Laura's Issue 9 Newsletter
Facebook - Financial Genius or Fixation
For three years I felt guilty every time a friend would send me a Facebook request and I would delete it. No phone call, no explanation…I pushed delete and moved on with my busy life.
Creating a profile on Facebook seemed a little juvenile and a distraction that I didn't need in my life.
Then I had a big fat greek wedding and everyone wanted to see pictures. My daughter created my Facebook profile so that it would be easy for my family and friends to see the photos. I opened my profile for the world to see (there was nothing there but wedding pictures) and got back to my life.
Over the last nine months I have spent an average of 10 minutes a day on Facebook. My perspective has changed significantly. I have become keenly aware of many reasons to use Facebook. I thought I'd share some with you…
It allows me to connect and reconnect with friends, many of whom I do not have time to keep up with. Recently I saw a post from a friend explaining that her son was in the hospital. We're not close enough that I would have known if it were not for Facebook.
It keeps my contacts up to date. If someone changes their e-mail address, etc. I can always find their profile and e-mail them through Facebook. It is easy to create groups. Invite groups to functions, etc.
It allows me to find people I would never find otherwise. I recently managed the database for our 30 year class reunion. It was easy to track old classmates down through Facebook.
It allows you to stay in touch with your children. My daughters are 25 and 28. We're super close but sometimes I find out they are having a bad day through Facebook. We all live in different cities. I get to see photos. I get to see videos of my grandkids. It's the best.
It allows people to see the personal side of me. None of us are "all business." It is easier to build relationships with people if they see you as a father, church member, baseball freak, etc. Life is about relationships. I am a happier human because I take time to be in relationships (doesn't come naturally for me).
It makes business sense. I put this reason last because it can not be your sole reason for creating a Facebook profile. Philippians 2:3 says, "Put yourself aside, and help others get ahead. Don't be obsessed with getting your own advantage. Forget yourselves long enough to lend a helping hand." Idiots who build relationships solely for person gain are transparent. People aren't stupid. Social networking gives me an opportunity to authentically be in tune to what is going on in others lives.
In case you still think Facebook is for kids, here are some statistics:
- As of March 2009, the number of people over the age of 35 on Facebook had DOUBLED within the last sixty days.
- As of March 2009, the fastest growing demographic was women over age 55.
- As of February 2009, 56% of all users were women, 44% men.
I have used it to brainstorm with people and promote events. I choose not to play games, poke people or send roses through Facebook (although I like getting them). Assuming you are disciplined enough to not become addicted to Facebook, here's some pointers:
Post a photo – One of the best things about Facebook is seeing the face of the person you are writing to. I, personally, don't want to see a photo of your business in your personal profile. People want to know people. People buy from people.
Don't say anything or do anything you wouldn't do in front of your momma and your preacher. You shouldn't anyway. This allows you to be a good role model (little eyes are watching) and keeps you from doing something stupid that could impact your career, etc. down the road.
Don't post stupid stuff or post all day. No one wants to know what color your socks are.
Leave out personal information. Don't tell people when your home will be vacant. Don't post a home phone (I don't post my cell phone either). Every bit of information I have posted on Facebook is readily available on the internet.
Don't be a weird, pushy salesperson. It's creepy to watch people desperately try to solicit clients through a social networking site. I don't see a problem with posting a link to something business related as long as it isn't too frequent.
Add any links to business websites, etc. to your profile (let me know if you need help).
Top of mind awareness is crucial in business. I am friends with customers through Facebook. If my target market is teachers and I have customers that are teachers…who do you think their friends are? Teachers. Cool people that do business with me are more likely to send me referrals if they hear from me at times when I'm not trying to sell them anything.
Consumers are spending more time on the internet. I am glad I finally joined them. How are you using Facebook, Linked in and Twitter to build relationships? I'm on all three would I'd love to hear your ideas. You can see my big fat greek wedding on Facebook (e-mail address is lauraharris@allstate.com on FB).
If you have friends that have been pushing delete when you ask them to join Facebook...forward this to them. They will thank you for it.
Laura's book Surrender to Win - Regain Sanity by Strategically Relinquish Control can be ordered through her website www.LauraHarris.com. E-mail Laura at Laura@LauraHarris.com.
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