It was mentioned last week that you need to participate in the Facebook groups you belong to in order to make valuable connections. This is obvious, of course, but you’d be amazed at how many people join groups and then do nothing. They rarely post or comment. Or worse yet – they lurk in the background.

Everyone in Facebook groups is there for the same reason. They want to learn, to share, to stay in contact and to be a part of the group. 

It doesn’t matter whether you’re shy or outspoken; you have to participate in the group to make valuable business and personal connections. 

Follow the rules. Each group creator sets rules and guidelines for their members to follow. When you join a Facebook group, read them if they are available. Look in the About section, in the pinned posts, or under the Files tab. 

Think of it as if you were staying at someone’s house for a long time. You would abide by the rules of that house, right? Not doing so would be rude and create uncomfortable situations. Most people wouldn’t think of acting this way in someone else’s home, so in the same way you can’t be rude and break the rules in a Facebook group you joined.

Get permission from the administrator or moderator before posting something that might be controversial or contains links to your services. If you aren’t sure if something is allowed, it’s best to get permission first.

Help by answering questions. Answer other participant’s questions, and you will quickly gain visibility within the group. Helping others without asking for something in return builds trust and credibility in others.

Participate regularly in 1-5 targeted groups. Post or comment at least once or twice a week. 

Ask relevant questions. Are you having a problem with something that relates to your niche? Maybe it’s something technical like setting up your blog or maybe you’re having problems getting clients. Ask others for advice. Put yourself out there. The worst thing that can happen is no one responds. This also gives you an idea of what people aren’t interested in.

Be courteous. Just because you aren’t talking face-to-face doesn’t mean you shouldn’t have manners. Don’t be rude or put other people down just because they don’t have the same opinion as you. And don’t ridicule others on their grammar, spelling or questions you think are silly. Answer questions and offer support in a way that is friendly and taken the way it is meant. 

Play nice and accept cultural differences. Facebook isn’t specific to one culture. Almost every group will have a diverse range of cultures. It’s part of the fun of interacting online, learning new things from other cultures, setting up projects with them and sharing stories together. Don’t alienate someone from another culture just because you don’t understand them or share their beliefs.

Offer to help those who you can. Remember we’re all starting from somewhere. If you have the experience or knowledge to help someone who is clearly struggling in the group, offer to help them. Don’t expect anything from them in return.  

Give special access. Give Facebook group members special access to events you’re holding. It’s a great way to help people get to know your business. For example, allow members of certain groups to buy tickets at a discount to your event before they go on sale to everyone.

Participation in the Facebook groups you belong to is key to building your networking relationships. It does no one any good to be a member of hundreds of groups only to ignore them. Not only are you wasting your time by joining, you’re also wasting the opportunity to build strong business relationships.

This is Part Three of a Three Part Series. 

Part One can be found here:
https://realtytechbytes.com/networking-with-facebook-groups-to-grow-your-business

Part Two Can Be Found Here:
https://realtytechbytes.com/eight-ways-to-make-facebook-groups-your-secret-weapon-for-networking