Some Basic Rules for Using Facebook for Business

People will buy from people they like. It is a fact that people prefer buying from people they like. This is true in business-to-business sales as it is in the business-to-consumer market. Facebook (as well as other social media) enables you to become friend with hundreds of people worldwide. With this statement, consider these eight ways Facebook can help your business:

1.Downplay the business side of your being on Facebook. Stress building relationships. I know this sound in conflict with why you are using Facebook but stay with me for why this rule #1.

2.Use Facebook to let your “friends” see you as a person. Share with them who and what you are and show them that you are just people like them; someone they can find something they can like. As they become comfortable with you, they will want to do business with you because they first came to like and trust you.

3.Don't show your dark side (swearing, off-color remarks, etc.). Keep it positive. Share your interest in hobbies and interests. Join groups that interest you and act like a friend...think of others and send tips and links related to their interests and post testimonials for them on their walls.

4.Invite business associates to become Facebook friends. While it is great to invite family and friends from outside of business, also ask customers, prospects and suppliers to be friends. I personally have a separate Facebook account for family and close friends.

5.Join business related groups. Join groups that are related to your business interests. You can find these groups by using the search function in Facebook to find groups that will fit your business interest. Once you find an appropriate group, join in its discussions and invite people to join your group. You can also send out notifications to members of your group of special events or other important activities you want everyone to know about.

6.Post business events. If you are hosting or planning an event, send invitations to your friends though the Facebook Event Coordinator.

7.Use Facebook to do research. Facebook offers extraordinary opportunities to research your customers, prospects and suppliers. Us the information what people are posting to better understand them. Besides their profiles, people upload pictures, write comments on their walls. From reading or seeing what they are doing will often tell you more about their personal interests than most other researching sources.

8.Include a signature block on your posts. Always include a signature on any notes you send friends just like you do emails and regular letters. In your signature, you can make an offer of a free article, report or other services and if appropriate, include a link to where your friends can find the offer.

Using Facebook for developing and growing your business is a must in today's technology environment but remember to abide by the rules of the process and don't overly sell your product or service as a starting point. Use the rules above and you will prosper.