Networking Through Facebook Groups and Fan Pages

The most important thing we ever do in business is build relationships. Only through relationship building activities do we build trust with others. I have found networking offline to be the greatest asset to my business and it is just as true online. When I first joined Facebook a number of years ago, I only connected with others as they requested to be my friend on Facebook. I was not giving Facebook the attention it deserved. It didn’t dawn on me at the time that Facebook was no different than all the networking I was doing through the Chamber, BNI and other networking venues.

The funny thing that occurred as a result is that I only became friends with people I already knew or individuals who were already in my business. For a start that was great however I was missing the boat in terms of using Facebook as a venue to network and grow my business. Yes, it is a social network first however it is perfect place to network, create new friendships and ultimately grow your business.

Fast forward to now and I am rapidly growing my network on Facebook. I have simple strategy. I simply make 20 friend requests per day. The key point here is that just making friend requests alone will not build your community or tribe. You must connect first and foremost.

The way I go about doing this is to become apart of groups and fan pages I have a sincere passion for the topic or cause they represent. I also look for groups that represent my value system and that attract others with a similar value system. Once I identify these groups or fan pages then I write something from the heart that speaks to topic, personal development leader or program we have in common.

The following is an example. I am a big fan of Tony Robbins so I go join the official Tony Robbins group. I would click to see the whole list of members of this group. I would then go to my email program and write something that would connect with other members of this group. “I see you are a fan of Tony Robbins. I have followed his work for years. I have used a prosperity affirmation I got from Tony which totally transformed my life. I love networking with other positive uplifting people and I look forward to connecting on FB. ” I would then cut and paste this into my personal note prior to requesting to be their friend.

This personalizes the activity of making friend requests and gives an opportunity to have a common bond to start out a potential dialogue. I see this as priming the pump of my networking on Facebook. As a result of this activity a certain percentage of the people will direct message or write me a message on my wall. This starts the dialogue and the relationship building process. The video below goes into a bit more detail. Enjoy. Also, I invite your comments, ideas and tips.

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