To quote a colleague, "Social media is about connecting and building relationships -- talking to people. Taking part in discussions gets you noticed as well as keeps the conversations going, along with the sharing of information, viewpoints and knowledge."

Very well stated! And like anything else you do, keep in mind that how you present yourself on the social media platform is something you will be judged by, and once again, it is the details that will make the difference.

• Pay attention to what others are saying on the social websites and be a part of the conversation. Remember, the most important part of any conversation is listening.
  
• Yes, you are using social media to further yourself or your business but non-stop self-promotional postings are not beneficial to your followers. What information can you provide that is of value to them? 
• SPAM is a no-no! Avoid inapplicable email forwards, chain letters, texts, etc.; they are unwanted and irritating.
• It's not a numbers game. Building a community of friends and followers in your industry increases the possibility of seeing a return on your marketing efforts.  Quality is much more important than quantity.
  
• Remember, whatever you post on the internet is going to be out there for the world to see. Your comments are a permanent reflection of your identity; you are either building your reputation or diminishing it!
• Be yourself! If social media is about building relationships, how real are they if you are not authentically you?