Part 1: Networking using Facebook

I still meet people who don’t understand why social media is important. They feel it is a huge waste of time and that the only real way to build these connections is through in person meetings and networking/social events. Though in-person meetings are a great way to network and should be the next step after connecting through social media sites, you are limiting yourself to your restricted area. The networking/social websites available to us takes this networking opportunity worldwide. We have the ‘world at our fingertips’ per say.

If you think going to social events and meeting people in person is the only way you can build your personal/business network, you are kidding yourself.  If you haven’t noticed already, people are meeting others online more than ever before.  For part one of this series I will focus on Facebook and why it is important for building your very important forever-expanding social network and brand.

Facebook

Why Facebook? Because you can reach out to anyone in the world and build a great relationship without even seeing each other in person.  This may sound crazy to you but this happens every day.  You never know what can come from these relationships.

I’ve met tons of interesting people through Facebook that later led to meeting in person or at a minimum talking on the phone to discuss either business opportunities or common interests.  Trust me, you will make more key connections through social networking websites than you ever thought possible.  Your network is your treasure. Protect it and don’t take it for granted, because like I said earlier, you never know what could come from it.

Ways to connect with people you never met:

1. Find people in your interest by clicking the words in your Facebook profile. This will bring up people that have the same key word in their profile.

2. Send a direct message (If they have that option available without being their friend) to the person you are interested in finding out more about. Say something like, “I noticed you have your own photography business. I have my own photography business as well and thought we may be able to collaborate on some things together. I hope we can connect soon.”

3. Most people are looking to connect with other similar interest people through social sites like Facebook just as much as you, so don’t be afraid to message and friend people that you want to connect with.

4. You will notice that Facebook will suggest people to you on the right side column. This is a great way to find people to connect with as well that could later turn into more than just a facebook “friend”. It searches people out that have the same friend connections that you have.

5. Fan Pages that you are a fan of are also awesome places to search for people you may want to connect with. When on the specific fan page, go to the fans box on the left column and click “see all”.

Because you can post pictures, videos, work experience, interests, status updates, and instant chat you can get to know people extremely well over the Internet.  This can sound scary I know…but we are well on our way to this new way of communicating and meeting people. It is now easier than ever before and gets me pumped every time I think of the endless opportunities and connections that can be made through Facebook.

So I hope you realize the importance of Facebook and it’s power in growing your networking circle.  Grow your network, keep expanding your net and excellent opportunities will continually start to show up.

If you have any Facebook connection stories please share them below in the comments, It would be great to hear your story!