The internet has changed the ways we conduct day-to-day business. These days, almost every business has to have a facebook.com, myspace.com and twitter.com account if you really want to cater to consumers. It is mandatory for any business that delivers services or caters to local communities online it seems.

I personally do not have the time to update all these platforms on a regualr basis. It is almost a full time job if you want to do it effectively IMO. I am amazed at those who blog and keep the social platforms updated. Anyway, back to the subject.

Most geodomain owners who have developed websites use at least one of these social platforms. Most bloggers as well. So today, I came across an article in AdAge.com that is worth a read. It is a case study completed by college football’s Bowl Championship Series (BCS).

Golden Rule: Don’t use these social platforms as one way propaganda broadcast tools. Use them to find out what, exactly, fans and customers want.

This painful BCS case study should assist business owners on how to properly utilize social network platforms when dealing with unsatisfied customers. Social networks are a powerful, effective way to engage fans and customers. 

Social media alone won’t change a consumer’s mind. You have to deliver results and keep an open dialogue with fans and customers on what they expect from your business or service.

I am sure there are quite a few other rules that exist. However, it seems that many businesses want to use these social networks as propaganda broadcast tools when they initially start to use them, stunting growth almost immediately when using these platforms.  

 I have listed other etiquette Tips and Rules for GP.

-Myspace.com Etiquette Tips
-Social Network Dos and Don’ts
-Twitter – Do’s and Don’ts of Twitter Etiquette
-FaceBook.com Etiquette Tips

Feel free to list other things you have learned that you should not do with social networks.