'I Thought it was just Social - What Am I Missing?' Facebook gives you a way for people to get to know you without having to build a complicated website.
You simply fill in the forms with information and it is done for you.
People can get to know who you are, what you are about.
I belong to my local Chamber of Commerce and they have monthly business mixers.
Think of Facebook as a 24-7 global mixer.
I've just recently started with Facebook and I have reconnected with people I haven't seen since high school and met people from all over the world.
Please remember, though, that this is about sharing content of value and not hardcore sales pitches! First and foremost Facebook is about connecting with people.
You will turn people off very quickly if all you do is pitch your business.
However, done correctly, you will find more and more people coming to you asking what you do and wanting to do business with you.
Facebook has some very useful features and applications that allow you to share content and connect with other users.
This is in no way a comprehensive list of all the networking possibilities on Facebook, but it will get you going.
Ten Ways to Market Yourself with Facebook 1.
Your Profile You want to make sure your profile is filled out completely.
Facebook is a social site and people want to get to know you.
Make sure to fill out not only your contact info such as email and websites, but your birthday, and where you live.
Also take some time to fill out your activities, interests and favorites.
I recently connected with someone who saw I had the same interest so we began communicating.
Then we realized we both enjoy online social marketing and have shared ideas and resources - all without pitching each others businesses.
I haven't made any money directly from this contact, however the ideas we have share have increased my traffic and ultimately the leads I'm receiving.
It all started with a common interest - so be sure and fill out those sections! 2.
Friends What would a social networking site be without friends? Start by looking for people you know such as people from the same school or hometown.
Then add their friends.
If you create articles or other content online, invite your readers to connect with you by including a link to your profile.
Include a link to your profile in your email signature.
Do you belong to any Yahoo Groups or other online groups, post a message inviting members to network with you on Facebook.
You will be amazed at how fast your friends list will grow.
3.
Groups Find groups that interest you, join and participate.
Many groups will let you post about your business, but don't join just for this purpose.
Join in discussions and provide valuable information.
You can also create a group of your own.
The advantage of joining groups is that you meet people with similar interests and ideas.
Join groups with not only your own personal interests in mind, but the interests of your target market as well.
4.
RSS Feeder If you have a blog, and if you are trying to attract prospects I would, add an RSS feeder to your profile.
This way, your Facebook friends can see your blog posts.
You can also add blogs of your friends.
Do you have a friend with a business that complements yours - add their blog.
If you are a network marketer add the blog of a downline team member and help promote them.
If you promote others as you promote yourself, people will see you as a valuable contact and leader rather than a selfish marketer.
5.
Posted Items Have you created a new Squidoo Lens, article or other content? You can post a link in the 'Posted Items' section of your profile so others can see what you've done.
Again, post other items you find valuable as well - a business associate or downline member's content, or just items you find interesting.
6.
Update Your Status On your profile page you will see a link to update your status.
Do this often! Your Facebook friends see this and it is just another way to interact.
Don't always make it about business...
are you cooking dinner, watching a favorite movie? Let your friends know! 7.
Social Bookmarking You can also add social bookmarking feeds to your profile so your friends can see what you are bookmarking.
You can add many of the popular bookmarking sites such as Digg, StumbleUpon, and Del.
icio.
us.
Don't overdo it though just add 1 or 2 of favorites.
8.
Wall Comments You have a wall on your profile so friends can write comments.
Write comments or messages on your friends walls as well - but only if you have a reason to.
Don't write comments constantly just to promote yourself.
Did a friend write an article or new blog post, write a comment on their wall.
Is it their birthday, wish them a Happy Birthday.
You can also send messages directly to them, but by utilizing the wall people can see your name and picture, letting them know that you are an active networker.
9.
Birthday Reminder Application This is a great application.
It reminds you when any of your Facebook friends have a birthday - if they've given that information in their profile.
Why is this important? It gives you a reason to connect with them and let them know that you care about them as a person and not just a business prospect.
We all like to be told happy birthday - you could make someone's day! 10.
Twitter Twitter is a micro-blogging application that lets you send short posts to followers as you go about your day.
Again, it's another way to connect.
If you set up an account at Twitter.
com you can then go to the 'downloads' section and add Twitter to your Facebook profile.
Then when you send a post, called a 'Tweet', it updates your Facebook status as well.
You can also create a network of followers at Twitter, by using Twitter to update your Facebook status you are networking at two places at once.
Facebook can be a great addition to any marketing plan.
You don't have to do all of these things - find the ones you like best.
You might even discover new ways to connect along the way.
Most importantly, don't be a pushy salesperson.
Be yourself and have fun!