I’ve noticed alot of people spamming various social media sites lately, and it provoked me to write about what I perceive to be the “accepted protocol” for the three most popular social media sites.

Twitter is the cocktail party, where people are casually sharing small conversation about the weather, a movie they saw recently, or a restaurant they recommend. (REFERRAL) They tend to flitter (flutter/twitter) about, much like a social butterfly, not spending too much time in one place, or in a one on one conversation. Then, along comes this one guy, spouting, BUY MY STUFF!! BUY MY STUFF!! (CAN YOU SAY SPAM?) 

How well do you think they liked that guy?

Then someone from the cocktail party might mention a backyard barbecue for next week to a handful of like-minded people. Guess where they go next?

Facebook! It’s  the Backyard Barbecue, where people spend a little more time getting to know each other. The conversation could be about how many children one has, and what are their ages, if someone is single or married. Now someone might comment that they like your hair or your dress, and that person will gladly share where they got it. (REFERRAL) In this scenario, the conversation may go deeper. They might share contact information to get in touch later, privately, or publicly. Sometimes people form specific groups and begin to share tips with other people that have the same interests in common. They become a small community who begin telling jokes and sharing stories. Then suddenly, out of the blue Mr. Spam Man is back, yelling, BUY MY STUFF! BUY MY STUFF!! Boy, he sure knows how to clear out a room!

If you own a small business that relies heavily on referrals, Social Media is for You! Back in the day when someone enjoyed your product or service they called A friend, but now they can tell 200 Facebook Friends all at once! Imagine what that could do for your business!

Guess what else they do?

Share other referrals! of what? Hair dressers, Doctors, Dentists, Lawyers, Plumbers, Chiropractors, you get the idea. 

Linked In is a different animal. I like to call it the Sleeping Giant. This is your Networking business meeting, like your Chamber meetings or any other networking group that is designed just for that purpose Here you would wear a little more professional attire, ya just gotta get out of your pajamas for this one! People want to talk primarily about your business, as your peers. They are there to learn about your business, and explore if there is an opportunity to help each other. 

This is an often over-looked Powerhouse of opportunities by many small businesses.Why? Because it appears a little complex at first with all the buttons and choices and groups you can join. And they don’t know where to begin, or what the protocol might be. Or they just dive in, and become Mr. Spam Man..

Yet, learning the tricks of the trade is worth it, since there is no where else you can showcase your business to so many diverse and like-minded people on the web, locally and globally, so easily. Do you own a local business and want to go global? Linked In is your answer.

Facebook and Twitter are great for business too, but Linked In is BUILT for business networking. There are rules to follow, and no Spamming is allowed. You need to learn the protocol and follow it, or you will lose your influential power over the crowd, and maybe even your account. So, you must follow the rules. 

What I’ve noticed is that it is often the case that Linked In folks are not Facebook folks, and vice versa. It seems like they understand one or the other as a marketing tool. The best benefit is when you use both.

Twitter can introduce your business, Facebook can engage your prospect and build relationships, and Linked In can drive it home.

If you would like to learn more about growing your business through Social Media, we have a workshop coming up April 17. It is designed for Small Business and Non’Techies.

For Details Go Here: http://www.socialmediapowerworkshop.com

We are conducting a contest drawing for one FREE ticket to the Social Media Power Workshop coming up on April 17th, 2012. This is a One Day Workshop valued at $497. The drawing will take place on April 10th. 

To enter into the drawing:

 Click Here 

 Or Text your Name and Email address to: 630-277-9804

 Or Scan the QR code (on this blog post) with your mobile device 

 For Details About the Workshop: http://www.socialmediapowerworkshop.com

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