Welcome to Social Media!
Now that you’re on board, what should you do next?
1. Define your social media goals:
 WHY did you decide to join the social networking movement?
 WHAT are you hoping to do with social media?
 Are you hoping to network, participate in issue-driven
discussions, re-connect with old friends, or meet people
interested in similar activities?
 Pick a goal and let it drive your activity online.
2. Set up your profile and find your friends!
 Your profile is your face to the online world
o First impressions are important
o Using the default profile picture makes it easy for
people to ignore you – be sure to upload a photo of
yourself.
o Take a few minutes to fill out some basic information
about yourself on the “Info” page of your profile –
remember, not everything is required.
 Search for people you know by entering their names into the
top search bar. Click “Add as Friend” to become connected
with them online.
 Finding your friends online: http://www.dummies.com/howto/content/how-to-find-your-friends-on-facebook.html
 Setting up a profile:
http://www.ehow.com/how_4581540_profile-set-up-finetuned.html
3. Adhere to some simple etiquette guidelines:
 Think Twice Before You Post: All information published
online is public, permanent, and retrievable. The
association pages are fan pages, which are open and
available to the public, not just association members.
Anyone can see what you post!
 Responsibility: You own what you write, and you are
personally responsible for any online content you publish.
Keep a clean and professional appearance to maintain your
reputation as a veterinary professional.
 R-E-S-P-E-C-T: Be respectful of others and keep from engaging in any conduct that would not be acceptable in the
workplace or elsewhere.
191 Yuma Street
Denver, Colorado 80223
303.318.0447 fax 303.318.0450
info@colovma.org www.colovma.org
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No Spam, Please! Refrain from posting spam, which can
include posting items without any good reason at all
(advertising plugs or repetitive links or photos).
Balancing Act: Develop a healthy balance between personal
and professional posts. Remember that we’re all human – let
your personality be seen!
F:\J O I N T (CDF)\Communications\Social Media\CVMA Welcome to Social Media.doc
191 Yuma Street
Denver, Colorado 80223
303.318.0447 fax 303.318.0450
info@colovma.org www.colovma.org