I often hear people saying they are not on Facebook because it’s not serious. Business should be done on Linked IN. They even say Facebook and social media as a whole, is a waste of time.
I would argue they are very different, both applicable, and both can generate business. I do not want to go down the route of training people which to use and when. I would leave this to social media experts such as www.drive-social-media.com or www.wvss.com or the other social media experts in your network.
What I am willing to comment on is my own experiences. I am active on Facebook, I spend about 20 minutes a Day Maximum (my wife won’t let me spend more ;-) )
I mix my posts between what is going on in my life, some bits social; some bits business; some bits just fun. After all when we do business don’t “people buy people?”
If I were to go on Facebook and only sell I would soon have everyone deleting my contact. If all I did was make comments like” off shopping” or “shampooing the dog” people will soon get bored.
It is variety that is key. I also have a number of pages for each of my networks and I blog regularly. Anyway, this week I had 2 connections from Facebook attend my chapter both have applied to join. Both will be great additions to the chapter.
James Hartnell was introduced by his wife Priya, after I commented on her post for assistance. I referred her to a colleague. She checked out what my profile and the result was her husband attending our chapter.
The other Tayyeb Sheraz, is an old work colleague who has been a connection for over a year and now his business is in a position to free him up to network He contacted me and asked to attend.
A third contact Vanita Kapoor attended and she has joined "The Referrals for Life Community" and will join BNI soon as part of her strategy.
Facebook gives you touches, it helps your visibility marketing and lets people now what’s happening. It’s up to you to build credibility and then progress them to Profitable Referral Relationships.
Social media is not a total solution, is part of your referral marketing plan or at least it should be.
Ladies and Gents, it works if you work it.
Phil Bedford is the Managing Director at the Referral Institute and can be reached at phil@referralinstitute-me.com
