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As I sit here writing this post about the things you’re doing on Facebook that are killing your business, I realized that I’d probably never really itemize a complete list.
It would be an unending task.
There are so many different things that a majority of people do on a daily or even hourly basis that are killing their image, brand, and therefore their business.
Some of them, they probably don’t even know you’re doing.
It’s just something that comes so natural to you, you just think it’s o.k. to do, so you keep doing it.
And no one’s taken the time to tell you it’s killing your image and brand.
That is…until now (wink, wink).
You know that Facebook is awesome!
And even though you can use it to market business opportunities, you have to do it very passively and rarely.
Facebook is about ongoing updates, recognition, networking, establishing trust, and most
importantly… BONDING.
Your #1 goal is for people to LIKE YOU.
1. First Impressions
Think about it, when you first meet someone, what’s the first thing they see?
Your face right?
So if you’re on FACEbook, why are you hiding behind a company logo or cartoon character on your profile?
Do you really think someone is going to take you seriously with a picture of Tweetybird or Pac-man as a profile picture?
Might I suggest that you add an actual picture of you for your profile pic?
It doesn’t have to be a professional pic. Just be natural and be you.
2. Pitching People on Their Profile
This one really gets me – for a few reasons.
There’s 2 parts to this: 1. When you first network with someone, and 2. After you’ve already networked with someone for an extended period of time.
It states “Amateur” and reeks of unprofessionalism.
If I get those messages on my profile, I warn the friend that I will not accept that activity on my profile, and if it happens again I will delete their profile from my list. (fyi, I’ve only had to do this once so far…)
Perry Belcher put it best when he stated that people need to treat social networking like a dinner party. When you go up to meet someone for the first time at a dinner party do you say, “Hi, My name’s Jeff, and I work for “MLM company X”, do you want to join me in my business?”
Hell no!
You simply build that relationship and get to know the person. If you build that relationship with them, you gain their trust and respect.
So why aren’t you trying this in Facebook?
Instead try something witty or off the wall like, “Hey Cindy, glad to connect with ya here on Facebook. Let me buy you a coffee! Wait, no that only works in person. Dang…let me check my notes on what to say here.”
I guarantee that will get you better responses than “Hi Cindy, glad to connect with you here on Facebook. I’m looking forward to getting to know you.” blah blah blah…
Stand out from the crowd!
3. Pitching Me on A Friend Invite
This is WORSE than #2.
If I get a friend request with a message in it pitching me on a business opp., I automatically decline that friendship.
If more people start doing that, I’m willing to bet that we start to see that activity cease.
Instead, leave a message saying, “Brian, simply wanted to connect with you here on FB ’cause you look awesome in your profile pic – meaning you seem like a real person. Lets connect and see where this goes.”
Again, this will elicit a response.
4. Not Replying to Messages or Comments
This is just dropping the ball and missing out on potential money.
And I’ll admit, I’m guilty of from time to time. But, I’m trying to do better.
See, when you look at Facebook, it’s all about networking.
So when you post a blog feed on your profile, and someone takes the time to comment on it, their network sees it.
When they go to see the full commentary, they’re expecting to see you involved in the commentary.
The more you’re involved and trusted for the content you’re producing, or replying to comments that people see on your profile, the more you’re trusted.
In a way, it’s like giving you a referral to their friend network, which means more eyes on you.
The same thing can be said of replying to messages. Granted, their one on one. But it’s still letting people know that you’re real.
My Brain Moved Too Fast
Apparently, I have a little to say on this topic, with some good ideas to help change the bad habits around.
So if you liked the “Things You’re Doing On Facebook That Are Killing Your Business – Part 1″, stay tuned for the next post on Part 2 where I break down some more ideas to help improve your Facebook strategies.
One thing you can do for me now is hit the little green “Retweet” and blue “Facebook Share” button at the top of this post.
Let your friends also know some things that might also be killing their business. They’ll thank you for it in the long run!
Leaving No Network Marketer Behind,
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Hey Linus,
GREAT post. I wonder how many people will read this and say “Hey WAIT, that’s ME he’s talking about” It’s unfortunate that so many people have been misled on building their profiles. Thanks for sharing.
To Your Continued Success,
Bill
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Linus Ruzicka Reply:
June 23rd, 2010 at 8:42 PM
Bill,
LOL…I was wondering the same thing. Maybe we can change some minds with this post.
Linus
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Great post Linus, and needed.
I am trying to do beter with #4 as well. Sometimes I get busy and miss a comment or fall behind answering messages.
