SmallBizResource Blog -- Business Know-How

3 Things To Never Do With Your Social Networking Profile

Courtesy of Business Know-How Thursday, Mar 12, 2009, 12:52 PM ET

So let's have a heart to heart about this social networking thing.

I'm sure you've heard of it. You might even be doing it. But the real question is, are you doing it right?

You see, social networking can be a lot of things. It can be a waste of time or a huge marketing tool. (Note, I'm referring to people using social networking primarily for business.) Whether it's a waste of time or getting you new business depends on how you're using it. And one of the ways to make sure you're using it as a marketing tool is to post effective, results-oriented social networking profiles.

So how do you do that? Well, let's start with three things you should NEVER do.

1. Not sharing enough personal details. Remember, social networking is about connecting with people. The way we connect as humans is by sharing things about ourselves. Therefore, make sure you add a few details about your life, your hobbies, your preferences, etc. Do you have kids? Dogs? Like to travel? To cook? To read? Whatever it is, make sure you put it on your profile.

On that note, you should also make sure your personality comes through. Don't just list a dry and boring nuts-and-bolts description that would be better suited on a resume. Get your personality in there -- let people know who you are and if you're someone they'd like to get to know better.

2. Sharing too many personal details. There was a King of the Hill episode where one of the main character's friends (bear with me, I don't watch this show so I don't know any of their names) put up a MySpace profile. He said, "I share things on my MySpace page I wouldn't tell my closest friend." Then he realized what he said and added, "Don't go looking for me on MySpace."

The moral of the story here is if you wouldn't be comfortable sharing this at a networking event, then you probably shouldn't be sharing it on your social networking profile.

I know, first I say too little, then I say too much. Here's a good rule of thumb: Imagine having a conversation with a client. What types of details about your life would you feel comfortable telling your client? Those are good ones to share on your profile. What types of things would you NOT want your client to know about? Leave those off.

3. Selling too much. Again, picture yourself at a networking event. Someone rushes in, thrusts his business card into your hands -- maybe a brochure and a sales letter, as well -- and rushes to the next person. Feel like hiring him?

Well, selling too much on your profile or in your social networking activities is much the same. Remember, the idea behind social networking is building relationships. You build the relationships; the business will come.

Now that doesn't mean you can't sell at all, but building relationships and connections should come first. Selling should come second. And when you do sell, make sure you keep up the relationship-building.

By all means, talk about your business and describe what you do, but do it in a fun, nonthreatening, nonhypey way that shows your personality. And don't forget to sprinkle in a few personal details so your friends and followers can get to know you as a person.

Michele PW (Michele Pariza Wacek) is your Ka-Ching! marketing strategist and owns Creative Concepts and Copywriting LLC, a copywriting and marketing agency. She helps entrepreneurs become more successful at attracting more clients, selling more products and services and boosting their business. To find out how she can help you take your business to the next level, visit her site.

Business Know-How