A few weeks ago, National Mortgage News upgraded its presence on Facebook; yours truly now has an account there as well. But we aren't the only ones using Facebook to expand our marketing activities.
The Creative Group, a Menlo Park, Calif.-based advertising, marketing and public relations job placement firm recently surveyed corporate advertising and marketing executives and found that just under half use Facebook for professional or business purposes.
Furthermore, 56% said they plan to use Facebook for professional or business purposes in the next three years.
When respondents were asked to estimate what percentage of their Facebook friends are business or professional contacts, the mean response was 21%.
"Chances are, nearly everyone you know—from your dentist to your colleague—is a part of at least one online community," said Donna Farrugia, executive director of The Creative Group. "Whether it's Facebook, Twitter or Google+, people are finding social networks useful for expanding their professional contact base, mining information that can help them in their careers, and showcasing their strengths and industry expertise."
The Creative Group had five hints for using social media to maximum level to boost one's career. They are:
1. Divide and conquer. Not everyone in your social network needs to know about your Friday dinner plans or musings on the latest blockbuster movie. Segment your friend lists so professional contacts aren't inundated with updates they wouldn't want to—or shouldn't—see. Also check your privacy settings to control who has access to what information.
2. Be a guru. Share nuggets of useful information with your business contacts, and offer advice when they ask for recommendations or ideas.
3. Give and you shall receive. Be generous with your contacts by offering to make introductions or sharing useful information they post with your own network.
4. Use photo features. Even if you maintain a personal website or digital portfolio, you can provide your online contacts with a snapshot of your latest professional project or even your entire body of work. Creating albums on Flickr or Facebook, or using Twitpic or similar photo-sharing tools, is an easy way to visually show potential clients or employers your career accomplishments and showcase new skills.
5. Resist the urge to rant. Never say anything disparaging about your current or former company, coworkers, clients or other business contacts. You never know who might see your comments and forward them on.
