Scratch My Social Media Back!

Tweet

While everyone else made predictions about what’s going to happen in 2012 for various aspects of the marketing world I chose to declare what I didn’t want to see in social media. That was way back on January 4th. . That post still has legs, nine days later. One of the few times where I’ve really let it all hang out.

A week after I wrote it, my dear friend “Anonymous” made a comment:

Anonymous Jan 11, 2012 08:36 PM
Yeah, I hate when I post on a business page to help promote a friend and they NEVER reciprocate. That's why, YOU, Ms. Moddy are so very awesome. Giving you the Queen of Networking crown.

I've never been given a title of such stature before, so thanks! The comment did made me think about how I could better live up to that title. So I’ll share some of my practices that you may feel are good practices for you too.

• If nothing else, reply to people when they address you. Don’t leave them hanging. It doesn’t feel very nice on their end.

• Like or +1 their stuff if you do indeed like it. I’ve received many PMs from people that say they like my photos or what I have to say, yet they never even click like or comment. While I appreciate hearing from them, it would be nice to see their thoughts shared with others.

• Beyond liking or +1’ing, try to comment too. Social media IS supposed to be conversational and what it’s your mind might just spark some lively dialog.

• Help your friends out by commenting on their pages once in a while. This ISN’T easy to do from a time standpoint, unfortunately. Just do the best you can. Perhaps have a separate list or circle just for them and check in a couple times a week. They’ll appreciate it.

• If someone asks you to like their page and you have an interest in it, like it. I have old friends who are VERY interested in the subject matter on with my Groovy Reflections Facebook page (my other endeavor), but for some odd reason (???) they refuse to like it and get involved.

• When you start a post, is it something that’s going to start a discussion? Be prepared to respond, especially if it’s something controversial or in the form of a question. I’ve had posts that have gone beyond one hundred comments and had to stick by the computer for an hour responding and encouraging more discussion! Whew!

Sometimes, when I’m asked to like a page, I oblige and will ask the requestor to like mine in return. Hey, my back itches too! Many times, the courtesy is not returned. Do I unlike their page? No, however I really want to.

Here’s what I call the 24 hour social media reversal maneuver: A woman on Twitter asked me to like her Facebook page. I did. Asked her to like mine. She did. The next day, she unliked my page. Now, was that nice?

Sticky situation. I have a friend who started a political page. I don’t get involved with politics online. I just don’t. I explained that to him. However, I contacted several friends that were like-minded people in regards to HIS interests and brought him a few more fans. Happy to help!

Seriously folks, it appears at times that respect and courtesy are almost non-existent when it comes to social media. Helping each other with just a little support is not painful. We all have busy lives, and let’s face it… social media takes up a lot of time.

However, a little back scratching goes a long way. A little higher please. My right shoulder blade…

This Orleans tune has a line about “scratching my itch” …enjoy!


‘* The article that prompted the writing of this one can be found here: