The writer noted that she used to attend Chamber of Commerce meetings, collect business cards, follow up, and sign clients. I realized that many of my recent clients have come from similar means – except I rarely leave the house for networking events.

Here are three steps to land clients on the Web using time-tested networking techniques.

• Set up an impressive website.

  By impressive, I don’t mean flash everywhere and zillions of pages of marketing copy. While I’m not thrilled with the look of it (I did it myself) my Website at www.allcotmedia.com has gotten me many clients. It contains five important elements:

  • A photo of myself
  • What I can do for clients/visitors
  • A bit about my credentials and experience and how that helps potential clients
  • Links to a diverse collection of published clips of my work
  • My contact information

  Beyond that, it’s clean, easy to navigate, and professional-looking, albeit a bit on the dull side in my opinion.

• Promote the Website and yourself through LinkedIn, Twitter, and other social media outlets

By promote, I don’t mean sending out tweets every hour that read: Need a writer? Go to www.mywebsite.com. Instead, share links to your work and your own knowledge about writing. Most importantly, be yourself. Engage others – both other writers and potential clients – in conversations.

You wouldn’t go up to someone at a Chamber of Commerce meeting, business card in hand, and say, “Hi, My name is ___ and I’m a writer. Do you need me to write copy for your business?” There’s a simple rule for Internet networking: If you wouldn’t do it in person, don’t do it on the Web.

I often send out tweets promoting the blogs I write for, but I have never tweeted asking for clients. They can figure out what I do based on my tweets, my links and my website – they come to me if my talents fit their needs.

To paraphrase Alec Baldwin in the movie “Glengarry Glen Ross,” writers may not “always be closing,” but they should always, always be networking.

In another post on AW, this one from last year, a new writer received advice that he should network to jumpstart his career. In a thread titled “Just Hit Send,” many of us post our goals for each month, and some even post daily to-do lists. In his next JHS post, that writer posted his schedule for the week, with time set aside Wednesday morning for networking.

While networking can be a discrete activity, performed only when you check your Twitter and Facebook accounts twice daily, it’s much better to approach it as something you’re always doing – or at least looking for opportunities to do.

If you go out to dinner and engage the waitress in a conversation about her day job – you’re networking. If you compliment the person in line behind you at the bank on her brooch – that’s a potential networking opportunity. Networking, when done correctly, is really just another way to say, “Asking people about themselves so you can find out how you can help them.”

Now, go network!

Leaving a comment here is networking too!
What are the most effective ways you network?

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Often, I decline invitations.  It doesn’t matter what I’m asked to partake in, I decline.  I have a bag of excuses, mostly surrounding the health of my toddler.  While the rejections are often accepted gracefully, the offers have dwindled.

Networking is vital for any business, but especially for writers.  If you are a reclusive writer, chances are you are missing out on precious opportunities for new clients, gigs, and interview subjects. 

How to begin again?

• Say “Yes” once a month.
  • Start small.  It doesn’t take much effort to get “out there” with the public.  Spend an extra hour in church, mingling during the coffee/cookie hour before or after services.  If you typically stay after your service, opt to go an hour early and mingle with the earlier service or vice-versa.  While I wouldn’t hand out business cards to everyone, a simple conversation about what you do for a living will leave a lasting impression on a business owner.
• Offer to host a coffee meeting.
  • For those with local clients, hosting a coffee meeting between companies can increase the work-load for you!  While you might not have a new project available immediately, bringing clients together to network will keep you in mind when he isn’t able to take on a project. 
• Join a writing group.
  • The group doesn’t have to be locally based.  Joining any writing group for accountability or editing, your style of writing is out there, and fellow writers can call on you when they aren’t able to take a gig for any reason.  This might lead to some ghost-writing positions that you can claim on your resume as well.

Networking online is important for many writers, but failing to network off-line can be detrimental.  By not answering the knock of opportunity, you are failing yourself and your business.  Take the chance to change just one “no” into a “yes” and begin sowing the benefits of all your hard work.

Don’t forget the Writer Must-Have’s when you venture outside your own writing nook.

How do you make the most of opportunities to say “yes” instead of “no” when networking?

