There has been a lot of talk about social media networking over the past year or so. Hopefully you are a member of at least one network, and if you are reading this blog, you are already up on one of the most popular social networking phenomena, the weblog, affectionately known as the ‘blog.’

Social networks offer so many cost-effective ways to promote and grow your business. Most notably it is a way for real estate agents to promote your listings to a wider network of potential buyers. pictureplan-it! is the perfect tool to get you started on your quest for a more social listing. With online floor plans, virtual tour solutions, and several other realestate marketing tools, agents have a simple way to showcase their listings via social networks. And with round the web syndication, that social networking becomes far reaching.

If you aren’t already using these tools, you should start now.  Here are a few important tips to get you going, or refresh your thought process.

Be Yourself (or someone like you)
This is a cardinal rule in any social interaction, on-line or in person. Insincerity will be just as obvious on-line as it is in person.

Be Honest (no, really)
Avoid even the appearance of dishonesty. Nothing will discredit you and your business faster than falsehood and exaggeration.

Be Relevant (leave the past behind)
Stay abreast of news and trends. Don’t post the same old stuff every day.

Be Clear (don’t mumble)
It’s hard to decipher the nuances of meaning on-line. All the vocal inflection and facial clues are stripped away. Leave no room for a misinterpretation of your posts.

Be Concise (and pithy)
Social media is a dialog, not a dissertation. Keep your posts short and to the point.

Be Respectful (it’s a given)
Even if you disagree, respect you fellow community members.

Be Active (and visible)
Regular use will keep you involved in a community. Sporadic postings won’t gain you fans or followers.

Be Interactive (it’s not just about you)
Give at least as much as you take. Interact with others; this is social media after all.

Be Polite (please)
Follow the golden rule here and do unto others online, as you would have done unto you.