How Important is Online Etiquette?
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When conducting any type of business, proper etiquette and professionalism are paramount to keeping your customers happy and loyal. Well, the same basic rules apply when it comes to your actions and reactions online.
Proper etiquette has been taught to us since childhood. Use your fork, not your fingers. Knock before entering a room. Say please and thank you. So why would it be any different when it comes to our online lives?
Your goal with social networking is to attract as well as keep your customers. In order to accomplish this, take a certain level of work in creating your online presence. You want to be seen with a positive eye and not regarded as a bother or inconvenience to those around you.
When using a social networking medium, you don’t want to post just to be heard or for the sake of your name showing up on everyone’s page three times a day. This will not leave people with a good impression of who you are and what you represent. Instead of plugging your site yet again, ask a question to receive feedback or post a news story that may be interesting to your readers.
When people see your “handle” appear, they shouldn’t feel like they have to run to escape a barrage of debate. Be prepared to lose a battle, admit when you are wrong, and allow others to have their personal views. You are more likely to gain respect by lowering your guard on a topic people know you are passionate about, instead of always fighting to have the last word.
The majority of your clientele probably doesn’t stem from your social network. When you are taking time to network, have some fun while turning off the “business button” for awhile. Learn about what others have on their minds, what’s new and what’s not, and where you possibly fit into the mix – without considering how it will help your business. Consider it your virtual water cooler and relax for a few minutes.
Show your real self. Social networking channels aren’t the place for creating different personas. By writing in your own personal way, you won’t have the hassle of trying to remember which of your personas said what to whom. Not only will it become exhausting, but it could result in a persona mix-up. Should this happen, you easily could lose some of your clients as well as potential clients who were lurking in wait for the perfect timing. Authenticity will help you gain the contacts you need along with those who are interested in what you could possibly have to offer them.
Social networking of any sort can be a very important tool when it comes to the online business world. Learning to use social networks properly – as well as honestly – will result in a more positive experience for you and your current and potential clients.
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