ts of Social Media

Do share your personality.

Don’t share what color of underwear you’re wearing.

Do update often.

Don’t update so often that people feel overwhelmed and unfriend you.

Do be honest.

Don’t tell everything you know.

Do share tips to help others.

Don’t give away all your secrets.

Do be helpful.

Don’t help so much that you overextend yourself – you’ll burn out.

Do promote your business.

Don’t make it your primary purpose—Social Media is NOT a one-way street.

Two Ways is the Right Way

And that last don’t is one I’ve seen a lot on the various Social Media sites. I’ve seen accounts where the entire time the person has been there, they’ve promoted their own articles, products, or services. Where’s the “social” part of that?

Social Media is like gift giving. It’s about giving and taking. And remember the old adage: It’s better to give than it is to receive.

I do promote my articles, reviews, blog posts, and contests often on several different Social Media sites. That’s one of the reasons I went ahead and signed up for ping.fm. But I promote others way more than I promote myself.

I share quotes and other people’s articles, blog posts, or reviews/contests because I feel they provide solid value to my followers/friends/readers and because I consider the person/business I’m promoting to be a genuine source.

It’s very easy to get caught up in the taking aspect of Social Media. Don’t be one of those people who only think of themselves. Put others before yourself and you’ll be respected for that. Don’t do it simply because I’m recommending it – do it because you genuinely understand the theory and because you have a desire to approach Social Media in the best way possible.

Do I have all the Social Media answers? No. Do I have a million followers already? No. But the followers/friends I do have at this point know that I’m real. And they know I’m not all about me.

Social Media is a two-way street. Balance out the traffic flow and remember, it’s okay to “pull over” and let someone go around you sometimes.  You’ll definitely find great pleasure in gleaning and passing on wisdom from others. I know I do.

Did you enjoy this article? Feel free to visit the other articles Michele has written for Writer’s Round-About–or contact her to write for you.

Are you active in Social Media? What’s your favorite? Do you promote others? Do you learn from the wisdom flying across the networks? Do you promote your work often, or not at all? Let’s talk!

Photo Credit: brokenarts