Are You A Social Media A**hole?

Let me get one thing straight. I LO.V.E Social Media.  Facebook, Twitter, Linkedin, Blogging, Google Plus, Pinterest love em' all. In fact, I always envied my grandparents (in their 90's now) for the simplicity of their era. However, today I am thankful to have been born in 1971 as I get the opportunity to experience and fully embrace social media.

However (and this is a big however), there is one thing I despise about Social Media. Regardless of which social network you are on, the same problem exists. No matter which language you speak, where you live and what time you happen to be online, you cannot get away from it.  THE SOCIAL MEDIA A**HOLE.

Now, what exactly earns someone the auspicious title of Social Media A**hole? Let's define it by the activities they undertake whilst annoying the crap out of us online shall we?

CHARACTERISTICS OF A SOCIAL MEDIA A**HOLE

You think Social Media means "Everyone Wants to Hear About Me All the Time".

Think again. No-one, and I mean NO-ONE, wants to hear you brag, boast or praise yourself and your abilities incessantly. Not only is it off putting, but it is unlikely you will engage anybody at all with your self servicing mutterings. Step down from your pedestal and start listening to what others have to say.

Social Media is your tool for selling your network marketing product - ALL DAY!

Let me tell you this. If I want to buy Organic Coffee, Greeting Cards, Weight Loss Pills or any other whiz bang home business product you are selling I will contact you or buy it online myself. I do NOT need to be told one hundred times a day how much money your business model can make me because I am not interested in direct selling. Nor is most of the population so go away.

You think it is fine to DM (direct message) or post your offer on a strangers wall.

It isn't. Would I come to your house, walk into your home and start telling you about my business? No. If you are constantly promoting offers on strangers pages without any relevance to their topic or comments then stop it now! This practice is rude,intrusive and not enjoyed by anyone.

You pretend to be interested in connecting but are really recruiting for MLM.

Networking can be a great way to meet like minded individuals and build valuable business relationships. However, at a networking event it is usually quite easy to spot a wolf in sheep's clothing. Online it can be a little more difficult to spot the wolf, however if someone wants to call you within 5 minutes of connecting then asks you to view a video of what they do (whilst they remain on the phone) this is usually a dead giveaway that sharing knowledge and tips is not part of their plan. For a really fast way to piss someone off, keep pretending you are not recruiting for your network marketing business.

You find following back on Twitter unnecessary.

No, it is not necessary to Follow someone back on Twitter. However, it is not necessary for someone to keep following you either. You are never too important to turn people off, and by following others you just might learn something valuable.

You fail to acknowledge compliments.

Depending on the social network you are on, a compliment can come in many forms. A 'share', 'like', 'retweet', 'repin' and 'comment', these are all forms of flattery. They also mean someone has taken the time to acknowledge you. So acknowledge in return. It will win you more fans and show you are a decent person.

You feel it is appropriate to belittle people on a regular basis.

This is so easy to do when hiding behind a computer. However, everyone using social media is trying their hardest to give their best. Sure, some write better than others, some express themselves in better ways, but every one of them is putting it out there. Harsh words can hurt and cause people to stay away from social media altogether. Listen to those wise old words "if you have nothing nice to say then don't say anything at all".

If any of the above sound familiar to you, seem a little too close to home, then yes you could well be a Social Media A**hole. Should this be the case then take a good hard look at yourself and wake up a better person tomorrow. The world of social networking will thank you.

 For these musings and more, connect with us on Facebook or Twitter. We are not A**holes.