Most every business uses the tools of social media to promote their business and connect with their customers. Here are some tips to ensure that you have proper etiquette in social media and avoid any mis-steps.

Start with the Three Simple RULES of Social Media:
When using social media, be sure to promote your message “respectfully.” It’s important to investigate the community tone, rules, and protocols before you jump in since each form of social media has definite ways to participate and ways to get in trouble.

Here are three simple guidelines when using social media to market to your customers:
Rule #1: Don’t endlessly and bluntly hawk your products and services.
Rule #2: Be generous. Give free information, solutions, upfront value.
Rule #3: Don’t steal great ideas and pass them on as yours. It’s great to ReTweet (RT), but always give attribution as the community of social media is self-policing and its members will call you out.

No one channel is the only dominant or final word for all of your clients’ interests. Think of social media like the sandwich boards businesses put out on high traffic roads to direct people to their business.Every real-estate broker knows the value of a compelling sign strategically located. As a business leader, investigate your ideal customers’ social media community preferences and patterns, and place
your value-based message there.
An example of how one company used social media to reach its customers is Dell computer’s use of Twitter. Dell realized Twitter’s power as a cheap and powerful tool for providing value and making a profit. When Dell had a huge surplus of refurbished computer “stuff,” it put it out on Twitter as a customer service FYI and the word spread virally. Profits soared and customer satisfaction went with it.

By using social media properly, you can build a stronger connection with your professional community that benefits both your company and your customers.