Successful business people know it’s all about relationships.

Through effective marketing, businesses build trust – the foundation for developing strong business relationships. That is a positive impact of social media.

In a Social Media Marketing Report released in 2009, results showed 88% of the surveyed marketers were using social media to market their business.

Social media is a highly effective tool for developing solid business relationships. There is, however, a danger with social media. With a focus on “just be yourself” and “write like you talk,” some individuals forget good business basics.

Here are some things to remember, starting with the theme of the simplystatedbusiness blog – Keep it simple, clear and uniquely yours.

1. Keep it simple – When I talk, I have a tendency to jump all over the place – just ask my friends. So, while I agree that “write like you talk” is good advice, remember to keep it simple. Whatever form of communication you use, your message should be easy to follow. Don’t stumble over all you have to share and forget to keep it simple.
2. Keep it clear – Social media created new acronyms and phrases. For many, it’s still a foreign language. For example, I was taking a course on social media where the instructor kept using the acronym JV. I’m a baby boomer so to me I think “junior varsity.” What the heck does that have to do with social media? But, the great thing about today, you can find almost anything on the Internet. Acronym – the free dictionary had Joint Venture as #1 on its “JV” list. Ahhh…keep it clear.
3. Keep it uniquely yours – The vastness of information on the Internet makes it nearly impossible to cover a new subject. That’s okay. Give the subject matter your perspective and invite others to share theirs. Keep it uniquely yours but share, which leads to the next point.
4. Share – Social media thrives on sharing. You have my back; I have yours. Share ideas, share resources, share credit. Give a shout-out to those you think do good work. Who doesn’t like recognition for a job well done?
5. Focus on others – With all the wonderful opportunities for self-promotion, there is a potential for forgetting it’s not all about you.  Preaching is a turn-off. Think about the benefit to the reader and demonstrate you care what they think.
6. Be professional – Being professional has different meanings for each of us. Here’s the Merriam-Webster dictionary version I think of:

“exhibiting a courteous, conscientious, and generally businesslike manner in the workplace”

The workplace moved beyond the old brick and mortar to the worldwide web.

Social media enables far-reaching communications.

The core of professionalism is respect.

You may have a total opposite view from someone and can be passionate in your response, but respect his or her right to disagree.

Bottom line – have some manners.

It’s easy to slip into bad habits in social media communications. Remember, it’s your business, your credibility. Please share your thoughts. Thank you.

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My shout-out for the great graphic goes to Dennis Cox. I found this one at i-stockphoto.

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Helping you Keep it simple, clear & uniquely yours – contact me for help with your business writing needs.

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