Don’t be too self-promoting

I keep seeing people on Facebook, Twitter, and such promoting themselves too forwardly.

This is a mistake. Don’t be like that.

If you are going to promote yourself or your business directly, make sure you promote or support somebody else online 10 times for every time you mention yourself. That is a good rule of thumb that I picked up from Chris Brogan.

I am seeing people come off as desperate or “all about me” even when I know these people and I know they aren’t that way. They just haven’t figured out yet that social networking is all about relationships and a good relationship rarely includes “all about me”.

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Cheryl Smith
30 Jan, 2010

You’re absolutely right Frank. In many ways, social networks are very similar to traditional networking events. Don’t shove your business card, brochure or flyer at people you just meet or when you first walk into an after hours networking event. The rules of engagement still apply, and perhaps even more so online. Too many businesses think social networking is another marketing channel and simply push, push, push information. They’re missing out on great opportunities to build real community.

Thanks for passing along this reminder!

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- admin
  30 Jan, 2010
  
  Great comments Cheryl. It is all about the relationship.
  
  Reply
Beth Bridges
1 Apr, 2010

Frank,

For those who are afraid that they won’t get their own name out there if they spend 95% of their time promoting others:

You WILL be promoting yourself. As someone who cares about other people’s businesses and lives. Who would you rather do business with? Someone only in it for themselves or someone who’s out there to help others?

Go right ahead and promote yourself as “giver.” You’ll get back far more than you expect.

Thanks Frank for the post.

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