Social Media Tips: Let The Real You Shine Through
Read More: Here's a little "Social Media Tip" that sounds so obvious, but so many times is overlooked.
When you're out there on the Social Sites, places like Facebook, MySpace, LinkedIn and Twitter, when you send out a request for someone to be your friend; a personal message goes a long way in getting you what you want.
For example, Facebook is a Social Media Site that I've been involved with for over a year. In that time I've had thousands of friend requests sent to me.
The ones I look at first, and the ones I'm most likely to accept are those that have sent along a personal message.
Think about it. If someone came up to you at a networking event or party, handed you their business card then simply turned around and walked away; how likely would you be to want to do business with (or even get to know) that person?
Social Media works much the same way..jpg)
Although these Social Sites are based online, there is still a human being at each end. Everyone still has the same feelings and perceptions as if you were standing and talking with them "belly-to-belly".
Here are some tips for connecting online:
1) When setting up your profile, always put up a picture of yourself. Make it a photo where people can see your bright, shining face. Folks in the online world may never meet you face-to-face so that picture is all they have to decide whether to accept or ignore a friend request. It helps them get to know you.
Also, please, please, please. I beg of you. Don't put up an image of the product you sell as your profile picture. It screams "I want to sell you my stuff" or "I want to get you into my business". People who've bought into YOU, who like and trust YOU may eventually buy your product, not the other way around.
2) Your profile should include personal as well as professional information about you. It should be detailed enough for your potential new friend to get a feel for who you are, but not so detailed that they know what you had for breakfast that morning.
Ever gone to someone's profile page and all that's there is their birthday? There's no info about them, their family or what they do for a living.
If they're obviously new to the site, I usually cut them a little slack. I'll leave the request in the ol' inbox for a week or so to see if they add anything new. If after that time they still won't open up, I'll pass. Doing business online means letting people know about you. It's not the time or place to be secretive. Leave that to the government. Did I say that? :-)
3) My third Social Media Tip for the day goes back to my original point; sending along a message with your friend request. A message being sent with the request tells the other person that you actually took some time to seek them out. It's very nice in our instant gratification society for someone to take time out of their day to include a personal note asking for our friendship. However(you knew I'd have a "however" in here, didn't you?).jpg)
If you're going to copy and paste a pre-written message, at the minimum add in your future friend's name. I always have to smile when a request comes in that says "Hi(empty space here) , I found you on so-an-so's page and...". Just taking a couple of extra seconds to add in their name will show that you're truly sincere about being their friend. Wouldn't you feel the same way?
Social Media is a powerful medium for attracting clients and business builders to you. There is a wealth of information on Social Media Marketing just waiting for you to tap into.An amazing resource for free information on social media marketing is at Renegade University. My hope is that by using these suggestions, just a few "warm and fuzzy" touches, you'll create a network of friends that will help your business soar.
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Internet Network Marketer, Coach, Renegade Professional Super Guide, Stay-At-Home Mom and Real Estate Agent in Las Vegas for nearly 18 years, Beth Heilman specializes in helping those folks who"absolutely, positively have to work from home".
Her experience comes from having been laid off from a well paying job in the Real Estate business, dealing with unemployment, Fibromyalgia, Chronic Fatigue and raising two special needs kiddos. With the love of all things related to Internet Marketing she can help you create your own successful marketing system tailored specifically to your business, your needs and your expertise.
Beth’s philosophy is “do what you love, do it for the right reasons and the money will follow”. Following that rule has helped her become the self-proclaimed "Bounce-Back Queen" and have an amazing business working from home. She wants the same for you. Visit Beth at The HomeBizNetwork.com and HomeBizHearts.com.
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Comments: 23 
About the Author: Beth Heilman
Member Since: 08/17/2008
Company: HomeBizHearts
Industry: Marketing and Advertising
Primary Web Site: http://HomeBizHearts.com
You're right
Beth, You're right about that. A message brings the same warmth as when you talk to people belly to belly. I can feel your warmth through this article and that great smile. Thanks
So True
Hi Beth,
You hit the nail on the head when you said,
"Think about it. If someone came up to you at a networking event or party, handed you their business card then simply turned around and walked away; how likely would you be to want to do business with (or even get to know) that person?"
I think people forget that social marketing is more about the "social" than the "marketing". Thanks for giving us all this reminder.
Michelle
Building Relationships
Building relationships.
This is just a great article on becoming a part of social marketing sites. Beth, You have certainly pointed out the reasons I choose to be friends with people. When I don't receive a message from someone I sort of wonder if they may be hiding something or just afraid to shine. To become a friend is just that; to become a friend and to get to know them and help them.
Your warmth definitely comes out in this article too, I am sure that you are an inspiration to many.
Personalizing Your Online Relationships.
Hi Beth,
I really liked your article and your 3 social media tips. I couldn't agree with you more.
I have been in FaceBook for a while but only recently started implementing some of your suggestions. I'm a little slow.
I am now sending a message when I send a friend request or in confirming another person's friend request. It's given me the opportunity to communicate with some great people.
I agree with you. I really don't care about becoming a friend of someone who doesn't take the time to fill out some information on their profile about themselves.
Thanks, Beth.
Our Social Media Face
Beth
Many are using Social Media wrong, and should read your article. Common sense need to be present whether we are talking or writing to someone who doesn't know us. Your three points are great reminders of common sense practice.
There a saying I'll never forget that my Navy instructor told me, "Engage your brain before your engage your month, and you'll make less mistakes."
I think that's true when we write message at Social media sites.
Being Social to Expand your Warm Market
Many users of Facebook are Internet marketers who are looking to expand their warm market into the cold markets.
The global community online basically doesn`t have a clue who I am, or whether or not they want to know who I am. My first impressions, my sincerity in communication, may give them a signal that a relationship might work out.
It`s more than a numbers game. It takes time to relate, to communicate.
Well said and thanks.
If I want to do business well in a new warm market, Beth,you give good reminders of simple principles of extending a genuine invitation of friendship.
Social Tips
Great tips, Beth
I don't really know why people choose to do things differently than if they were meeting face to face. It's the same thing. You still get first impressions as if you were face to face. You still get a strong idea of who this person really is based on what you see of them. Why not make it a good, first impression?
Socializing is still the same, even on the internet.
Socializing On The Internet
You bring up some great points here Beth, we all know that the internet can some times be a very generic place. But people are people and we will always have a need to socialize at some point or another.
I'm glad you brought up the picture on your profile tip, it really irks me when I see a profile with no picture, it almost gives the impression that you're up to something.
I know I've probably said this a thousand times, the internet really is no different from the offline world with the exception of the computer screen that separates us so as you say "Let The Real You Though"
Networking at a party!
Hi Beth, great article, you are so right, it is like being at a party, introductions go a long way!. Like you say the photo goes a long way also, you can almost see personalities shine through them. You also get to know the person through their interactions, photo online.
Not Always Obvious
Thanks Beth,
Next time I setup in home training I'll have to remember to bring up face book and show people what you mean and the differences of truly social profiles and those that are not.
1 degree of seperation
Great article, I interpret your article with the mindset of the 1 degree of separation. It is that extra degree or the final touch on your social connections that gets peoples attention. Personalization separates you as a professional business person from the people who want to get rich over night and then are mad when it doesn't work. I am new to network marketing and learning these tips you mention, but I have been a traditional business owner for 11 years and the personal touch in person or on the internet is what seals the deals. Great article.
Social Media Tips: Let The Real You Shine Through
Hi Beth,thanks for the great tips, i will improve my social networking:)
Hollis
It's All about the Social...
We do tend to forget about the social educate our parents taught us growing up. Just because you are not face to face, doesn't mean you can't be polite. You are so right about putting that personal touch on the message, it goes a long way.
Thx for the reminder.
Remember-It's "Social" Network
Well written article on social networking. I agree with you when someone takes the time to write me a personal note with their friend invitation I am more likely to friend them.
Another point: I've unfriended FB friends who are in the same MLM company as me when they put their company links in my comment box, potentially stealing prospects away from me.
Great Topic
Jr Wells here, Beth as we see by the amount of reply's this is a powerful topic to touch upon.. With the economic shift people are going to social media due to it being free, and not having to be a rocket scientist to acquire their Financial Freedom.. Introducing yourself with a message gives the other person a warm feeling that removes them from your cold market and brings them into your "WARM MARKET" Also through a message the other person gets a real feel for you, as if the message was something that was just thrown together or a real sincere one... So with that being said, great topic and great response's.. Take care and God Bless
To everyones continued success
JR Wells
Branding You
Beth - Wonderful article with some very valuable tips.
Everything you do online -- from an article, to a comment, to your profile -- is an opportunity to not only communicate who you are but to brand yourself. If you do it consistently and add value, people in your target market will get to know you and ultimately follow you. On that note, you want to be present on the social media sites where your target market hangs out.
Thanks and best wishes!
Genuine...
Beth,
Your right when it comes to social media and the real you. As long as your genuine... the real you will shine through. Beth, I thoroughly enjoyed the article and the tips.
Thanks Again Beth,
Donna Wells
Social Media etiquette and Special Needs kids
Thanks for the article. Special needs kids in our community need to remember this. I serve on the board of a non-profit providing services to nearly 200 adult special needs "kids" in Houston area. We continually look for ways to improve their social skills and we've overlooked this one.
The real "ME"
Thanks for the article it is obvious, but y have I not been using it! I knew not to "sell" but yes of coarse be a personable too. I have always wondered how other networkers have profited so much from the Social Media, I am fairly new to all the social media stuff. I really think that this will really help me make new friends that will teach me also, but then others can get to know me also thanks so much for your knowledge
Amy Anderson
So True
Thank you for your tips. Hopefully thru time people will begin to fully understand the etiquette and power of social media. Keep spreading the word and your good value to others.
Penelope Cox
Great Tips
Hi Beth,
Thanks for the great tips. There need to be known by all people new to social networking using these sites life facebook, twitter, and linkedin to network with people and make new friends. As you mentioned, you would never walk up to someone in the real world and just hand them your business card and walk away. Why would this be any different? It's not!
Thanks again.
God Bless,
-ed
Being Unique
Hi, Beth. Thanks for your wise words. There are time that I do put your advice into play... but I will admit there are times that I do not... just pure LAZINESS. After reading your article it gave me a little kick in the butt. I know exactly what you are expressing because after reading your article, viewing your picture, and learning more about you... I definitely want to connect with you. I would want the same at my end from everyone else. Another learning curve. Thanks again, Beth, you have my vote!
All the best!
socially direct
Lets get right to the point! Social networking is getting to know someone, and not WILL YOU JOIN ME HERE! Or you can try this for FREE!
I've been around social media for going on 5 yrs and facebook, twitter, Myspace, was not as big as they are now, back than things was different, Social networking was different, Beth you made a great point and good post, THANKS FOR THE TIPS!