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7 Facebook etiquette tips – Is your G-string showing?

Posted on | July 12, 2010 | 38 Comments

If you want to network on facebook…

Understand that there’s facebook etiquette to follow.

Just like you would networking in the offline world.

Imagine going to a business networking function and, as a guy, you walk up to a woman and say:

“Hi baby, are you interested in leather products?”

Or hounding someone, every time they walk into a room, cornering them to make you talk to them.

Or, some chick approaches you – crawling on the floor in a suggestive position – wearing a bra and jeans with her G-string hanging out, asking to be your friend (Okay, guys, you might not complain about that one…)

The funny thing is, my imagination isn’t so creative.

These are real life things that happened to me on facebook in the last few weeks. One of these people was actually a “facebook friend” (not a total random) with whom I have 30 mutual friends (or should I say, “had” – I’ve since removed him).

Just because you’re behind a computer, doesn’t mean that normal social rules don’t apply in social media. If you actually want to network with people on facebook – the right like-minded people – then think about these facebook etiquette tips.

7 Facebook etiquette tips

  1. Put effort into your profile – You wouldn’t go to a networking function with a paperbag over your head. People will only want to know you if they think you’re genuine. This starts by showing something of yourself. Who are you? Where are you from? What’s your business/interest? If you show little in your profile, don’t be surprised if you’re not getting the right people friending you back.

  2. Get a profile photo appropriate for networking – This is about basic presentation. Sure, have a photo that you think best represents who you are. Fun, professional, creative, avatar, whatever. I just checked my facebook account and there’s someone who has requested my friendship. We have 58 mutual friends (all business contacts), which is a positive sign. But half her left breast is popping out of her shirt. This kinda makes me think twice. Especially since there’s nothing on her profile about who she is and why we would make a good networking match. It makes me curious about what she relies on when seeking facebook friends, which isn’t a good first impression.

  3. Be selective with who you request and accept as a friend – Check out their profile and take some time to decide whether there’s a match. You ask for trouble if you’re taking anyone and everyone as a friend, without sussing them out properly in the first place. I personally don’t have a problem with G-strings. But I do have a problem with someone approaching me in a G-string without first making an assessment about whether I’m likely to appreciate it.

  4. Respect the friendship – If someone has accepted your friendship, you’ve created a relationship. They have agreed to get to know you, so respect that. If you want to grow that friendship, work on it.

  5. Be courteous when approaching people – Cornering people as soon as they jump online and offering them leather products without bothering to know who they are, isn’t cool. Apart from calling me “baby” in our first meeting, this guy pissed me off because I actually avoid wearing animal products. He got the wrong non-leather wearing, non-baby girl, at the wrong time. Friend removed. And, of course, you don’t want people to think you’re a spammer.

  6. Going the extra mile is nice – The people who write on your Wall straight after accepting friendship, stand out. Then actually making an effort to interact with you, by commenting, visiting your website/blog, helping you out where they can. They know how to give and take. That’s what social media is all about. They’re the ideal facebook friends who get facebook etiquette.

  7. Don’t be afraid to remove or block someone – Nothing to feel bad about. If a facebook friendship isn’t working out, then you always have the power to click that remove friend/block button. Ladies, especially. If a guy is clearly not approaching you appropriately, and he’s not getting the message, get rid of him. It’s best for the two of you.

If in doubt, check out the facebook etiquette as described in the facebook statement of rights and responsibilities.

What have you noticed about good facebook etiquette? Have you had a bad experience? How did you deal with it? Share with other facebook users and leave us a comment.

Category: Internet marketing

Comments

38 Responses to “7 Facebook etiquette tips – Is your G-string showing?”

  1. David Moloney
    July 12th, 2010 @ 7:03 PM

    Hi Lina,

    What you say about Facebook etiquette is very true. I usually make the call on whether or not to friend people based on their picture, how many mutual friends they have and the content of their website (if applicable). I almost never join a group unless I’ve had at least one interaction with the member, otherwise what’s the point – I don’t want my Facebook window to fill up with SPAM and get in the way of my genuine conversations.
    David Moloney´s last blog ..Paint Net How To Tutorial My ComLuv Profile

  2. Wal Heinrich
    July 12th, 2010 @ 7:04 PM

    As I am learning internet marketing at the moment I see Facebook as an opportunity but I find that my close friends get offended if I post too much internet marketing material. I don’t know if this falls under the heading of Facebook etiquette.
    Wal Heinrich´s last blog ..All People Have Chakras- Yes No- My ComLuv Profile

  3. Jody Chambers
    July 12th, 2010 @ 7:15 PM

    So true Lina…just recentley I added a new Facebook friend from a friend request off a well known and respected aquaintance, and low and behold 3 direct “spam” emails straight up…errr sorry…DELETE…perhaps I can send this blog post on Facebook etiquette through to his back office :)

  4. Tom
    July 12th, 2010 @ 11:28 PM

    Some great facebook etiquette tips Lina – sometimes people on facebook seem to act as drunk as they look in their photos (or worse).

