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There was a news episode not too long ago asking about whether or not etiquette is "dead" in our society. I don't think so, but I do believe it sometimes escapes us.

So many of us are multitasking and trying to hurriedly move on to the next thing. We often forget about basic niceties that connect us to people in an authentic way, and that's very easy to do online when you don't have to face the person the next day.

I thought I'd share my 10 commandments of social marketing - lessons I've learned along the way as I try to navigate through the internet and meet new people, using social media to build my personal brand presence online.

What do you think? Are there lessons you are learning to incorporate into your own online etiquette? Add yours in the comments.

1. Be focused and connect all activity back to your core message and purpose. Research & identify with which target markets (potential clients and/or partners) you would like to connect.
2. Do not mistake social networking as the “end all”; it should not be your sole marketing & relationship strategy. Use social networking in conjunction with traditional methods that work.
3. Set boundaries and standards when dealing with people online, as well as offline. Examine how well you are representing yourself in what you write or post.
4. Commit to a certain amount of time daily, weekly, monthly on your social network. Then give it a rest.
5. Connect with others who are successful social networkers with interests that complement your own. Also, be wise about the information you share on the internet.
6. Be careful not to bash others. The internet has a long memory. Respect that other people have opinions too, even when you do not agree.
7. Be wary of enticements into get rich quick schemes. Stay true to your own business strategy & personal goals.
8. Don’t plagiarize other people’s work. Make sure your own online work is protected via trademark, etc.
9. Remember, relationships first, business second. Providing compassionate criticism is an art that you can learn to master instead.
10. Do not constantly compare yourself. Know your own services/products well & maximize them.

Starting a Solo Business While Working Full Time at: http://www.bepromotable.com.