Photo Credit: 06-03-06 © Amanda Rohde

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However, we can be so wrapped up in our own freelance career, that our dearest online friends may never know how much they mean to us! We are all rushing to meet deadlines and please our clients. How can we find time to connect with those who have supported us throughout our freelance career?

Make Yourself Available

If you want to support your fellow freelancers, you have to be present. Carve out some time each day to spend showing your freelance friends that you are there for them. Hang out on Twitter, Facebook, or Plurk and catch up on the day’s events. Socialize, laugh, and offer help when it is needed.

Don’t worry if you only have ten spare minutes at the end of your day. That is enough time to keep friendly connections kindled, as long as you make a regular effort. They will be more than happy to see you, and hear about your freelancing adventures! Camaraderie and support are the small things that keep us going, all throughout the year.

Connect The Freelance Dots

Bring together those freelancers in your online communities who need to meet each other. Have a writer friend who needs a custom website design? Introduce her to the web tech who designed your website. Do a few of your freelance friends need daily doses of inspiration and accountability? Partner them up and watch the creative sparks fly!

This step only requires paying attention to your friends’ needs and abilities. Put in a good word for each freelancer in the other’s ear, and give them a chance to get to know each other. The possibilities are endless – but don’t worry if they decide that they are not the right match for each other. Your attentive concern for their success will be noticed and appreciated.

Spread The Word

Do you know some rockstar freelancers? I bet we all do! Share their accomplishments and links with everyone in your social streams. A link love blog post or #FollowFriday tweet shows your appreciation and can bring unexpected opportunities to your friends – and you as well!

Some freelance people I couldn’t do without:

• Rebecca Laffar-Smith: Our lovely hostess here at Writer’s Round-About! Excellent writer and web tech, filled with Aussie charm.
• Michele Tune: Fellow WRA writer and Raw Foodie, she’s so busy writing yet takes time to help others succeed. A true freelance friend unlike any other!
• Amy Sey Brown: A crafty gal who is on her way to help others succeed in their own artistic endeavors. Plus she can brainstorm like a madwoman!

Of course, there are so many of you wildly successful freelancers who have made my life great, I couldn’t possibly list you all. But I want to take the time now to send out a big “Thank You!” for sending encouragement and support my way exactly when I need it the most.

A little love makes all the difference!

What are your favorite ways for sharing the freelance love? Who deserves a shout out and a big hug for all of their support “above and beyond the freelance call of duty”? Bring your best freelance love ideas to the table!

Photo Credit: Jessica.Garro

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Business Card Considerations

Do you have a logo? Have you been in business for years, or are you new to the freelance world like fellow writer, Matt Willard? Is your business recognized by certain colors or a theme? Should you put your name at the top (using a big font), or should you focus on the name of your business and your tagline? Do you include a phone number? E-mail only? Physical address or P.O. box? Do you include a The possibilities – and design choices – are endless…

The Web has changed the way businesses can order their promotional material. You don’t even have to leave your home or office, hop in your vehicle, and make your way down to the printers – all you have to do is follow the simple instructions available and wait for your freshly-designed business cards to arrive in the mail!

We Recommend:

• VistaPrint.com

With a new year here, you can take advantage to incorporate a new approach to your promotional efforts.

5 Reasons for New Business Cards

1. Include a mini portfolio/resume. Pay a little extra for printing on the backside of your business card. You can use it to add publications your work has appeared in, or share your skills, etc.
2. List the social media sites you can be found on. More and more companies and individuals are realizing the importance of social media. Grow your network by letting others know where to find you.
3. Update your website or blog links, emails, phone number, address, etc. Have you moved to a new address – whether your physical home or your virtual domain? If so, update your clients or readers with the new information so they can reach you easily.
4. Revamp your image. Is your business image old or boring? Or does it feel that way to you? Improve it by splashing some new colors – or even a new logo – on your card!
5. Put a fresh spin on your tagline. Is your tagline too long? Too generic? Be unique. Be bold. Be brave. Speak from your heart. Share your heart with the world! (After all, there’s a superhero inside of you!)

If you’re not as creative as you’d like to be; if you’re not fond of the ideas you come up with; you can always hire someone to design a logo – or your entire business card – for you. This is a new year so get out there and sell yourself – you can find the courage!

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.