But then again most of those messages are pitching their opportunity
I have my own pet peeve, and it involves Group messages.
Let’s say I get invited to a Group promising me Traffic Tips. I can always use a new tip so I join. However all messages from the Group Leader are either quotes or promtional in nature.
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Linus Ruzicka Reply:
June 23rd, 2010 at 8:44 PM
Peter,
See…I knew I wouldn’t be the only one with issues on #4
But I agree, group messages that promote a biz opp after you’ve joined and are expecting traffic tips and other things are hard to swallow as well.
Keep an eye out for part 2!
Linus
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Hey Linus!
Great post! This is so timely. I just conducted a facebook marketing workshop at my library last night on this very topic!! I agree with Peter also regarding the groups. Can’t wait to see part 2!
Walter
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Linus Ruzicka Reply:
June 24th, 2010 at 10:01 PM
Walter,
Awesome idea about your FB workshops. You’ll have to fill me in more later on!
Linus
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Linus,
Great pointers. I like the one about making sure to always respond to people. I hate it when I comment and they don’t respond to it! There are so many people you can connect with that that those who don’t take the time to respond are those I stop putting my time and effort toward first. Great info– thanks…and thanks for sharing me with your friends too!
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Linus Ruzicka Reply:
June 24th, 2010 at 10:02 PM
Rebecca,
And your action is exactly what simplifies your time and effort. you know which ones to focus on and which ones not to focus on
btw, I saw your Youtube video on the triathlon. Awesome stuff!
God bless,
Linus
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Excellent post Linus. So true about the first impressions and to be reminded about online etiquette. I do have problems with #4 too and sometimes though, not sure how or where to go to reply back or to acknowledge the comments sometimes within the tribe.
Thanks again!
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Linus Ruzicka Reply:
June 24th, 2010 at 10:05 PM
Nelly,
Even within the Tribe is work as well.
I know that we’re all busy with things and get tied up in other marketing matters. So staying focused on following up with people takes a back burner.
Thanks for taking the time to visit and comment!
God Bless,
Linus
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I am guilty of number 4 also. Sometimes just too busy and other times just plain lazy.
Trying to get better at this.
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Linus Ruzicka Reply:
June 24th, 2010 at 10:09 PM
David,
Hey brother! Thanks for stopping by to comment.
Yes…it seems like #4 is a popular point to focus on for many of us. Take a look at the previous comments and you’ll see a common theme developing. LOL
God Bless,
Linus
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Yes, I agree. Be personal able… how you would meet someone NORMALLY. People forget that sometimes.
Be real.
Thanks.
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Linus Ruzicka Reply:
June 29th, 2010 at 5:57 AM
Alecia,
WHat? Be Real? Nah!
It’s obvious that some people didn’t know that about Facebook
They’d rather just have you join them in their business instead.
Linus
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Hi Linus,
This is the first time I have read your blog…so much good info.
I like #2 where you respond to a request…I mush come up with something better than “look forward to getting to know you…”
Look forward to the second part.
Cheers
Bryan
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Linus Ruzicka Reply:
June 29th, 2010 at 5:58 AM
Bryan,
LOL…I know.
I grew tired of the same ol’ comments that you see everyone else write.
I was guilty of it too.
Linus
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Hi Linus,
thanks for sharing this with us. I always wonder why many people don’t get this: That Facebook is a dinner party or a club and that their behaviour needs to be accordingly. At the end of the day, that’s our opportunity. Either they are coachable, then we’re able to help them or either they aren’t, so they will disappear sooner or later. Finally, I have to admit that I’m also guilty of not always following through regarding #4. Great post !
Take care
Oliver
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Linus Ruzicka Reply:
June 29th, 2010 at 5:59 AM
Oliver,
Exactly!
Social networking IS like a dinner party and should be treated like such.
Thanks for stopping by to comment Oliver!
Linus
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Great advice on Facebook. Some people just refuse to “get it”.
Thanks,
Katny
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Linus Ruzicka Reply:
June 29th, 2010 at 6:01 AM
Kathy,
Point blank, you said it!
Love it,
Linus
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Hey Linus
Great post. I see these mistakes all the time. Thanks for pointing them out – you got a share from me… Cheers! Erica
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Linus Ruzicka Reply:
July 21st, 2010 at 8:11 PM
It’s funny how many people continue to make these mistakes.
I had one guy on Facebook compliment me on a great blog post, then he proceeded to pitch me on his biz opp in teh same message! LOL
I called him on it that he didn’t even read the article.
Linus
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