Tucson Business: Facebook for Newbies

1. Build your Profile

Share only what you want the world to know. Simple enough. Because even if you decide later that you want to delete it a thousand people could have already read or captured any pictures you put on your profile. Make it yours and express yourself the way you choose.  You can blend business, personal, causes and just about anything you decide to share with the world. As a former police officer I would give a few words of caution:

Never put your actual birth date or address (city and state is fine).

Never put pictures of your little children there. That’s just me but it shocks me when I see videos and pictures of kids with names and places.

If you are going to use Facebook to communicate in an intimate personal way use your settings and set up a personal account that is private.

But  ultimately your Facebook profile is whatever you want it to be so take your time to figure what you want on your profile before firing.

2. Forget Geek, Tech, and “I’m not good with computers”.

After you set up your profile it’s time to have fun. There are millions of groups so whether you are a car restoration shop, or a plumber there is a group for you. Don’t be afraid to ask questions. Most folks are excited to share their knowledge and since social networking technologies are changing and applications are being created as you read the bottom line is that social media it’s a rapidly changing world. The point being we are all learning constantly. And what worked yesterday might not today.

3. The USPS is still O.K.

As you venture into the brave new world of social media don’t feel like you have to throw your Rolodex in the recycle bin. There’s nothing like a hand written letter with a good old fashioned pic that your grandma or best friend or business associate can hold in their hands. Plus sending a check in a birthday card is tough to do in a social networking world. As popular as it seems when you watch T.V. or talk to friends there are tens of millions that have not “plugged” in yet. So have pity on  them as they come on board over time.  If you are a local Tucson business sending out Christmas cards, proposals, and many other things “old school techniques will still have the greatest impact. When attempting to persuade a prospect to get that contract signed there is nothing like them receiving a Fed-Ex at 10am and you calling at 10:15 to make sure they got it to wrap up a deal.

4. Friends? Not Really or Really?

If you are using Face Book to primarily build your business then adding friends should be done AFTER you look at the person’s profile. When you see a friend invite you can click on their profile and the first thing you will see is “info”. If you don’t see any connection I’d skip it. However, if you just want  to pile up numbers in the general sphere of your geographic or “world of interest” (plumbing, knitting, pet care) then go for it. Same goes with  inviting people to be a part of your world – JUST DON’T OVERDO IT or Facebook will cancel your account.  Basically the whole friend deal with Social Media is just a way of saying “hey” or “hi” if you are from the North.

5. Grow in your Knowledge over time

Facebook would be the 7th largest nation in the world if it was a nation so don’t expect to master it in a week. Spend some time there a few times a week. Answer messages that are genuine and develop a few good relationships. It will happen pretty quickly and those are the relationships to spend 80% percent of your Facebook time on and forget about the rest other than to give them a wave and a thumbs up on a good contribution that shows up in your newsfeed.

However, over time when you see a user using something that looks interesting ask them how they did it and expand your knowledge base. You can also check in at http://Mashable.com and look at what Facebook is doing.  Joining groups that are part of your world is the quickest way to grow on Facebook but just pick a few that really make sense and become a vital part of the community.  Also  check out “Marketplace” and see who Facebook suggest for you to connect with as that can be helpful. As a Local Tucson business owner, after you get comfortable in the Facebook world the next step will be to set up a Facebook business page.

But that’s for another day. Have fun!

Related Articles:

1.100+ Facebook Apps For Productivity And Tools For Achieving All Your Goals

2. Facebook fan page vs. Facebook group: when to use which?

3. Publishing your Blog on Facebook

4. Notify Social Networks When You Post a New Blog Article

5. SmartBlog on Social Media

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