Social Media in 20 Bite-Sized Pieces

1. “Winners take imperfect action while others are sitting around perfecting their plans.” –Kevin Nation
2. Be the voice that is remembered, not just heard.
3. Don’t take yourself too seriously.  Be willing to put yourself a bit “out there.”
4. Be human.  Corporate speak is unacceptable.
5. Don’t be schizophrenic.  Either talk from the perspective of your organization or from a personal standpoint, but not both.
6. Beta is forever.  Nothing is “finished.”
7. Add value.  What are *you* giving to the community?  (Nothing?  Then you’re a leech.)
8. Once you know what value you provide, FOCUS on it.  Don’t attempt to be all to all.
9. Who’s the winner of the contest?  The one who makes it to the top of the mountain, or the winner who lifted him there?  Give props to others.
10. Nobody likes a braggart.  Brag when you have something to share that others can use.
11. Get the lay of the land.  Every community has standards.  Even inadvertently violating them can cause you significant damage.
12. Have an actual social media plan.  Preferably a good one. Otherwise, you’re just treading water.
13. You can’t hide from social media.   Hiding hurts situations more than owning up.  Know what to do when you get someone mad.
14. Social media is the new WOM (word of mouth).  It’s not only electronic, the speed of information is faster.  Much faster.  Be prepared.
15. Weed your friends and followers just like you would any collection.  Other people are looking at them just like you are and they’re making judgements.
16. Social media takes TIME.  To build social capital in any signficant way takes MORE time. Know it, schedule it, do it.
17. Social media is not like the “Field of Dreams” in Kevin Costner’s film:  you build it and nobody may come.  Keep going.
18. Grab your namespaces, complete the profiles, but don’t set up a complete shop in a million virtual places. Not every social tool is for everyone.  Pick 3 and call it a day.
19. Tailor your social media work (yes, it’s work!) to each service.  The one-size-fits-all approach=#EPICFAIL
20. Social media is about building connections to PEOPLE.  If you’re not doing that, you’re wasting time.

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With acknowledgement to the article by Mari Smith

And another quick read to try