You have been holding out and making excuses as the world jumps into social networking with both virtual feet. A lot of the issues that hold people back or turn off people from these tools have to do with other people who simply do not follow the basic rules of social networking etiquette. You could always choose to just not participate however that might be perceived just as poorly as being socially awkward online.

Brian Solis (@briansolis) said several months ago in his twitter stream, "Remember, Always Pay it Forward and Never Forget to Pay it Back...it's how you got here and it defines where you're going." No wiser words can I think of to start off our discussion and when networking is involved this advise is should be forward most in your thoughts.

I told my son this evening to always think about what he is saying to others and what impact it will have on others and again this is great advice when participating in social networking.

While some guidelines for social networking apply to all tools (facebook, twitter, etc) here are some advice broken up by the different tools.

Linkedin

Linkedin is about a trusted network so don't try to connect with people you really don't know. Pick another social tool and try and participate and develop a relaionship prior to requesting a connection.

Respect why people say they are there. If a person is not open to certain types of request don't ignore that and make that request anyway.

A few really good recommendations is better then requesting recommendations from everyone you know. Also as Bronwyn often advises do not gather all of your recommendations at the same time as it does not look natural.

Participate by passing on request for those in your network.

Do not connect with people you don't know well enough to pass on request to.

Facebook

Don't share information that should be private on public walls and in public comments.

Do not post embarrassing photos of others unless you are prepared to have them do the same to you.

By all means comment and participate but as I said to my son think about what you are saying and what impact it will have on others who will be able to read it.

Somethings are better not said in public and hence there is private messages.

Beaware of your privacy settings and use them intelligently.

Twitter

@Reply's (i.e. @firqby) are public and should not be used for something that is private that is what direct messages (i.e. d firqby) is for.

No inside jokes. If most or all of your followers won't get it then maybe it would be better as a direct message.

If someone follows you then consider following them back. You don't need to follow everyone but in order to participate you really need to follow others.

RT stand for retweeting and is considered good form if you see someone say something worth repeating to your followers.

Provide value in what you say and limit the shameless self promotion. Focus on mutually beneficial interactions.

Don't abuse those who follow you with direct messages that are not welcome. Just because someone finds what you say interesting enough to follow does not mean you should pitch them on your latest MLM get rich quick idea.

My fellow USC alumnus Y-Vonn Teh reminds me (via facebook chat) that in general networking whether social or professional in whatever medium (electronic, voice, in person, etc.) should be undertaken in a courteous manner. Asking instead of demanding and one should always reciprocate directly or by passing on as much as they receive to others.

If you are looking for more great wisdom on the subject then might I suggest you read The Ultimate Social Media Etiquette Handbook by Tamar Weinberg and more of Brian Solis thoughts on the subject in his post Finding the Tweet Spot - Top Tips for Building Twitter Relationships.

So join us as we explore the world of social networking and the do's and don'ts. If you have been hesitant to jump into many of these tools then come hear how to get the most out of the experience without making a social fool of yourself.If you are more then comfortable in your social networking skin then come out and share your experience and wisdom with other.

As always, there is no better way to meet and connect with other executives then over dinner and conversation. $21 in advance via PayPal or $25 at the event gets you a full dinner, drink and the best networking around.