How do I post something on Facebook or Twitter…and now Google Plus..and not look foolish?

I am asked this question very frequently..like, almost every day…from new people who are not yet online..yes, there seems to be a very large number of these people.  It is good they are reaching out to find out sound ways to enter the social spaces since there are many people online who seem to not be very apt to knowing how and what they are posting online is making them look.

No matter how or when someone starts their venture into any of the social networks there will be some awkwardness to knowing what to post online that makes a favorable impression.  There is definitely a list of things that will produce a sea of frowning faces if posted..like endless streams of quotes, non-stop posting of links to less interesting content and other self centered updates.

Fortunately, there are a number of ways to post information in the social spaces that will highlight the way you feel about something.  These type of posts give the viewers a snapshot of a portion of the true character of a person. 

Trust is something the internet has not been associated with in the past.  However, with social networking and social media rapidly melting into what makes the world turn, building trust through posting more user friendly content is rapidly catching on.

Producing a Reality

The more posts you make showing your humor; seriousness; your position on something you are an expert in; or inquisitiveness into something you have no knowledge, the more pieces to your complete personality are provided your viewers.  Viewers are looking for Real People and they look to the social spaces to find them.

The reality is, people who come to the internet for social purposes are also consumers.  Over the past three years more people are going to the social spaces to hear what people are saying about a product or service they are looking to purchase.  The trend now is to find who online is the company’s representative.  This opens the door for people to be both social and professional.

Effective Styles of Social Post

There are many ways of showing others who you are.  Here are a few effective ways to go about making a positive impact in your social spaces.

• Witty -  a witty observation of something going on in the real world shows a person’s fun side.
• Question -  A smart, well put together, question shows a person’s interests
• Responders -  People who respond with positive comments or remarks to others posts will also draw attention to a person’s honesty
• Conversationalist -  People who are willing to take time out of their day to carry on a Chat or have an online conversation will also draw attention to a person being a real person.

The way a person goes about socializing online will determine how how much trust they will be develop.  Even if the person is not online to reflect on what they do professionally, they really are.  There is no way around people’s interest in what someone does for a living.  If you don’t tell them what you do professionally..or feel it is not part of what you are online to do…then expect to be shunned by others.

How someone comes across online is very important.  A mistake in the development of a positive image is very hard to recover.  If you are not committed to showing people your social side of your life then social networking may not be for you.

Let me know how I can help.