Article & Journal Resources

There are several social media sites that you can participate in today like Myspace and Zaadz, and they all have their pros and cons. The best way to choose a social networking site to participate in is to see what kind of people who are members. To me, Facebook is one of the best internet destinations for networking - both personally and professionally. I also use Linked In and Myspace. Of all the social networks, Facebook is nearly perfect when it comes to all around marketing and networking.

I have been using Facebook for the past two years, and it is a great marketing tool to add to your marketing strategy. Following are ten ways you can use Facebook to introduce new people to your for FREE!

1. Make an Excellent Profile: This is absolutely the FIRST thing that you must do to make an impression on Facebook . Think of your Facebook profile as part of your branding. A excellent profile will include a photo of you. Don't use the one of you at a halloween party, unless that's what your selling. Make sure your new Facebook profile is complete. It should include your contact information, your website address (this is very important), education, work experience and your personal interests. A complete profile is the only way to go.

2. Add Friends: This is the really cool part - the ability meet new people, build relationships and watch them grow. The more relationships you build, the more meaningful your marketing efforts will be. You can use Facebook's own tools to search for friends that already belong to Facebook. Once you add your friends, you can search for people with like interests. Make their acquaintance, become their friend, build a relationship. One great feature on Facebook is that you can see friends of your friends. This will help you build a copious network in no time.

3. Join Groups: You can join groups within Facebook that are associated with what you do. There are groups for doctors, coaches, and instructors. Almost every possible kind of professional service provider has some type of group on Facebook. I belong to many Facebook groups and have made dozens of new contacts this way.

4. Create your Own Facebook Group: Can't find a group that really makes sense? Create your own! You can add members, publish articles, carry on discussions, and more than likely meet quite a few prospects. And even if you find great group to belong to, start your own. This gives you the platform to be the guru!

5. Syndicate your Blog Using RSS: You can syndicate your blog on your profile page. This basically means that every time you make a post, it will automatically show up on your profile page. More Exposure equals More Readers equals More Leads equals More Business. And the bonus is the back links to your site. I syndicate headlines from my 3 blogs on Facebook.

6. Reach OUT: Are you a follower or devotee of someone's work? Reach out to them on Facebook! Many of my business contacts check their Facebook messages more regularly than their email. They are also more likely to respond to Facebook messages. Don't feel comfortable sending out a message to someone you don't know? Don't worry! Leave them a "just saying hi!" or "Your cool!" blurb on their wall. All Facebook profiles come with "virtual walls" where visitors can leave a message. The more comments you leave on your friend's profiles the more exposure you get!

7. List your Events: Hosting a Teleseminar or speaking somewhere? Add an events page and invite all those you want. You can even see how many people RSVPed and get feedback from your guests. Marketing doesn't get much simpler (or more inexpensive!) than this.

8. Send Virtual Gifts: Want to show your appreciation for someone? Send them a virtual gift. You can choose from Diamonds to an egg that hatches a surprise gift over 4 days (plus dozens of others). With all the Facebook applications for gift giving available, what are you waiting for. This is a fun way to "win friends and influence people"!

9. Use Some Cool Apps: Facebook has literally tons of applications that were built just for the site. Photo manipulators, sports, fashion and more. When you use an application, you get to invite your friends to use these cool mini applications (Apps). So just like number 8 above, this allows you another way to stay in touch with your friends on Facebook. Again, this helps you maintain long lasting relationships.

10. Build a Community: More than likely Facebook's greatest benefit is that it lets you to create a community. It provides you a group of people who are constantly connected to you, and your Facebook friends are open to hearing your message. Write on people's walls, give them feedback, and introduce them to each other. Start building your brand and leveraging Facebook for permission marketing!

Facebook is a wonderful place to introduce yourself to several new people who may also become customers and/or clients. Just keep one thing in mind: don't get too carried away and spend all your time there. Facebook is a tool, part of your marketing plan. Use the tips above, use them wisely and have a little fun at the same time.