Seven Social Sins

It's time for a refresher course on the 7 deadly sins, of social networking...

The world of social networking is relatively new, and according to Scott Stratten, author of UnMarketing, too many of us are making it up as we go along. He's got the 7 deadly sins of social media to avoid if you're really on there for networking:

Greed. Avoid making tweets and posts self-centered. Use them as a conversational tool. Others are much more likely to read and pass on information that applies to others.

Gluttony. If you're networking, it makes sense to have lots of friends or followers, but accepting everyone can really work against you if they start adding you into feeds.

Sloth. If you initiate conversations via tweets or threads, don't drop the ball. It's frustrating to have someone drop out of a conversation indefinitely. If your feedback could get their faster by messenger, you're taking too long.

Envy. Exhibiting it, or provoking it. Social envy is a big turn off from both perspectives.

Wrath. It only takes one post or tweet to change your reputation from social to anti-social. Refrain from unleashing your opinion on someone else's position, and that goes for the spelling and grammar police too.

Lust. No matter how good that friend looks, most networkers don't appreciate comments laced with sexual innuendo on their profile pictures.

Pride. It can be a good thing, sharing accomplishments, home life, or a career move, but do it in moderation. And pay it back, don't forget to acknowledge some of the pride that other's post.