10 Good Manners for Kids and Businesses on Social Media

While researching manners, I found this article from The Women’s and Children’s Health Network on kids’ health, “What Do Good Manners Look Like?” I recommend sharing the article with your children, and if you use social media in business – share it with your team. Here are a few of the points from the article, which I believe should be used in life and with business on social media.

“Respect other people”

Don’t belittle or laugh at others in public, which includes social media networks, unless you want to lose prospects and be known as “Negative Nancy.” If you believe you could offer suggestions for improvement, and you truly want to help, do it privately. Don’t call them out.

“Be helpful to others”

I’ve said this many times, but social media is attraction, not promotion. Not only does it feel good to help others – it’s one of the best ways I know to attract potential partners and customers.

“Say good morning and good afternoon”

Pretty simple isn’t it? But it can set a tone, especially when sent to an individual.

“Say please and thank you”

I don’t believe we do this enough in business, OR on social media. Do you disagree with me? Try this – a “please and thank you project.” Take one day and say the “magic words” at every opportunity, whether in-person, on social media, by email, or any correspondence – then let me know if you say “please” and “thank you” more than normal.

“Be polite”

Once again, being rude and/or inconsiderate towards others is a great way to lose customers.

“Don’t use bad language – it may be offensive to others”

I recently DM’d a friend thanking them for the hilarious link they RT’d, which was not PG rated. I did not RT it. I’m not a prude – I’m in business, and it can hurt your business. You might rebut me with, “Today, most people aren’t offended by harsh language; it’s part of our culture.” This may be true, but NO ONE is offended by polite language – why take the chance?

“Have fun but don’t be so loud you attract the wrong kind of attention”

Honestly, this is a tough one for me. I like to have fun, and I like to talk about beer (I’m influencial about beer, you know J). My co-worker says I’m really a 13-year-old boy. Just be careful, and don’t over-do it.

“Don’t make fun of anyone – everyone has feelings”

This can be difficult. It’s easy to poke fun at someone’s expense, and sometimes, it’s  funny, but it can be hurtful. Has this happened to you? Don’t misunderstand me – we all poke fun at our friends, however, we should always stop and consider before sending.

“Use good manners so you don’t embarrass anyone”

Another sure way to lose friends and customers is to embarrass them. I know, because without thinking, I’ve done this — then wished for a do-over. Think first, act second. There are no do-overs.

“Introduce new friends to people you are with”

If you want to make friends, help others, and gain new clients – introduce people.

Trust me, I’m not throwing stones. I need these reminders as much as anyone – maybe more. Is there anyone who DOESN’T believe these 10 manners are worth teaching our children? Is there anyone who hasn’t occasionaly NOT followed them? I think I might print a copy and hang it over my keyboard.

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Today’s guest post was written by Randy Clark. He is the Director of Communications at TKO Graphix, where he blogs for TKO Graphix Brandwire. Prior to TKO, he spent 13 years with Unique Home Solutions as Marketing Director and VP of Operations. He is an avid flower gardener, beer geek, and he fronts the Under the Radar rock & roll band http://bit.ly/9mJ59m