Richard Branson recently gave this quick guide the thumbs up via twitter. In summary:

• Establish a communication style early on and commit to it, and ultimately, perfect it.
• Focus on your niche and specialism. Ensure you are relevant and timely. 
• You need to claim your name. You can use a tool such asKnowemto see if your desired username is available on all social media platforms.
• Consistency is key and every social media profile you create should have the same look and feel that reflect you as a brand.
• Your brand image  should clearly define your brand culture and adapt as need be to fit what your target market is looking for.
• Drive all traffic back to your homepage at every opportunity through social media. 

By focusing your message and keeping active you will become a thought leader and importantly differentiate yourself from the rest.