    I agree with David’s comment too – I find the spam on my wall can shout over the top of conversations I want to follow. Might need to start culling friends (or hiding feeds).
    Tom´s last blog ..The Top 10 Article Directories – Part 4 – Conclusions My ComLuv Profile

  5. Gee Hollings
    July 13th, 2010 @ 6:35 AM

    Hi Lina

    Some great tips on how to use Facebook.

    I have had some unsavoury experiences. One guy, using the chat function, was getting really pushy. The unfriend button was very close and clicked.

    We don’t need this sort of stuff.
    Gee Hollings´s last blog ..Are Keyword Research Services Really Worth It My ComLuv Profile

  6. Colin
    July 13th, 2010 @ 7:47 AM

    Hi Lina,

    It’s amazing how uninhibited people become on social media sites. Like you say, being behind a computer can encourage this sort of behaviour in some individuals. These people would definitely benefit from reading this post and adopting some of the tips you’ve outlined. Social media sites need to be monitored and moderated somehow too to prevent some of the crap that’s put on there.
    Colin´s last blog ..Gratitude My ComLuv Profile

  7. Jill Brown
    July 13th, 2010 @ 12:57 PM

    Hi Lina,

    This is a fun article. Like your pics lol. Certainly is an attention grabber. Well done!

  8. Daniel
    July 13th, 2010 @ 5:24 PM

    Nice article Lina, good reminder to apply everyday etiquette to on-line. Thanks.

    What is it about the left breast? Is it ok to have the right breast hanging out? ;-)
    Daniel´s last blog ..Time for a quick status check- Complete the wheel of life shown as profile picture- each segment of the wheel represents a major part of your life Rate your level of fulfillment-satisfaction by placing an arc in each segment of the wheel The centre represents no satisfaction and the outside edge shows total satisfaction How are you travelling My ComLuv Profile

  9. Lina
    July 14th, 2010 @ 9:11 AM

    Hi everyone

    Thanks for stopping by and for sharing your thoughts about facebook etiquette. Jill, glad you saw the lighter side of the blog post :) . Daniel, I can see the left breast got your attention… Maybe you could do some market research to see if one or the other gets more facebook friends :) .

  10. Jazz Salinger
    July 14th, 2010 @ 9:58 AM

    Hi Lina,

    I love it. Just a couple of days ago I got a friend request from a woman. :)

    Her profile picture is a full length picture of herself in her bra and knickers. Seriously.

    WTF? What in my profile makes her think I would be remotely interested in friending someone in their underwear?

    Not to mention the freaks who think they can hit on me. How many times do you have to say that you’re not interested?

    Some of this is my fault. I’ve been too polite and I haven’t been discerning enough with my friend requests.

    I’m getting much more ruthless now. Thank-you for such an awesome post, Lina.

    As usual, you hit the nail right on the head.
    Jazz Salinger´s last blog ..Finding Your Passion My ComLuv Profile

  11. Tiger
    July 14th, 2010 @ 10:00 AM

    My bad Facebook Etiquette story was someone emailing me 20 questions asking what is Internet Marketing and how do they do it. They emailed me the day after I accepted their friend request and didn’t even spell my name right.

  12. Lina
    July 14th, 2010 @ 10:28 AM

    Hi Jazz – I can handle the weird friend requests. They’re just spammers trying to have a go. I find it harder when actual “facebook friends” cross the line. But then again, you’re right, it’s best to look at where you’ve gone wrong to attract the wrong people. If so, Tip 3 could be the problem. I’ve learnt that lesson. I’m sure the large majority of your facebook friends are adding value Jazz, so that’s the main thing. Go, Ruthless Jazz!!!

    Hi Tiger – 20 questions about internet marketing! Wow, now that’s a job interview not a facebook friendship! Thanks for sharing.

  13. Melanie Braggs
    July 14th, 2010 @ 10:33 AM

    Great article Lina,I love the way you liken Facebooking to going into a networking meeting, you left a great picture in my mind.

  14. Jo Carey-Bradshaw
    July 14th, 2010 @ 10:36 AM

    Hi Lina,
    This is a most timely post it seems. I just wish the application makers would adhere to the same ethics too – I am getting hesitant about adding someone new after having the experience a couple of times of my little lap-top literally stopping while heaps of info goes out… Not impressed one bit!!
    @Daniel – the secret of the left vs the right? Women know where the heart is, and we sometimes remind people subtly.
    @Gee, maybe your ‘jumper’ was the same one I had…that’s one of the reason I very rarely chat.
    Lina, as always, your posts are timely (have I already said that?) and apt. i love visiting this page.
    Jo Carey-Bradshaw´s last blog ..Wealth Creation – Coffee and Internet Marketing My ComLuv Profile

  15. Cherie Rasmussen
    July 14th, 2010 @ 11:01 AM

    Hi Lina

    Facebook friends now I am going to liken to chocolate as I want quality over quantity. I want nice sweet well made chocolate with the finishing touches of goodness that makes my mouth water just thinking about how good it will be.