What do your business cards say about you? Are you going to start 2010 out with new cards in hand? Or, are you still unsure about the benefits of having them?

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If that went well, you’re now left with clients you love working for. Shouldn’t you let them know?

I often struggle with this question. Of course, you want to let your clients know you appreciate them, but you don’t want to come across as a brown-noser either. I’m very interested in hearing how other writers show their appreciation.

Of course, there’s the obvious:

• Meet your deadlines.
• Accommodate re-write requests with a smile.
• Fact-check your work.
• Make sure you understand their needs and deliver what they want.
• Follow writers’ guidelines.
• Be polite in all correspondence.

But these are the basic things a freelance writer needs to do in order to get hired again and again. What can we do beyond that, to really let our clients know that they enhance our lives?

Here are my suggestions. Please share your own in the comments section.

Say thank you.

Perhaps this belongs in the “obvious tips” category, but too many people just don’t do it. Say thank you for assignments and for timely payments. If you particularly like the layout of a specific magazine story, thank the editor and ask him to pass your words on to the graphic designers. Look for any opportunity to say thanks.

It’s also nice, every so often, to send a handwritten thank you note on a pretty note card. I have one client who sends a thank you card with every check she sends. It always makes me smile and reminds me that she appreciates me. Thank you notes can work both ways.

Remember special occasions.

Many networking experts recommend asking someone’s birthday when you first meet, and recording the date in your Blackberry (or wherever you track such things). Send a birthday card to your editor or client on that special day.

Many people disagree on the value of e-greeting cards. Some view them as “just more spam.” I think some of them, especially the ones that play music and use animations, are exceptionally cute. Use your judgment.

A note on Facebook is nice, but, chances are, it will just get lost in the shuffle of birthday wishes. Send an e-card or, better yet, a real card. You can buy cute cards at your grocery store for 99 cents. It takes five minutes to sign it and mail it. But it means a lot. A handwritten note inside the card, letting them know you value their business (and friendship, if applicable) is a great idea, too.

Promote the magazines and blogs you work for
– even if you don’t earn bonuses and even if it’s not required.

This is one way to show clients you appreciate them – and it also benefits you. I make it a point to Tweet and promote on Facebook most of the new posts I write, and many posts from other bloggers who write for the same websites I do. I also share when a new magazine (digital or print) comes out. Your client gets more traffic, your articles get more readers – everyone wins.

Look for other ways to help your clients.

Maybe you’ve just spoken with a company representative whose products would be a perfect fit for advertising in the magazine you write for. Pass on the information to the editor.

Would one of your clients make a perfect interview resource for another writer? Share her name with the writer. Maybe you know someone who needs your client’s services… Your client will appreciate the referral.

These small things cement the writer / client relationship and send the message that you consider your client or editor not just “another paycheck,” but that you consider yourself “part of her team.”

How have you shown your clients appreciation recently? I’m excited to hear your ideas!

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Now, I’m able to turn down assignments, or even break away from clients I feel I’ve outgrown.
Or ones that don’t pay well enough.
Or when they say they will.

It’s nothing against them, personally, but I deserve better and I’m finally in a position to expect it.  I know that even if I turn down a job, something else will come along.
And that has happened.

Every time that I’ve turned down a new client or cut someone loose, I received a new offer or assignment within hours, for equal or greater pay. Often, it’s more interesting work than what I left behind. That gives me the confidence to continue being more careful about the work I accept.

In some cases, the client “break-up” didn’t end well. In others, I feel very good about how we left off.

In honor of Valentine’s Day, I’m going to continue the relationship analogy with four ways to “break up” with a client. Some will work for romantic relationships, too. Others? Not so much.

1. “It’s not you, it’s me.”

This line isn’t condescending  if you explain it properly. I flubbed this one big-time with one client. I started to use this tactic, explaining I had outgrown the blog and am moving on to better paying jobs. But, I took it too far.

I insulted the content. I implied the blog wasn’t worth my time. I boasted about the “better work” I  had. I may have said it was “me,” not them… but they heard, “It’s not you, it’s me. I’m too good to work for your blog.” Ouch. You can learn from my mistake. When you use this line, truly accept the responsibility, and leave it at that.

2. “I just don’t have the time to devote to this relationship to make it the best it can be. If I can’t give my best, it’s time I step down.”

