How to Fail at Social Network Marketing

You've heard all about the social network phenomenon sweeping the world by storm. The networks have always been something of a playground for people of all ages. But now, people (especially those in the home business and network marketing industry) are jumping onto the social networks in droves.

Before you sign up for one or more networks, consider the following, if you don't want to fail!

Spam: It's a 4 Letter Word

People are on the social networks for varied reasons, and it's a cinch that it's not because they want to hear about your business. So if you want to people to avoid you, message spam them. You might even get kicked off the network if enough people complain. Just don't do it.

Who Are You?

Another way to fail is to talk about your business, business and even more about your business. Hey, slow down! The is a social network -- not a classified ad. So tell something about yourself as a person. Post a picture or two of you, your family, your pets, etc. People like to know something about who they do business with.

Press Releases -- Not Appropriate on the Profile

This goes along with "who are you". Don't put a press-release-type article for your profile. Once again, this is a social network. You don't have to tell us what you had for breakfast, but do tell us something about you. And not in the third person, either.

If you want to do some press-release-type statements, do it on the blog you receive.

Spam, Part 2: Comments

Comment spam is just as irritating as message spam. When you start talking all about yourself and your business on someone else's profile...that's downright tacky.

Sure, you can mention your business, but do it discretely. Say hi to the person, comment on something about them, thank them for the friend add -- you get the idea. Be nice, polite and, well, social! You can (on most networks) put a clickable link on the comment that goes back to you, but do it carefully.

It's a Network, and It's More

I've known several people who have had wonderful success on social networks, when it comes to marketing their business. I do pretty well myself. Now that you know some of the "rules of the road", you may be looking for networks to use. Personally, I like ZenZuu the best of all the ones I've used -- by far the most in the way of good leads. But there are others out there. Go get 'em!