Social media experts are a dime a dozen. That's why I generally avoid writing about using social media. I'm making an exception this time, though, in order to proclaim once and for all that there is only one right way to use social media.

Ready? Here it is: Regardless of what you may have been told, the only right way to use social media is in what ever way works for you. If you want to use social media to stay in touch with people you know, then that's the right way to use it. Want to build a network of business contacts? Use it that way. Just don't fall into the trap of thinking that just because some self-proclaimed guru is doing something a certain way then that must be the right way for you to do it.

Here's an example. Not too very long ago, the very influential Guy Kawasaki put forth the idea that the correct way to use Twitter was to follow, and be followed by, as many people as possible. This led to a virtual army of Twitterers racing each other to have the largest community. It didn't take long, however, for many of those who adopted the Kawasaki model to realize that, while amassing sheer numbers might work for Kawasaki and a few others, it wasn't right for them. This has led a number of Twitterers to purge their lists and start building a community that works for them.

That's not to say that anything or everything you read or hear about using social media is wrong. Rather, the lesson is that you should consider what others are doing from the standpoint of whether or not a certain technique makes sense for you. If it does, adopt or adapt it. If it doesn't, ignore it.

It's the only right way.