    Cheap tacky chocolate can stay on the shelf in the shops for someone else.

  16. Jackie Stenhouse
    July 14th, 2010 @ 2:27 PM

    Hi Lina,
    Great post and I love your heading – very catchy. A lot of people don’t think about facebook etiquette and as you said, they think they can get away with anything behind their computor. I have defriended quite a few people who I don’t like what they have to say.
    Jackie Stenhouse´s last blog ..Types of Child Anxiety Disorder My ComLuv Profile

  17. Lina
    July 14th, 2010 @ 2:54 PM

    Melanie – That’s all social media is, it’s just networking online. But a very efficient way to do it.

    Jo – This page loves when you visit too!

    Cherie – Chocolate…. YUMMMM!!! Wish all facebook users could be as good as chocolate (Fair Trade Chocolate, of course).

    Jackie – Good to hear you don’t have a problem with removing people. I’m getting better at it now.

  18. Lisa Wood
    July 14th, 2010 @ 3:33 PM

    Hello Lina,

    Great title and heaps of great tips. I totally agree with how people need to be careful how they connect on facebook. Just because we can’t see the person face to face doesn’t mean that they can be relaxed in the way they look/talk.

    It is funny how many men I have removed as “Friends” on facebook who have come on too strong.
    They so need to check out my details – I am married with five boys!!! Really cracks me up how strong they come on with the lines…one guy even asked me for a date – but get this…He lived in America and I live in Australia. After I told him I was happily married with five boys he still tried to “Chat me up”!!
    I soon hit the “unfriend” button..

    Good to connect with like minded people on facebook and good to unconnect with non-like minded people :)
    Cheers
    Lisa
    Lisa Wood´s last blog ..Staying Healthy My ComLuv Profile

  19. Marney Perna
    July 14th, 2010 @ 4:16 PM

    Hi Lina

    I love it, thank you and you are saying what most of us are also. I do not like getting a friend request that has obviously just been clicked for no reason whatever. No different to cold calling!
    PS Love the image!

  20. Lisa Wood
    July 14th, 2010 @ 6:55 PM

    Hello Lina,

    Congratulations on winning Sean Rasmussen amazing competition – with the offer of “SEO Case Study: From Lina To Legend In 90 Day” – so looking forward to your new blog and subject :)

    Cheers
    Lisa
    Lisa Wood´s last blog ..Staying Healthy My ComLuv Profile

  21. Lina
    July 14th, 2010 @ 7:01 PM

    Hi Marney – Thanks for adding to the discussion and for sharing your thoughts on how you accept facebook friend requests. Glad you like the pic – Some people may as well have a profile pic with their undies around their ankles!

  22. Clem and Erika
    July 14th, 2010 @ 8:27 PM

    Hi Lina
    thanks for such an articulate and on-point peice on a very important matter. I will not be the only one to come across things I could do without on facebook. I routinely cull my friend list if people are not in contact and simply not making themselves part of my community at all or in a way I appreciate, I remove them. This is no different than cleaning out the ole cell phone contacts every now and again! Thanks much

  23. Cathy Howitt
    July 15th, 2010 @ 2:46 PM

    Lina,
    A great blog post written in a entertaining way (with visual effects and all!)
    Might send this to my daughter who spends more time on Facebook than I do. Etiquette for teenagers!!
    Luckily she hasn’t hit the age of spammers yet (I hope).
    Will send this post to my other fcaebook friends.
    Cath

  24. Lina
    July 15th, 2010 @ 4:06 PM

    Hi Clem and Erika – Nice attitude to have… Nothing wrong with making room for the new.

    Hi Cathy – It would be really interesting to learn what teenagers think of what’s cool and what’s not cool facebook etiquette. Probably not too different to adults, I suspect, but I would be really interested in knowing what they think about how facebook friends should interact with each other. Thanks for stopping by :)

  25. Mr Limousine
    July 15th, 2010 @ 6:49 PM

    Hi Lina,
    Humourous article Lina. You’ve also made some good points here on Facebook Etiquette.

    I have had women try and friend me, and when you check their profile and albums photos, they are either not wearing much or in very suggestive positions. What hell are they thinking….

    Anyways your right, keep it real and don’t hassle others, ok people.

