Social Networking has surely taken off these past few years. Seems like everyone and their dog is now posting, poking, tweeting, liking, status-updating, and more. The problem is that dogs might actually demonstrate better social networking etiquette than many business people. Unlike casual communication with friends, social networking for business requires care, because barking up the wrong tree could damage your credibility.

Here are 9 common faux "paws":

(1) Inviting people to be friends/contacts without customizing the request message.

"I would like to add you to my network. - Joe"

What people are thinking: Joe? Joe who? Do we know each other? Does Joe really want to connect with me or is he just using some automated referral or mass contact function to expand his network? And, if I agree to connect, is he going to try to sell me something or ask me for a job? I don't feel good about this guy.

(2) Joining a group and crassly posting about yourself and what you do.

"Hi, I'm Joe. I sell red widgets. They are the greatest red widgets. Nice to meet you. Want to buy some red widgets? I sell red widgets - here is a huge list of what we offer [insert huge list here]. I can't wait to contribute to this group."

What people are thinking: So, Joe sells red widgets. I could have found that out by clicking to see his profile, if I was inclined to do so, but instead he is forcing me to read his profile. Does he actually expect me to read all that? I'm sure the only thing he will be contributing to this group is information about his red widgets. I'm not even interested in red widgets.

(3) Posting a reply to a question when you don't have a good answer.

"In reply to Jane's question to everyone about global warning, I don't really know much about that. I think I read an article that said it was happening."

What people are thinking: Ok, so Joe has posted a reply that basically says he doesn't know the answer to the question. Why did he even bother posting a reply? This is not helpful.

(4) Posting a new discussion that is blatantly intended to have people talk about your product.

"Red widgets might be the solution to global warming? Let's discuss."

What people are thinking: Hmm, new post. Let's take a closer look, it could be interesting. Wait a second! This is posted by Joe who sells red widgets. Is he seriously trying to fool us into having this discussion about red widgets?!

(5) Repeatedly posting new sales wins.

"We just won a contract to supply red widgets to ABC Corp." "We just won a contract to supply red widgets to DEF Corp." "We just won a contract to supply red widgets to GHI Corp."

What people are thinking: Good for you. I don't mind one post but if I wanted to keep reading about your wins, I would have signed up for your company newsletter. Do you really think I'm happy to spend my limited time reading about your wins when we aren't even friends? You are cluttering our group.

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