Using Facebook to Network in Business

Facebook is a wonderful way to find people that are like-minded. Businesses are quickly realizing that if they are not using the [p2p type=”slug” value=”7-best-tools-to-change-your-social-media-marketing”]social media[/p2p] giant to network, they are missing out on potential customers. Knowing that Facebook is an essential part of marketing online and knowing how to use it are two totally different things.

However, here are some ideas to use if you feel overwhelmed:

Start with a good Facebook business page

If you have a good page for your business, then you are ahead of the game. This page will do a ton of the heavy lifting for you if you do it right. Fill out the information, add your logo and engage the visitors that come to your page. That is a short version that can get you started. By having a Facebook page for your business, you will have people coming to your virtual doorstep to learn more about what you do. How cool is that?

Engage your audience with drawings or giveaways

If, for example, you had a Facebook page for your fish and tackle shop, you might consider having a drawing for a new lure or rod. Having giveaways is a wonderful way to get people regularly visiting your page. While they are there, have something to offer them in the way of content, product or information. In fact, try to hand out the giveaways personally. Nobody knows your business like you do and this is your chance to talk to your customers! Chat it up with them. Some people will buy more likes on Facebook to get a boost to their page but you need to do more than that to have real engagement. Buying likes is just a trick to look more popular at the beginning as it doesn’t help build real fans and customers.

Surf around the category your business is listed in

All you really have to do to find anything on Facebook is use their search engine function. You have to look around a bit, but you can find like-minded folks very easily. Most people that like what you like will gladly share information and maybe even become a friend or customer. Utilize that by engaging folks in conversation online. Don’t over do it, but spend some time giving your thoughts and opinions.

Know when to step back

Like any good communicator, you have to know when to step back from the conversation. Engaging someone in conversation is one thing, but arguing is another. Some folks are not going to like what you do. That is a given. Even priests have folks that resent them and their work. Knowing this, you need to know when a conversation is not going to be good for your page. Avoid controversial subjects with people you are not familiar with. Stick to the basics of your business and communicate directly with people on other subjects that are more specific. This will give you a nice palette of information about your [p2p type=”slug” value=”how-to-promote-your-business-site-for-free”]business[/p2p] on your page.

Networking on Facebook is no different than networking in person. The key is to reach out, don’t be afraid to be the first one to speak and follow up when folks reach out to you. If you do this with regularity, your business and Facebook footprint will expand quicker than you could ever imagine.