Article by Tiffany T. Cole
Welcome to the 4th and most likely last episode of my Facebook and Marketing series! If you need a basic understanding of FB before learning how to cater to FB friends, please go back to
Episode 1. For my basic overview of marketing, where I share the benefits of getting sell, sell, sell out of your mind, go to
Episode 2. The
previous episode points out the three most efficient ways, from my experience, of growing your FB friend list.
Facebook is marketed as a social networking site, and so I believe that an important aspect of networking is catering to those involved and hoping for respect in return. First, though, I feel it's necessary to explain what I mean by 'cater.' I don't mean lie about compliments and pretend to be a bottle of
stepford-smiler-sunshine just to get on their good side. I don't mean insincerely spam their website or blog or Facebook page just to appear like you're interested. This all goes back to how I feel about
genuine networking.
So, what exactly do I mean? Read on.
A while ago, in an effort to talk to more of my FB friends, I created a simple networking plan. Every week, I planned to randomly choose two writers/artists/bloggers/musicians/etc and focus on them and what they're passionate about in the following ways:
- Send a message.
- Reply to a couple of their stats, definitely if there are recent ones inviting conversation.
- Visit and comment on sites.
- Participate in something they've started or are passionate about.
- Comment on a number of blog posts.
- Spread the word about them and their passions.
- Update this cycle, whether weeks or months later.
Notice how there are seven ways, the exact same number of days in a week? That has a purpose. I think you look more devoted when you at least spend a week on a person, instead of spontaneously doing all seven tasks in one or two days. Even though most of the seven are explanatory, I'll go into detail below.
1.) Send A Message
I like sending a message first. It's a good way to establish that you want to get a little closer. However, the content of the message is very important. I always say 'hello' and then follow by wishing them luck on some of their endeavors, proving that I actually looked into what makes them tick beforehand. If I can, I share some thoughts about what something of theirs reminded me of. Afterward, I just hope the conversation that follows is natural, and it usually is. If it isn't, though, that doesn't mean the person is a lost cause. You're only on day 1, after all.
2.) Reply To Stats
Now, I try to be careful with stats. Having just messaged the person out of the blue the day before, I'd hate to scare said person away by seeming like a terrible mix between a spammer and a stalker, meaning that it would look pretty odd to start replying to more than three stats on their wall. First, I always stay away from the ones that seem too personal or moody, like the person either posted it to get something off their shoulder or share with loved ones. Second, I always look for any recent stats already active in conversation because it's a bit easier to jump in. Third, unless the most recent stat is too personal, I post on that. I never reply on any stats too far down the wall.
3.) Visit/Comment On Sites
This is excluding blogs, only since blogs get noticed in number five. Not all writers may have or contribute to a website, but a lot of them do, and I know just how much work and time goes into a website (having been in the business of website management for five years). I think its important to take notice of all this work. If there's nowhere on the site to comment, message the person on FB and tell them about things you liked or want to help with.
4.) Participate
By participate in something they've started or are passionate about, I don't mean just sign up and tell them you signed up and never follow through. No, I mean PARTICIPATE. I mean, invest some of your time and energy and let them see how sincere you are. Also, it could be good for you, to experience something new.
5.) Comment On Blog Posts
This, like participation, actually takes time and energy. I always read at least one page of blog posts and comment on the majority of them. Why don't I comment on all of them? Well, I don't have a problem with that if I can come up with a good reply for all of them. I want to prove that I read the blog post. I want to share what I got from it, and if I'm unable to share something for a certain blog post, I won't comment.
6.) Spread The Word
This takes a little time, but it's the easiest for me to do. I advertise their site/product on Twitter, Facebook, Stumble, and Digg. If I can reasonably do so, I bring up what I'm trying to spread in conversations with others.
7.) Update This Cycle
Whether every couple of months or every couple of weeks, I think it's important to repeat steps 1-7 for said person, even if you've moved on to another person.
And that's all, folks! Any ideas for another series?
**********************************************************************************
P.S.
Do you want the opportunity to get a section of your short story/novel edited and critiqued as well as win books that you get to choose from the 52 offered? Click the link below to figure out how you can participate.
