subject: Facebook: Mode Demploi For Business [print this page] Facebook has been the buzz for youngsters, adults and business circles for a while now and trends show it is not going to stop soon. We love Facebook; its as simple as that. But besides playing Caf World while chatting with a potential client - what other business reason are you using Facebook? It has been brought to my ears that many networkers were having trouble to use Facebook productively. So here comes Lilach to your rescue guys!
Step 1: Create a Profile
When filling out the information section remember not to give too many details; going on and on will increase the risk of sounding repetitive and boring your potential friends. Once you are done adding your existing contacts you will move to new people. It is because of those very people that you have to keep a reign on your fingers and not type your whole life in the about me section. Why would a stranger want to know why you decided to have cats instead of dogs? I am not saying you should look plain and talk only about business; in my opinion this is an even bigger put-off factor than showing too much. Be yourself but just put the chances on your side. However dont worry you will get to satisfy this wish when you become more popular on Facebook and your new friends themselves ask to know more about you. Its better to wait till you are sure they will be receptive to it.
Step 2: Know the Limits
This really depends on your approach to work, what you are trying to sell and your image. But the old adage Dont mix work and fun might be true after all. I know experienced marketers who have a sole Facebook profile where they add potential business partners and clients who can see posts about their social games, their insignificant or in the depths of despair status, the latest songs link and tags of them in photos taken when they were drunk or sleazy. We can all see the fun in those petty things but it is unfortunately often a repellent in business.
Step 3: Who to Add/Accept
Dont add like mad just to increase figures. Think of quality over quantity and add/accept people who are your target market, potential employers, provide services you might need or whom you might want to work with.
Step 4: Weave a Quality Fiber
Dont jump with joy just because you have thousands of friends. Many people accept friend requests without thinking and therefore cannot be counted as quality friends. The only way you can assure yourself of their loyalty is by winning it. I hate it when I login, see I have several messages, get all excited only to see they were sent by the same person who not only is trying to sell me something but cant even remember he sent me the same message 5 minutes ago! So dont spam them but post quality content such as blogs and links (post it on your profile instead of sending it as a message so they can see it in their feeds and decide by themselves if they want to read it or not) or simply chatting with them once in a while, wishing them a happy birthday and commenting on some of their posts.
Step 5: Create Your Fanpage
Yes you are ready for fans! The number one advantage of a Fanpage is that you can go beyond the 5000 people limit. And since you already have loyal friends they will be most happy to join your Fanpage as well, knowing you are a quality content provider and not one of those airhead spammers. Thanks to the Suggest to Friends option, which is the Facebook equivalent of word of mouth, your friends friends will also join and they will pass you to their own friends and so on.
Step 6: Monetise Yourself
Let us be clear; it doesnt take 5 steps and over 5000 friends to make money. If you used your cards well your Facebook presence will have won you bucks already. But when you reach the status of someone with a dynamic Fanpage it gives you extra value and credit; it impresses the client, gives him the impression (rightly I hope!) that you know your field and are on top of things. Keep everything and everyone connected by organizing events, webinars and so on. Send them courteous and light offers, for example
Hi there, was wondering if perhaps you would like to have a look at my new ebook. Id be glad if you could read it and tell me what you think of it. Please let me know if I can return the favour. Thanks
Dont pressure them or send them messages at a high frequency. Keep it concise and friendly. Give them an apercu of what you are offering instead of pushing the whole thing under their nose.