When you’re overworked, you can’t produce your best. Most clients will understand and respect that.

3. “I want to pursue other opportunities.”

This could mean better paying or more interesting gigs. It could also mean “opportunities to work for someone who’s not a psychopath.” The clients doesn’t need to know that. This exit line is polite, to the point, and leaves little room for questions.

4. “I can’t, but I recommend…”

This one might not work for a relationship break-up. “Hey, this isn’t working out, but I know you always said my friend Jane was cute…”  No.

Most times, though, clients appreciate the referral. If they liked your work, they will trust your recommendation. Passing a job that isn’t right for you to another writer brings good karma. Truly, everyone wins.

It takes guts and confidence to turn down work that isn’t right for you or to walk away from an unsatisfying relationship, romantic, professional or otherwise.

But remember, when you let go of something you don’t want in your life, you are sending a powerful message to the Universe that you are ready to accept more of what you do want.

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Writing a recommendation or testimonial is an effective way to boost morale and deepen a professional relationship. If you value the professional courtesy and service you’ve received one of the simplest ways to give back is by recommending that individual to others. A recommendation or testimonial for a job well done creates a lasting impression. People remember you for saying something encouraging and positive.

“Who are the people you most value professionally? Do they know it? More importantly, do others know? In a perfect world, we would all proactively make sure that the people who have earned our trust and respect knew it, and that others knew it as well.” ~ Adam Nash

Write A LinkedIn Recommendation

One of the reasons I love building my network of LinkedIn freelancers is because, as a community, we are encouraging and positive. No matter what level of the industry we stand on there are others around us who support our business and want us to succeed.

On LinkedIn we have an opportunity to connect with new friends or colleagues. We can create a new impression on people we’ve worked with in the past, see what our associates are doing now, find professionals to work with on new projects, and reconnect with talented minds to deepen relationships. But how many of these connections will think of you if they need to hire a writer? What sort of relationship have you developed with your connections?

Writing a LinkedIn Recommendation is easy and it’s one of the most effective ways to put your name on the lips of the person you recommend. It is important to be honest about your experience with that person but every interaction we have with another individual offers us insight into their professional atmosphere. Think about the other writer’s amongst your LinkedIn connections… Have you enjoyed a post or article they’ve written? Have you read their latest book? Have you used them as a source for something you’ve written? Have you interacted with them via social media? Have you been touched by their experience? In what way has that person affected you positively?

“Be aware that the person you’re writing the recommendation for is looking for your words to help act as leverage with a prospective new business partner.” ~ Chris Brogan

Get Started Now! I’d love to connect with you on LinkedIn and exchange recommendations in our quest to get to know each other better. A special shout-out goes to the five wonderful ladies (Michele L. Tune, Mysti Guymon-Reutlinger, Kimberlee Ferrell, Hope Wilbanks, and Jenn Greenleaf) who have recommended me in the past!

#FollowFriday on Twitter

Perhaps the quickest and easiest way to say, “This person is great” is to join the #FollowFriday trend on Twitter. Every Friday, Twitter enthusiasts offer up name after name of fellow tweeters they recommend. I suggest adding a few words about WHY you recommend a particular Twitter user because I like to know why “I” should follow them. But even if you don’t offer any detail, just taking a moment each Friday to name-drop is a rewarding way to let those you admire know they offer value in your life.

“The idea is to think of interesting people you already follow and recommend them to others.” ~ Micah Baldwin

Not only is this a great way to show your support and respect for the people you follow on Twitter but it is also an opportunity to grow your following. You recommend your friends to others and they recommend people you might be interested in getting to know. Writers are constantly recommending fellow writers on #FollowFriday and your recommendation can lead you into further Twitter discussion with your personal Twitterati.

Get Started Now! Follow me on Twitter and join the #FollowFriday craze.

Testimonials, Endorsements, and Reviews

Twitter’s #FollowFriday and LinkedIn’s Recommendations are all about WHO. But another way to build relationships is to share the WHAT. That is where testimonials, endorsements, and reviews carry the most weight. On Writer’s Round-About we have a whole category dedicated to Reviews and Reviewing. If you’ve read a fantastic book, watched an entertaining movie, used an effective tool, or purchased a quality product you can build a relationship with the creator by writing a recommendation of their product.

