6. Know your audience and think before you speak
Perfect example: BP CEO Tony Hayward’s comment about the Gulf oil spill, “I’d like my life back.” Need I say more?
7. Follow up without being annoying
A phone call, e-mail and text all within five minutes are overkill. Be timely and keep it simple, but don’t be a stalker. The way you follow up will depend on the situation, and the relationship you have with your contact. I generally ask people when, how, and how often they would like me to follow up.
Some people follow the three day rule: if you don’t hear anything, call or e-mail three days later, and follow up again three days after that. Sometimes you just have to go with your gut and do what feels right.
Updating your twitter or Facebook feeds are also good ways of letting people know you’re “out there” without being intrusive.