We’ve all been to parties where someone keeps yakking on and on about themselves, so we all know how irritating it is. Why is it that so many do the exact same thing on social media, then?

I’m not a PR professional but I recently got a full spread article about a client just by being friendly on LinkedIn.

I congratulated the Managing Editor of a publisher on a new publication they had just announced. When she realized that my client’s NASCAR team races to combat veteran suicide, she asked if I could send her some more information. That information led to this article in a magazine that reaches 6 million readers & goes to 1,300 on-base units & orgs worldwide

My number one tip for social media is try to act like it’s in person, not online!

• Look at other people’s posts as walking up to a group of people who are already in a conversation, and participate in that conversation by commenting in a meaningful way.
• Share other people’s posts and share articles you’ve seen that are interesting.
• Tag others in posts or comments when it’s about them or if you think it’s something that’s genuinely interesting to them, not just because you want them to see it – unless they’re a good friend who would expect you to do that.
• Only post about yourself or your company maybe 10% of the time. Don’t be the bore at the party who just talks about me, me, me.
• When you send a connection request, personalize it! Don’t just hit “Connect;” let the person know what you have in common and why they might want to connect with you.
• Don’t hit people up for business as soon as they connect with you. It’s amazing how many people do that to me, and it’s a total turnoff.

More than anything, just try being you! Get to know people and you’ll be rewarded as you gain their trust.