10 Top Tips for using Social Networking for Business

1. Define your objectives - what are you trying to achieve? Once you know what you're trying to achieve, it will be easier to identify which element of social networking suits you best.

2. Are your objectives measurable? How can you evaluate the effectiveness of your activity? Outline some clear things you can measure to get some idea of what your social networking activity is resulting in.

3. Have a strategy. Think about your tone of voice, who is the best person to do this, the amount of time you can devote to it, what you want to say...

4. Consider how you will handle negative comments. Do respond to negative feedback, or let your fans/advocates respond for you - don't just ignore it. Remember that it's better to be in the room (or the conversation) than not - you being in that space might modify what people say about you.

5. Don't try to be everywhere. Choose one network, and get good at using that before you try the others. If you're trying to decide which one to start with: where is your audience already?

6. Sign up and LISTEN before you engage. If you want to get the hang of it, sign up as an individual and learn the ropes before you try it as a company.

7. ENGAGE, don't broadcast: Offer something of value to your friends/fans/followers/ groupies, help others, become part of the community, ask questions...

8. Be open, transparent, honest and real. You'll get found out if you're not. And they'll know exactly where to mention what they don't like.

9. Encourage your fans to be advocates. You might even ask them to help ‘manage' the community.

10. Review your activity and achievements. Are you achieving your objectives?