Today is the eighth day of our 10 in 10 series and today we answer the question, “Where do we start?” If you missed the the first seven posts you can find the links here.  There are over 400 different social media outlets available and getting started can be a bit overwhelming.

Everyone talks about how the new year allows each of us to start with a clean slate.  We can make a resolution to lose weight, get in shape, or become a better person.  The same can be said for our social media activities as well.  The new year brings the opportunity for us to change some things about our online identity in much the same way as we do offline.  In that spirit we have compiled a list of the top 5 New Year’s Resolutions for getting started in social media:

  1. I will have a goal in mind. – It astonishes me how many business leaders plan everything to the final detail, yet contact me and say, “I am going to get on Twitter.”  My initial question is simply, “Why?”  You have to have a goal for your involvement with social media.  If you just “get on” a social media site you are asking for disaster.  With a goal you can then build a strategy and start to gain influence in the social media space.
  2. I will wade in slowly. – Part of your plan should include starting slowly with social media.  (This only applies if you have limited experience in the space.)  Take on just one site at a time and slowly build your confidence with your strategy before branching out.  Just as in business expansion, when you move too quickly you will become overwhelmed and your social media strategy will fizzle.
  3. I will run the marathon. – I often tell prospective clients that social media is a marathon not a sprint.  Unlike traditional marketing, social media influence takes time to develop.  (A strong brand presence outside of social media can help, but it will not be a fast process.)  If you start a social media strategy you need to be committed to continue it.
  4. I will not be “spammy.” – We all know that spam is unwanted email.  In social media the community has unwritten rules about how companies are supposed to market in the space.  Those that violate those rules are considered to be participating in “spammy” behavior.  Posting only self-focused updates, being a know-it-all, not participating in conversations, sending automatic messages to followers or fans are all examples of spammy behavior.
  5. I will not be embarrassed to ask for help. – If you are not sure of your first step, find someone in your organization that is already in the social media space to give you a tour of the various social media sites that you might be interested in implementing.  The best thing to do if you are unsure is to ask someone to help.

What did we miss?  What should someone do to get started in Social Media?  Let us know in the comments below.