Professionals Don't SPAM Your Facebook Page

There's probably a rant in here somewhere. But I prefer to think of this as a What NOT to DO when Marketing on Facebook (which, you're probably not really supposed to do anyways).

Facebook is a Social Network designed specifically for connecting or reconnecting with old buddies, associates, classmates and f-fs. (You know, family and friends.) As such, it really isn't intended to be a Marketing highway so much as it is supposed to be a relationship building site. (I've even heard there have been marriages come from people who meet - or are introduced - on Facebook. Who knew?)

Don't make every post ALL about your product.

Instead - take this opportunity to get to know your readers. Connect on social venues, such as children, hobbies, outside of work interests, quotes, concepts and ideas that you can share with others.

Don't spam your friend's pages with your product links.

Instead - ask questions about their interests, their families, their hobbies, their work interests, their concepts and ideas. Respond to their comments and posts as if you're interested in what they have to say - who knows, you might find you have common enough interests to share your product at some point, make a sale, or even bring on an associate.

Don't send out an invitation or announcement to a whole list of people.

Instead - create an event and invite people on your friends list to your event. Make it fun, something they might really want to attend. If you're selling fermented grass seed, for instance... Invite them to your Lawn Party - tell them to bring flip flops and wear white pants that need grass stains on the fanny. Grab their attention with something fun and familiar. (Ice Cream is always enticing. Bring your own bucket works!)

TIP: I once had an online coffee - reminded everyone by personal post on their page to bring a cup of coffee to the meeting. Have fun with it! That's acceptable.

Don't get stuck in a posting rutt.

Instead - write fun, exciting posts that people will read and comment on. This is the very best part of micro-blogging on a social network. You know right away exactly what will grab attention. If nobody comments, you know you touched nobody. If you get lots of comments, you can tell immediately who is following you.

Don't get sucked in to the personal battles of illusion.

Instead - if you're attacked by a fellow poster, consider where the poster comes from. If you're truly said something offensive, feel free to delete it. If the poster is out of line, feel free to unfriend him/her. It's okay to delete a barn burner off your friends list. They've probably been deleted before and this is probably the closest you'll ever get to legally eliminating a traitor/friend.