7 Social Media Must (not) do.

1. Trying to participate in too many tools If you are siging up and building a profile on every new thing that comes out, you better be a writer for Mashable. No one can keep up with all the new things. Find some you like and do a good job in them.
2. Expect that just setting up an account will yield results Guess what - you have to do more than just set up an account to get results. If I had a dollar for every person that has told me they set up a LinkedIn account and nothing happened, I’d be rich.
3. Not using the tools to connect with people Nearly every site makes it possible to connect with other people (I think that is why they call is SOCIAL media). If you are not connecting, no one is finding you.
4. Giving up after a short time Social media is about making and sustaining connections. The only way you can grow your influence is long term. Stop crying - if you do not like the fact that it takes time, don’t do it at all.
5. Promoting yourself without providing value The fact that you signed up for an account does not give you the right to promote yourself constantly. And it is a sure way to get people to run in the other direction.
6. Not using the tools to link to other resources Similar to not connection to people, if you only link to your website or blog and never bookmark or link to other interesting resources, you will never gain the respect of your audience. Nor should you.
7. Not intentionally building a target network Don’t pick the biggest network or the one that your kid brother said you should use. Find out where your current customers go and your target audience hangs out online. Intentionally build value and influence in the right communities, even if they are smaller.

Original post by: 7 Stupid Social Media Mistakes

Safety Tips upon joining Social Networks

1. No social networking site is safe, including myYearbook.
   Reporting bad people to the police is important. Remember to call law enforcement if threatened.
2. Don't lie about your age.
   If you lie about your age, your profile may be deleted without notice.
3. Don't give out your contact information.
   myYearbook is a public space, including your profile. Anything you post is available to the whole world. Don't post things you wouldn't want the whole world to know. Don't post your phone number, address, IM screen name, or your specific whereabouts.
4. Report nudity, harassment, hate speech, and other inappropriate content.
   Call the cops if you think anyone is in danger.
5. You can be denied admission to college or a job based on things you put in your profile.
   It has happened. Don't let it happen to you. Don't post things that can embarrass you later.
6. Don't meet people in real life that you only “know” online.
   As you have heard in the news surrounding MySpace, people who have met others in real life have been raped or murdered. Predators are out there, and they are very dangerous. Don't meet people in real life. They may not be who they pretend to be. If you do decide to meet someone you've met on line, tell your parents first, meet in a public place and bring a trusted adult.
7. Sex with an underage person is rape.
   It does not matter if that person lied about their age. It's rape and you will go to prison.
8. Don't be a cyber bully.
   In many states, you can be charged with a crime. If you are being bullied here are some things you can do to make it stop: call the police -- best idea; block the harasser -- doesn't always work; delete your profile -- starting over isn't really that hard; document your harassment -- save your IMs, text, and messages to give to the police; don't respond -- sometimes they will get bored and go away; don't ever meet them -- this is the worst thing you can possibly do. You never know who you are dealing with. Always assume the worst.
9. Get Suicide Help.
   If you or anyone you know needs help with depression, coping, or life in general, free help is available. Tell an adult or trusted friend, or contact the National Suicide Hotline at 1-800-784-2433 or through your state crisis center at http://suicidehotlines.com. You can also check out http://www.hopeline.com and http://www.suicidepreventionlifeline.org.
10. Take Threats Seriously.
    If you read threats of suicide, violence, or other illegal behavior on a profile or message, forward the link to your local authorities. You can always call 9-1-1. You do not want to be the person who failed to act and as a result have a tragedy like Columbine or VA Tech happen.