    By the way @Daniel – according to google its better to have your left breast popping out of your shirt than your right. 110,000 v’s 74,000 Monthly searches ;-)
    Mr Limousine´s last blog ..Corporate Limousine Services – Tips for Business Travel My ComLuv Profile

  26. David Pearse
    July 15th, 2010 @ 10:54 PM

    Hi Lina,

    Great article, you write really well. I am new to facebook and your “7 facebook etiquette tips”
    are helpful to me.
    David Pearse´s last blog ..Targeted Internet Marketing-Market Samurai My ComLuv Profile

  27. Hilary
    July 15th, 2010 @ 11:46 PM

    Lina, what a breathe of fresh air you are :) .

    An entertaining read, with some great tips on facebook etiquette.

    I usually take a look at a person’s info page when I get a friendship request, as well as view who our mutual friends are.

    Thankfully, I haven’t had any particularly bad experiences to deal with.

    Yes Cherie, I go for the quality of chocolate over quantity any day ;) !
    Hilary´s last blog ..Indoor Air Quality My ComLuv Profile

  28. Lina
    July 16th, 2010 @ 11:23 AM

    Mr Limousine – I knew there had to be a logical answer for the left breast… :) .

    Hi David – Just requested you as a friend on facebook (you’ll notice my G-string isn’t showing in my facebook pic). As soon as you get a profile pic up, you should see more results.

    Hi Hilary – Thanks for stopping by. You’ll have a giggle the first time someone in their underwear tries to friend you on facebook :) .

  29. Lisa Wood
    July 17th, 2010 @ 8:31 PM

    Hello Lina,

    Love your article, I shared it on FB and friends loved it :)

    I have had some interesting times with connecting on Facebook. A few I have unfriended asap. One particular guy was in America and was asking for dates!! I said that I am married with five boys and didn’t think hubby would agree. He asked if he could get a babysitter and hubby’s permission to still take me out :) I was so amazed with how brazen he was and quickly hit that button to unfriend him. How did he think he could date me from America!!!
    Another tried to connect with no hello’s but straight selling of his “new way to make money online” product. I was not interested but the person didn’t get my NO!
    Facebook is a great way to connect but gee can’t people remember to still market in a manner that is polite, with a profile that they can be proud of!!
    Love your 7 Facebook etiqueete tips – is your G-string Showing!!
    Cheers
    Lisa
    Lisa Wood´s last blog ..Healthy Challenge My ComLuv Profile

  30. Lina
    July 18th, 2010 @ 6:16 PM

    Hi Lisa – Now that’s what I call some real facebook etiquette stories! Good on you for removing/blocking them quickly. I learnt the hard way, and put up with a couple of weeks of nonsense before finally pulling the plug. Well done, Lisa.

  31. Daniel
    July 18th, 2010 @ 10:40 PM

    @ Mr Limousine, thanks for the stats ;-P

  32. d3so
    July 20th, 2010 @ 2:06 AM

    Thanks for sharing these tips.
    I’ve never had any problems on facebook. I suppose the majority of issues happen to women.

  33. Lina
    July 20th, 2010 @ 12:35 PM

    Hi d3so – Guys get problems on facebook too… With spam, especially from spammers with photos of sexy chicks…. :)

  34. Anne McCusker
    July 20th, 2010 @ 5:08 PM

    Hi my friend,
    Still here and busy doing real building things.
    Liked your subject- I cannot understand why Floss’s friends keep telling me things I do not want to know. And those photos are there forever. I must be seeming old and boring.
    Also, FYI have got some of our micro business friends looking at doing home offices in gardens- maybe we should be ‘Garden Offices’
    as well as ‘Garden Homes.’
    Can we be a Garden Gnome from Garden Offices? Not quite the same ring. Love, Anne.

  35. Christine
    July 21st, 2010 @ 10:29 PM

    Lina,
    I’ve got the impression that you talk about a facebook I don’t know: I never had friend request from an unknown person. I never got any business offer. I never got spam.
    Maybe because my profile is just for my friends, even not for my coworkers.
    I have the feeling that facebook is much less popular in my country. It’s rarely taken as a serious tool.
    Of course I agree with your etiquette. Because I believe in social rules, not because of bad experiences.

  36. Pia Kitcharoen
    July 24th, 2010 @ 10:11 PM

    Hi Lina,

    Makes sense!! Thanks for another great post. I hardly establish new friendship through Facebook… What’s your experience?

  37. Jan Littlehales
    July 29th, 2010 @ 12:26 PM

    Hi Lina – some great advice in this article. The left breast made me laugh – I’ve had left, right, both and more…. when I first signed up on Twitter. Sometimes you’ve just got to let a contact go! :) Jan
    Jan Littlehales´s last blog ..Raising Great Kids – Walking My ComLuv Profile

  38. Lina
    July 31st, 2010 @ 1:06 PM

    Pia, you’re missing out. Facebook is an amazing way to network and meet new people. While facebook is great to stay in touch with family and friends, lots of people are on there purely for networking/business purposes. It’s a powerful marketing tool.

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