by Dana Phillips.
Wow! Last week I wrote a post on Facebook that sparked a huge list of issues. This is all I wrote: “I am going to write some blogs on etiquette for direct sellers. What are some issues you face?” After I read more than forty comments, I realized this is a big topic! So today I want to focus on some social media rules of etiquette. Feel free to share this article with your team as you begin to mold a kinder, gentler approach. Here is what people are saying.
1. Don’t add me to your group without asking me. I might have joined if you would have sent me a PM.
2. Don’t tag me in your special offers. Ask my permission or ask me to share the post in a PM.
3. Do like, comment, and reply to posts. A “like” represents a nod, and a comment continues the conversation.
4. Don’t “vague-book.” These rants are nonspecific, not kind and turn other people off. Here is an example. Really? Would you want to do business with this person?
5. Keep your private messages private. If you feel a need to talk to someone, don’t do it in a comment, or a post on their page. Take time to PM.
6. Keep your posts, positive about your company, your team, and your business.
7. Don’t make every post about your business, product, or opportunity. People want to know you, buy “you” before your service or product.
8. Don’t do the “undercover” brag. That is a post when you are bragging about anything and trying to make it look like you aren’t. If you want to be proud out loud, own it, don’t disguise it. Better to say: “I had a great week!” than this:
9. Don’t interrupt a post with an unrelated reply. For example, if another consultant is posting about the product or opportunity and you love her post, don’t ask to “steal” it or “borrow” it in the comments. That interrupts their conversation. Karen Clark explained, “That would be like if you sold hats and went into another hat store and interrupted the store owner talking to her customer to say I love your display can I steal that idea!?”
10. Remember that a post could be read by anyone! Think about your audience, how you are presenting yourself, and what your message says before hitting “post”.
Feel free to add to this list and look for more blog posts, podcasts, and even a free webinar on the topic of etiquette.
