5 Tips for Quality Connections on Facebook by Jackie Ulmer

In this article, Jackie speaks from experience—and it shows! She built a large business from home and online in a company that would normally be considered a “party plan.” Her common sense approach and clear writing style will help “newbies” as well as be a great reminder who those who may have become lazy with their Facebook relationships. Janet

How many times does it happen to you (or do you DO it?) You get a random friend request from someone you don’t know; they have a picture of their dog; their wall is blocked from the public and they don’t send a personal message saying why they want to be friends?

ARGH!?! What is up with that?

Facebook and Social Media sites are NOT the place for Drive By connections! If you want to use Facebook successfully for your business, here are 5 key tips for making real connections with people.

1. Send a personal message

2. Use your REAL picture

3. Invest time in making sure you are networking with people who share your values

4. Keep your wall clean

5. Engage regularly

Tip #1 – Send a personal message.
If you don’t really know someone, and you want them to accept you as a friend, take the time to make some type of connection for them. Tell them why you are requesting their friendship; tell them who and/or what you have in common; share something about them that makes you interested in not just adding them to your “posse” but connecting with and getting to know them.

Tip #2 – Use a real picture.
You’ve probably heard this before, but is it called FACEBOOK for a reason. I don’t know about you, but I have no interest in connecting with someone’s dog or bottle of juice in cyberspace. That’s not a connection. You don’t have to be a supermodel; but you do want to be smiling; dressed appropriately; and preferably by yourself in the picture so we know with whom we are accepting a connection.

Tip #3 – Invest time in making sure you are networking with people who share your values.
Personally, I check out the profile and wall of everyone who makes a friend request, and of those who I make friend requests of. I’m not interested in profanity, your politics (within reason) or how wasted you got in Vegas last weekend. And, I am not interested in your Farmville, Mafia wars or Blingie things either. What things will I see immediately on your wall or profile that let me know we have things in common?

Tip #4 – Keep your wall clean.
People will make an immediate judgment and evaluation of you within seconds of landing on your wall. What impression do you want them to make? If it’s filled with nothing but opportunity ads and game scores, what do you suppose that perception is going to be? Your wall represents you, every bit as much if not more than your picture. Visit your wall regularly and make sure it is “representing” well for you and that others aren’t cluttering it up, either.

Tip #5 – Engage regularly. Adding a “friend” is one thing; developing a friendship is another.
Make it a point to get to know people. Send a personal message; visit the profiles of friends regularly and just say hi; start a conversation; get to know them. Your goal in social media marketing is to stand out from the crowd; to be memorable; even more, to become unforgettable! This is done by having a voice and engaging it with others!

Facebook is an amazing tool for finding others; connecting and developing your business when used correctly. I hope these tips have been useful.