I’m no social media expert, far from it in fact. I blog now and then, I’ve been a community manager for several years, I share pictures, and I like to tweet (@drkleiman) once in awhile. However, a few days ago while talking to someone who wanted some advice about participating in online communities and social networks, a funny thing happened. As I listened to the advice I was giving, it reminded me of that Robert Fulghum poem, All I Really Need to Know I Learned in Kindergarten.
If you think about it, it’s really that simple, the rules of engaging online are basic, human goodness even a 6-year-old can understand. Most of what you really need to know about social media, whether you are an individual or a major brand, you learned in kindergarten.
Here are few examples:
- Share – make sure what you do online using social media is worth sharing or at least not wasted space. It is after all called social media for a reason. You should try to provide value to your followers and make sure your participation in a community is adding something to the overall experience.
- Remember the Golden Rule – treat people how you want to be treated. Be nice, don’t yell, use your manners, have fun, and make friends.
- Be curious – Try some new things and be open to being clueless. Our CEO, Diane Hessan(@CommunispaceCEO) got on Twitter to try an experiment and poke around—she’s learned a lot from it and in turn has become a source of great information to her over 8,000 followers.
- Be a good sport – We all make mistakes, if you make one, own up to it—say you’re sorry. People will forgive you and may even respect you more for your honesty and good humor.
- Listen – You’ll be amazed what you hear. There’s a ton to learn using social media if you stop shouting and just listen.
Ok, so my personal favorite, compliments of my own 6-year-old is “take naps” however in this case it doesn’t relate. Or does it?
What are some others?
Reward – six year olds like Gold Stars, or any symbol of accomplishment. Although my Life Coach blog is very young, I am lining up a giveaway next month. Lots of goodies
Will, I like the idea of rewards – makes me think about gaming too, also a part of social. Using rewards (tangible and intangible) can make the community stronger and more interesting! Thanks for adding that.
“taking naps” absolutely makes sense! This is the best guideline I’ve found thus far!! and simple to follow ;o)
jwallace – maybe “nap time” in regards to social media is the idea that sometimes you should take a break from it! Some things are better said or done in person; or there can be a tendency to get addicted to your online social life… so taking time away for it, for a “nap” of sorts, is just good sense.
Agreed. Nap time can only make us better communicators.
Is the SM version of the Gold Star the badges we earn for checking in on FourSquare?
How about
6: don’t run (walk/tread slowly) with SHARP objects (or words or anything that can harm yourself or others….
Be wise about what you say and do
7: READ and do PUZZLES…it develops and hones your mind skills. Do your research. Surf the web for ideas, but don’t forget to give CREDIT where CREDIT is due (no copying!!!)
8: PAINT a picture of what you or your business are or want to be…make new pictures often…put them up with magnets on the fridge…watch your evolution…be proud of your talents (humbly of course)
9: Put things back where they belong…be ORGANISED…protect the earth; reuse, recycle, wash carefully, cut up old magazines but read the stories! Don’t forget your /the past…
10: Taking naps is ESSENTIAL to healthy life
From your keyboard to god’s ears . . . you are right but civility is a hard thing to earn. Gizmodo just shut down comments since people weren’t being civil.
Deb, these are great common sense principles. Building on your point about listening, making an earnest effort to interact instead of just broadcasting pays dividends. Social media aside, it just makes sense, even to Kindergarteners.
Most of us would rather talk *with* someone than be talked *at* and we appreciate when people respond to us. Sometimes that even compels us to share on behalf of someone else. And solely getting inundated with someone’s stuff isn’t a relationship.
It sounds simple and yet many companies seem to disregard fundamentals… thanks for the post.
Joseph Kingsbury, Text 100
Golden rule indeed! My condo had an online discussion board for owners and tenants to share info, etc. I was shocked at how nasty and uncalled for some of the responses were to some of the questions posted. The property management company eventually shut down the discussion board. If people are rude offline, they will probably be rude online as well.