Most people that you talk to are participating in social media for one reason or another.  I’ve met many people that are beginning to feel overwhelmed by the whole thing, so I thought I’d share 3 powerful tips to participate in social media.  Whether you are using Facebook, LinkedIn or Twitter to reconnect with old high school buddies, meet new people or build a business, I want to share 3 powerful tips.

These tips are especially for those of you that are building a business so please pay close attention and take notes.

1. Build Relationships.   Word of mouth is your best marketing tool in business.  And people remember those who they know.  My sister has started a mediation practice and of course whe is the first person I think of when someone mentions conflict resolution.  I have a friend who owns a web design/graphic design business and when someone needs a web designer, he is the first one that I mention [not just because he's a friend but also because he's good! ]  People remember those who are a part of their lives.  Be a part of the social media conversation.  You don’t have to build relationships with all 5 million, but select a few and get to know them.  Which brings me to my second point.

2. Be Consistent and Sincere. Be consistent and sincere in your sharing and supporting.  Enjoy it.  Have fun with it.  Share valueable information that can support and encourage.  Be sincere and be consistent.  Once a month is not going to build a relationship.  Daily or several times a week will.

3. Have a Plan.  This is probably one of the most important.  It is very easy to get lost in social media and end up there for hours.  That is why you need to have a plan before you go in.  Are you going to be in there for 15 minutes or 60 minutes?  When you go in what are you going in for.  To post encouraging quotes* or to join in the conversation of a “friend”.  If you don’t have a plan when you go into the social media networks, you may end up there much longer than you want to be and leave frustrated or feeling like you wasted time.

Try these powerful tips and you’ll have a more productive and enjoyable social media experience.  Whether its for your business or to build relationships.

*Try www.Hootsuite.com to post quotes simultaneously in LinkedIn, Twitter or Facebook.  You can also schedule unlimited posts or tweets.