It’s all about give and take. Respect people’s time and don’t ask to pick their brains.  It’s not just a hobby, it’s how they make a living. Treat people with respect and it will be returned.  It’s that simple.

Stay current with trends. For me, staying current with the pulse of social media means spending at least two hours reading articles each day on all the various social highways.  Each channel offers a diverse passage and approach.  Don’t stick with only one platform.  You have so much access to the thoroughfare, so take advantage.

In addition, I drum along with the beat of technology, as tech and social media are intertwined:  We use technology and apps to assist us in our social media day-to-day activities.

I also stay current by attending conferences that benefit my knowledge and share this information with my readers and potential clients. Indeed, I find speaking with different social media communities broadens my insight of a world that I may have not time to explore.

Practice. As the old adage goes, practice makes perfect. Missteps and blunders are appreciable when you learn from them.  Hone in on the lessons and move forward and onward.  Don’t obsess over it, just stick with your gut feelings next time or try a different approach.

Approach people only after experience under your belt. Social media is not necessarily easy, and it never stops changing. You have to keep up with social trends, be nimble and embrace yet another social platform.  It takes a lot of time to absorb the new channel, plus process the technical aspects of using it. Only once you have experience under your belt, should you approach someone. These people will be more apt to sit down with you and talk about specific issues, as they know you have already put in the time and work

 

Source: http://www.entrepreneur.com/article/235959