You can even recommend content you find online by sharing a link. Use bookmarking and sharing tools available on most blogs. Take a moment to thumbs up on your StumbleUpon Toolbar. Use your favorite social media networks to spread the word about what you’re loving online. Write reviews for blogs, send testimonials in to website owners, add your reviews to sites like Amazon, etc.

And you can do this with anything at all. People talk about the food they love to eat, the gadgets they want to buy, the brands they love to use. These simple recommendations develop relationship, not just with the creators of the products you recommend but with the people you are recommending them to. If I’m looking to buy a new game console I’ll remember how much you raved about your Wii.

Get Started Now! Have you used a product or read a book that has helped you be a better writer? I’d love to take this opportunity to invite you to submit your review to WRA. Tell others what you think and share your recommendation with WRA’s readers.

A Final Word: Recommendations in Reverse

One final thing to remember is that recommendations work in reverse. If you feel a product fails to live up to expectations, a practice is shady, or a person has falsely presented themselves you can say so. Act with integrity, be honest and forthright. A balanced review will have more weight with readers than a biased one but you should avoid sounding trite or petty.

Remember: What you say about others says a lot about you.

Writing recommendations is a fantastic way to develop relationships with others and there are lots of ways you can express your opinions. Who has added value to your life? How do you show your appreciation? What have you done today to strengthen your business relationships? Share your thoughts and opinions in the comments!

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You’re just wasting time blabbing to people you don’t know.

Get off that computer and get a life.

Why can’t you get a real job?

How much money can you make playing on the computer anyway?

These are just a few of the insults and sarcastic remarks freelancers often hear.

Add on to that the multi-job stress syndrome most freelancers endure and you’ll need more than a few natural remedies to calm you down!

Social Media = Less Stress?

Not only is Social Media an excellent way to market yourself and network your way to the top, it’s a learning process that improves with time. And during that time that you’re learning and building solid relationships, you are doing something else: de-stressing. That’s right!

By mingling on the various Social Media sites, all sorts of things can cross your virtual path. Think: inspirational quotes, new gigs, lasting friendships, encouragement, funny jokes, and so much more.

It can be so relaxing to be inspired, to inspire others, or to just have a good laugh. Social Media is more than a “waste of time” as many seem to believe, it’s a networking tool that allows you to share with the world who you are and what your business is about, while giving you a few minutes here and there to simultaneously take your mind off your work and just breathe.

It’s pretty easy to imagine that those who participate in Social Media frequently (or at least sometimes) aren’t as stressed and worn down as those who work non-stop, without a break of some sort – especially a mental one. And Social Media does provide a mental and emotional support system that surpasses anything most people could fathom.

Wind Down, Gear Up

Brain overload can happen fast. Your health is worth taking time out to regroup. You’ve heard many times through life (I’m sure) that you only have one body, one life, one mind — it’s your job to take care of yourself and cherish your time here on earth.

It may seem like nonsense, and some people may judge you for it, but I assure you that Social Media is not a waste of time!

By hopping on the Social Media circuits during “break time” you’re allowing your mind and body to wind down from work. You’re being refreshed in so many ways. And all this means that you’re mind will be gearing up to get back to work again.

New Friends, New Clients, New Sources

The bonus to your “play time” online is that you’ll (more than likely) eventually rub cyber elbows with future clients, editors, and even sources for your articles. It’s crazy to think that even though you’re taking a break from work and taking a few minutes to just enjoy life, that you’re actually continuing to represent your business. And if your Social Media following/friends grows over time (they usually always do) then your business is being exposed to hundreds, thousands, even millions of people while you sip your favorite drink and chat. I’d say that makes Social Media the perfect prescription for MJSS, wouldn’t you?

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.

Do you feel less stressed when you’re surfing the Social Media waves? Are you astounded that you can lightheartedly enjoy yourself while representing your professional services at the same time? What does Social Media mean to you? Have you gained new clients, sources, or lasting friendships? Tell us all about it!

