When even HM Queen Elizabeth goes onto Facebook, it's obvious that social media has gone mainstream! But it's still a very new environment for most users, and whilst many people can cope with social uses, they struggle to use social media for professional purposes.  Here are some tips: 

Join the discussion. Comment on interesting articles and consider writing for professional organisations to demonstrate 'thought leadership' in your industry. Participating in a variety of platforms, including LinkedIn groups, Twitter and Facebook allows you to stay current on professional trends and highlight your expertise.

Be selective. Your network is only as strong as those you're connected to. Be selective about whom you invite into your social community and give careful consideration before introducing an online connection to a colleague. Your reputation is on the line if your contact is trying to reach someone purely for commercial reasons and ends up becoming a nuisance to that individual.

Get endorsed. Recommendations from colleagues, clients or business partners can further position you as an industry leader and help you grow your network. Opt for personalised requests to individuals instead of a generic email. When appropriate, recommend those whom you most know and trust as they may return the favour.

Be careful. Any comment you post is there to be found. Think twice before posting a comment - particularly if you have had a drink. Many wise professionals make it a rule never to use social media after drinking. You wouldn't go into a business meeting tipsy, so don't use social media either.

Be complete and personable. Be sure to fully complete your profile and include keywords that can help people find you on LinkedIn or Twitter. But avoid details that are too personal, if you plan to use these networks for professional reasons only.

Retweet & participate. Retweeting others' posts on Twitter or answering questions on LinkedIn groups is a great way to strengthen your network and enhance your reputation as valuable resource in your industry. Engaging with individuals can also lead to offline networking and business opportunities.

Conduct a self-audit. Privacy policies on social media sites are subject to change at any time. Therefore, it's wise to recheck your settings and review the policies of individual sites on a periodic basis to ensure your personal information remains private.