Why Can’t I Just Copy What My Company Posts on Facebook?

Chances are, your direct selling company has a presence on Facebook. And that’s great news, because a Facebook Page can be a great way for all the representatives in your company to gain brand recognition and exposure. However there is a right way and a wrong way to use the content from your company’s fan page, and I want to talk with you about that today.

The Difference Between Content on a PAGE and on your PROFILE
First, let’s talk about the differences between what should be shared on a PAGE versus a PROFILE. A Page is a business presence on Facebook. When people “Like” a Page, they are essentially opting in for business messages from that organization. Therefore, it is acceptable to include more overt product and opportunity messages on a Page.

Contrast that with your profile, where you are connected to MANY folks, not just those for your business. People have NOT opted in for business messages from you, and therefore you should not be including “Join my Team” and “Buy my Stuff” posts there. So even if you see that type of post on your company’s Page, it doesn’t mean you should post it to your own Profile. So express your enthusiasm for your company’s post on their Page through a comment or a like, but don’t copy it over to your status with the Share button.

Here’s an example of an update that is perfectly acceptable as a Page update, but should not be used on a Profile:

Then Where Can I Share That Info?
Great question! If your company shares content that is more appropriate for an opt-in list, you still have options. Copy and paste the status and the link into your Facebook Group, or use it in an email to your list. It’s not that you shouldn’t share it anywhere. Just don’t spam people that haven’t requested business messages from you.

So What Can I Share from My Company’s Page?
Another great question! Your company should not only be sharing overt product and opportunity messages, but also messages that provide value to the general public. These are great to share through your profile. What should you be looking for?

Content people can use right now without spending a dime
Videos and posts that talk about the charitable work of your company
Fun contests your company is running

By focusing on the “value” pieces of your company’s page, you can provide exposure for your company without being overtly “sales-y” and turning off your friends.

Here’s an example:

So the next time you see something on your company’s Facebook Page that you want to share with your contacts, take a moment and think about the best place to share it. Is it something that applies to the general public? Or would it better be shared with a specific opt-in list? By sharing content appropriately, you will avoid spamming (and creating ill-will) and better market your own business through social media.

Your thoughts? Would love to read them in the comments!

coded by nessus

leo young

May 14, 2010 | 12:08 pm

hey jennifer
i am looking to attrace expierenced MLM people that are tired of boounding from one mlm to another, whos pay plan is inferior, or who is disatisfied with their current company.

how do i use FB and Twitter to do that

Leo

Lori Sauerwein

May 10, 2010 | 12:19 pm

Great comments, Martha. And Jen, another insightful and timely post (and no… I’m not just saying that because Reliv is your example!)

When I first started studying social media, someone said that Dale Carnegie was the original “guru” of social networking — and a light bulb went on for me. His concept of understanding what the other guy needs and then offering a solution to fulfill that need, is based on building relationships. And that’s at the heart of both direct selling and social media.

The process of building and nurturing relationships doesn’t change just because you’re using a different medium. You wouldn’t stand up at a PTA meeting and start lecturing everyone about your business opportunity. But you probably would tell the person next to you who said she wants to lose weight about an article you just read that lists the most popular nutritional supplements for weight loss.

Don’t let the computer screen fool you… as Jen says, there’s a person at the other end of that user name!

Michael J Ruiz

May 10, 2010 | 11:33 am

Jen:

This is a truly timely piece of information!! I’m new to the Social Media world, especially as far as business goes, so this is really informative.

Is there a primer of some sort out there that will help me to make sense of the groups vs. pages vs. profiles vs. walls? How do I build a business-related room in my Facebook house? Oh, yes, and how do I get rid of the farm animals and gangsters without de-friending or insulting those who are already my friends? I’m a friend on Facebook and follow you on Twitter, and I love your stuff.

Thanks for all, you REALLY ROCK!!!!!

Michael J. Ruiz
Independent Marketing Director
Team National

Jennifer Fong
May 10, 2010 | 11:38 am

Michael…here’s one post that may help: Facebook Profile, Page, Group…What’s the Difference?

For all the other stuff, you may be interested (here comes the shameless plug) for my new Facebook course, coming in June: Effective Facebook Strategies for Your Direct Selling Business

Hope that helps!
Jennifer

Martha McBride

May 10, 2010 | 11:09 am

It’s still really smart to invite all your customers/party guests to be your friend on Facebook, but that’s not to have access to “pitch” them regularly. It’s just the evolution of the long-established value of the “relationship” part of relationship marketing. (The whole, know you, like you, trust you lesson we learned before there even was a Facebook – or even a MySpace.)

It can be hard for independent consultants to distinguish between what they SHOULD be saying/doing on Facebook, etc. and what is going to alienate their normal friends – as well as the potential clients or team members they’re connecting with online. Consultants read and hear all the time about how powerful social media is, and how they should be “using it for business.” Unfortunately, that often seems to translate into frequent status updates along the lines of “Buy from me by midnight Sunday and get 20% off!!!” or “Looking for a great job where you Party for a living???? Ask me how!!!!”

You can admire the effort and still end up cringing each time you see it. Or WORSE, you can start blocking them from your FB feed because you’re tired of the sales pitches.

It’s going to be interesting to watch how social media use by direct sellers evolves. With your help, Jennifer, the message will get through, I’m sure.