Posted by Lindsay Fultz on Wed, Oct 14, 2009 @ 02:44 PM
I was recently promoted to Manager of Sales and New Media Marketing at Grosh Scenic Rentals. Since I've been in my new position I have found myself asking, would I follow, befriend, or become a fan of what I tweet, post or comment? If you answer no to this then you have just committed one of the 7 Deadly Sins of Social Media!
Here are my top 7:
1.) Lust: Social Media is not about hard selling. If every single post and comment is buy, buy, buy, you will get spammed and your friend, fan and follower count will start to go down.
Antonym of Lust = Pure. Make sure you are engaging in social media for the right reasons and LISTEN to what people are saying.
2.) Gluttony: I see it all the time, social media newbies biting off more than they can chew. Start off slow with one or two social sites and listen and learn as much as you can.
Antonym of Gluttony = Refrain. Take the time to build your networks and engage your communities. After a couple months then look to see what other social sites you can seamlessly integrate into your social media marketing plan.
3.) Greed: Tweet often but do not ask for followers! If every other post is "trying to get to 1,000 followers and need your help" people will unfollow you!
Antonym of Greed = Generosity. Give people a reason to connect with you. Show them value. Cool giveways or free consultations in your field of expertise doesn't hurt either!
4.) Sloth: Do not be lazy. Make it personal! Simultaneously updating all of your social sites at once means you are not listening and if you join a group, take time to make conversation.
Antonym of Sloth = Action. Engage your network and bring value to your community. How can you expect people to comment on your blog if you do not do the same?
5.) Wrath: Do not be scared of what people are saying about you. If you read something negative do not lash out. With one tweet, post or comment your tantrum can become viral and the next "tweet heard round the world."
Antonym of Wrath = Composure. Bite your tongue if you have to and sleep on it or go for a run to clear your head. After a day you will be wondering what got you so hot to begin with.
6.) Envy: Imitation is a sort of flattery but only to an extent. Do not be afraid of competition and to share good content of your own because people that are in your social networks want to know more.
Antonym of Envy = Kindness. There is a reason why every mother gives the advice "kill them with kindness". It works!
7.) Pride: The phrase "fake it until you make it" does not really apply to Social Media. People talk, and thanks to the revolution of Social Media, word travels fast these days so when you are wrong, admit it and make it genuine. Do not try to smooth talk your way out of it.
Antonym of Pride = Humility. Admitting you are wrong goes a long way and you are more likely to win people back with just two little words, "I'm sorry".
So there you have it, my 7 Deadly Sins of Social Media. Use them wisely. Halloween is just around the corner and you do not want any past "tweets" to come back to haunt you!
