Guest Blog by Elaine Clark at Cheap Accounting
There seems to be a lot of noise about social media just now but let’s not forget that it is just a tool to help you market your business.
It is your ‘window to the world’ – a much bigger world than available before. But caution, with increasing use of social media comes the increased risk of committing one of the seven deadly social media sins.
Wrath
Too often I see posts on twitter, blogs or forums that are antagonistic, overly opinionated, inaccurate and just plain rude! Many of these are from business owners who are using social media to attract new clients or customers and who seem to have forgotten that professional ethics still apply in the social media world. What these posters seem to forget is that most would view such social media content with the contempt that it deserves!
Gluttony
Social media can be over consumed. Whilst it is easy to get carried away and drawn into a social media conversation or debate - don’t over indulge in it. You still have a job to do! Manage your time using the age old time management techniques.
Pride
Having a high opinion of one's own importance via your social media streams is not recommended. However having pride in your social media content, behaviour and professionalism should be actively encouraged. Pride can be a double edged sword – make sure that you pick the right side of that sword!
Greed
Over promoting yourself or your services on social media can be very off putting. In fact it could have the opposite effect of leading to a loss of interest rather than the desired effect of generating marketing interest. Keep your social media content relevant, topical, interesting, helpful and not self promoting.
Sloth
Being lazy with your social media content just will not do. New ideas are required all of the time. Keep up to date with trending news items, forthcoming events or deadlines and write content which incorporates these. Never copy anyone else’s content unless as a reference and in agreement with them to do so.
Envy
Professional envy is often evident via social media. Expressing your envy of others via your social media stream is something to be avoided. Why not learn from what is making them successful and apply it to your business. A much better and fulfilling use of your time.
Lust
Needless to say, as in any work place conversations, your social media behaviour should be above reproach. However to show a healthy lust or hunger for your subject matter by demonstrating your enthusiasm is to be encouraged. Positivism and motivation will draw people to your content and help to get your marketing messages across via your social media content. Hopefully you will manage to avoid these sins but if not, you will need to visit the Social Media Confessional!
Copyright Elaine Clark 2012 @ www.cheapaccounting.co.uk