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Here’s a snippet of her heartfelt post:

“I’m not sure if you’re aware of it, but I suffer from social phobia. For those who aren’t familiar with the term, social phobia is a fear of people, social situations, or the judgment of others. It goes beyond merely being shy to full-out anxiety attack with all the nasty side effects. My fear of people and social situations has left me feeling like I’m at a disadvantage when networking and building my business. The truth is, I don’t KNOW what I think most would consider common social niceties. So, I’m turning to you, can you help me?”

I can help you, Rebecca.

My Battle with Social Phobia

Many of you WRA readers may not know that I’m a survivor of domestic violence. Even after I escaped and was back home with my family and had a strong support system, I found myself unable to leave the house, unable to face the world, and was even on anxiety – and depression – medication. I had full-blown anxiety attacks when I left the house – even just to go to the grocery store.

I thought it would be best to lock myself away and never go outside. Even when I went outside, I didn’t want to leave the yard.

Side Effects of Social Phobia

Although wrapping ourselves up in a cocoon might feel comforting at the time, suffering from social phobia actually makes for a very lonely lifestyle, I know. And realizing that you’ll probably have to endure a grueling anxiety attack when you try to face your phobia demons makes it that much harder to try to overcome. Add to it the fact that you want a successful freelance (or any kind of) business and it equals a stressful disaster.

And, like Rebecca mentioned, it also puts a damper on freelance success.

Social Phobic vs. Social Butterfly

I won’t lie, social phobia continues to be a never-ending war within me. I still struggle with the inner demons like Rebecca — I’ve merely found ways to overcome them.

1. Just start somewhere. In the Do’s and Don’ts of Social Networking, I shared a few things you need to be aware of while surfing the Social Media circuits. While these tips may seem unattainable for some of you who are at a loss when it comes to socializing, they are certainly reachable. You have to start somewhere. I did, and that’s how I’ve learned these things.
2. Dig deep to muster up the courage that’s dormant. It’s there. You just have to find it. I’m not a bold, courageous kind of gal, but I’ve forced myself to look within and absorb strength and drive I didn’t know I even had. That’s how I met an Editor and an Editor-In-Chief this year.
3. Want to be a social butterfly? Start writing down everything you aspire to be. When I was locked away in my home, terrified of the world, I found myself journaling more than ever. Writing down my dreams and goals seemed to drudge up determination like never before. Everything from “I will lose over 100 pounds” to “I will be a published writer” graced the pages of those cheap notebooks. Write your social etiquette desires into reality!
4. Learn from others. Do you see other freelancers bouncing around the Social Media sites, chatting casually with editors, making small talk with CEOs of companies? What are they saying? Do they share networking tips on their blogs? Learn from them.
5. Learn from your mistakes. It’s what I do! Since I first started freelancing, I’ve learned which types of emails or Social Media comments I’ve crafted that get a positive response — or a response at all. I’ve found that most of the time it’s the simplest techniques that help you find the courage to sell yourself , really.
6. Move outside of your comfort zone. Force yourself. Plan to attend a local writing event or other event. You never know where you’re going to meet potential clients, editors, or even fellow freelancers you can glean wisdom from, and become sincere friends with. Rebecca has already done that herself! Remember Swan Valley?
7. Baby steps lead to social success. It’s not that there’s one specific answer to conquering social phobia and enhancing your business, but the fact that all those little things you do add up to increasing your courage, self-esteem, and network: emails, Social Media accounts, comments, and mingling with people in the real world.

Happy Ending Beginning

I’ve discovered that the rewards of putting myself out there and either introducing myself in person or emailing someone or any of the other things that come with the social aspect of freelancing, far outweigh the fears and insecurities I might be feeling at the time. Thankfully, each day represents a fresh, new opportunity (several, actually!) for us to try again. I believe social etiquette is forgiving and there isn’t a mold set in stone that we’re required to follow in order to succeed. We each have different personalities and a myriad of knowledge and humor and interesting stories to tell.

Learn to tap into your heart’s reservoir, reach out to your online community (like Rebecca) and you’ll become the Social Butterfly you’ve been admiring in others. That’s a happy beginning, if you ask me!

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.

Have you dealt with social issues? How do you try to resolve them? Do you have special tricks to share? Or, are you bold and have never had to deal with social phobia? Let’s discuss!

And stay tuned, to discover more inspiration and ways of coping with social phobia while striving to achieve freelance dreams….

Photo credit: Joana Croft

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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

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