Business Networking on Facebook

Well, duh...right? Theoretically we all understand that Facebook and MySpace are two different websites. However, many online marketers who have previously been successful networkers on MySpace are scratching their heads as to why the same techniques aren't producing the same results on Facebook.

That's because, although they are both proverbial fruits, Facebook and MySpace are like apples and oranges - so, don't compare them!

If you haven't already, read the excerpt on Understanding Facebook here on Squidoo to gain insight on how both the structure and culture of Facebook do not allow for a lot of the low grade, spammish (I'm being nice) marketing techniques that people get away with on MySpace. It's set up in such a way that you cannot succeed with drive-by marketing!

Why?

Because Facebook forces you to actually network with new contacts. It's designed to connect people who know each other already or who can gain advantage by meeting each other (not spamming each other).

There have been many who have tried and failed at quick-and-easy blast marketing on Facebook - but when the dust settles, it's the networkers who are building their businesses successfully through Facebook contacts.

I should know - I'm one of them!

And it's not as hard as it may seem. You just have to know how to make Facebook work for you instead of you working on it.

There are three cardinal principles to effective Facebook networking, and when used together, they create a presence on Facebook that cannot be ignored. You will make more quality connections by putting these Facebook networking techniques to use.





Facebook Networking Tip #1 - Seek those whose problems you solve, but add all who seek you.

It's very simple - be an open networker, but target your friend requests. It's tempting to join one of those friend adding groups and quickly add a slew of random friends just to build your list, but that's not going to get you in touch with those people who are actually ready for your marketing message. Now that Facebook has been recognized as a hot spot for business marketing, there will be enough strangers looking for you that you will not have to resort to such measures. Since you have already narrowly identified your target market/audience (you have done that, haven't you?) Now you just have to find them.

Good, common sense places to look for Facebook friends in your target market are interest-related groups and your local network; however, you're not the only one who knows this. So, perform a little due dilligence and try to find very specific niche groups with members who's problem(s) you can actually solve - just make sure to develop real relationships there and not come in as a predator.

Another clever practice - adding friends with common interests as you that have nothing to do with business! You're much more likely to start and hold conversations with them, which can (and will if you're smart) lead to talk of your business...




Facebook Networking Tip #2 - Flesh Out Your Profile.

Many Facebook marketers mistakenly assume that since they are on Facebook primarily to promote their businesses that they should keep their personal info to a minimum.

The opposite is actually true on Facebook!

Although you should protect yourself against possible identity theft (I don't post my birthday or address), you should actually include as much information about you as you can. Why? Because Facebook is a social networking site, so many of your connections will be based upon common interests or background, you want to establish yourself as either an expert or an enthusiast in whatever areas you are passionate about.

Besides giving you great icebreaker topics, your fleshed out profile establishes you as a real, interesting person who is not there for the sole purpose of selling your wares...even if that really is your sole purpose. Don't tell the world that by not being a real person...sheesh...




Facebook Networking Tip #3 - Choose applications that prospect and network for you 24/7

While it's fun to play Oregon Trail and make cartoon babies with friends or share your favorite shoes, if these kinds of apps have nothing to do with your business interests, you should get rid of them.

And please, for the love of God, PLEASE get rid of the 3,000 additional Facebook walls! No need for a Wall, a Fun Wall, an Advanced Wall AND a Super Wall! Plus, many people post vulgar videos and pictures on them, which can tarnish your professional image.

Well, if you get rid of all the funny quizzes and useless fun apps, what's left?

There are applications that serve business purposes, applications that engage your profile visitors, and applications that collect relevant information - these should make up the bulk of your Facebook application arsenal.




MORE ON WHICH APPS TO CHOOSE FOR FACEBOOK NETWORKING COMING SOON!




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