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WHAT IS THE ETIQUETTE FOR SOCIAL NETWORKING?

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Services for Real Estate Pros with tcDocs

Having been brought up to know that one does not speak with your mouth full, always say yes please and no thank you and don't stare!  I am now wondering what are the rules for Business Social Networking.

There are more and more online communities, ActiveRain, Twitter, Linkedin and Facebook to mention but a few.  We all want to promote our business but what are the rules?  Well here are my thoughts:

  • Introduce yourself first and do not assume everyone wants to be your friend.
  • If they decline don't take it personally, just know that we cannot be friends with everyone.
  • If you are going to post bulletins and share news make sure it is relevant and interesting.
  • Surveys can be helpful but limit them and share the results 
  • Making rude or offensive comments, as my dear mother always says "if you can't say anything nice then don't say anything at all".  However, a good debate is always acceptable.

I guess my point is treat people how you would like to be treated and you will reap the benefits both in growingHand Puzzle your business and making new friends.

So what is your take on Social Networking?

Have a great weekend and wishing you all a "Million Dollar Cash Buyer" 

Remember your online Real Estate Assistant is an important member of your Team!

Comments(14)

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Pat Champion
John Roberts Realty - Eustis, FL
Call the "CHAMPION" for all your real estate needs

I think you covered all the points-thanks for reminding us we need to all treat others as we want to be treated.

Jun 20, 2009 08:05 AM
Lenn Harley
Lenn Harley, Homefinders.com, MD & VA Homes and Real Estate - Leesburg, VA
Real Estate Broker - Virginia & Maryland

I'll figure out the answer to your question if I ever join a Business Social Network. 

For me, ActiveRain represents a Real Estate Network.  I blog for business. 

Jun 20, 2009 08:13 AM
Sharon Senger
tcDocs - Seattle, WA
Licensed Transaction Coordinator

Thanks Pat and Lenn for reading and commenting on my post.

Sharon

Jun 20, 2009 08:20 AM
Sarah Rummage
Benchmark Realty LLC, Nashville TN 615.516.5233 - Nashville, TN
Love Being Realtor® in the Nashville TN Area!

Yes, and don't do things like posting about the series on CNN Dr. Sanjay Gupta is doing on pot, like he's your MAN and he's promoting YOUR cause. Be discreet.  (I saw this recently.)

Sarah in Nashville

Jun 20, 2009 08:27 AM
Robert Havana
Park and Protect- Alberta Real Estate License Parking - Calgary, AB
Alberta Real Estate License Parking

I agree with Lenn.  my primary reason for participating in these forums is for personal gain.  Financial, educational, and personal.   I have made money as a result, learned a lot, and met some cool people.  Socail network can be as social as you want it to be, but it can also be a valuable marketing avenue when used correctly.

Jun 20, 2009 08:36 AM
Li Read
Sea to Sky Premier Properties (Salt Spring) - Salt Spring Island, BC
Caring expertise...knowledge for you!

Good list, and you're absolutely right...can never be in error, if remember to treat others as one would wish to be treated oneself. 

Jun 20, 2009 08:38 AM
TIM MONCRIEF
Tim Monciref - Austin, TX
Over 2,000 homes sold…..

My rule of thumb is to pretend I am at a cocktail party with my clients.  What would I say at the cocktail party?

Jun 20, 2009 09:27 AM
Team Honeycutt
Allen Tate - Concord, NC

Thanks for the post.  These are great points and I appreciate your sharing.

Jun 20, 2009 01:15 PM
Sara Goss
HatmakerGroup.com GMAC Real Estate - League City, TX
Realtor - Houston Bay Area, Texas

Thanks for the tips, people use social networking for different reasons so your "friends" should be in sync with your reasons. I agree, always be kind.

Jun 21, 2009 03:16 AM
Sharon Senger
tcDocs - Seattle, WA
Licensed Transaction Coordinator

Thanks everyone for reading my post.  Appreciate your views and comments.

Best wishes

Sharon

Jun 22, 2009 05:27 AM
Paul McFadden
Responsive Pest Control - Seattle, WA
Pest Control, Seattle, WA.

Sharon: Thanks for the tips. I appreciate it! The number one thing to me is to play nice. Occasionally I'll read a post or a comment that is arrogant or rude somewhere. Thank God it's not very often. We all should be charitable toward each other. Relationships are important; you never know where your next deal is going to come from! Thanks again!

Jun 24, 2009 02:47 AM
Sharon Senger
tcDocs - Seattle, WA
Licensed Transaction Coordinator

Paul, thanks for taking the time to read and comment on my post. 

Regards

Sharon

Jun 24, 2009 02:53 AM
Mike Conner
City Realty, Inc. - Olympia, WA - Lacey, WA

I believe the value of social networking (from a business perspective) is in the opportunity to listen to people and engage them in meaningful conversation. Just like in most things we do, the biggest rule of social networking for Realtors should be to listen a lot more than you talk!

Thanks for bringing up the subject!

Aug 03, 2009 11:23 AM
Sharon Senger
tcDocs - Seattle, WA
Licensed Transaction Coordinator

Michael,

Thanks for the comment and oh so true.

Sharon

Aug 04, 2009 04:04 AM