Or, the confessions of yet another yet another Facebook Reject
Confessions of a Facebook Reject
Some things just have to be blogged pronto, This is an entirely off the cuff post.
My reasons for writing it are four-fold:
1. I’d like Kathleen Gage back on Facebook, please and thank you, ‘cos she’s good people ( I’ve read her stuff, listened to her stellar calls – and I’m actually interviewing her in a couple of weeks).
2. It seems Facebook seems to ban people arbitrarily, while at the same time encouraging marketers to increase their exposure on its platform. Mixed messages, methinks.
3. In her post about her current reject status Kathleen made some great points which are directly related to my post of Monday. They gave me several “YES!” moments.
My post wasn’t really about not getting banned or not. It was about having a strategic plan for your Social networking efforts. A plan based on your business goals and developing a quality network, which, while it may not be huge, gets you nearer to those goals and ensures you are selective about who you connect with. You can read the post here:
A Simple Social Media Networking Plan to Get You Started
And it’s not to say Kathleen didn’t have a plan. In her post from outside the high steep unscaleable walls of Facebook she highlights some of the potential land mines that can get you banned on Facebook – thousands of followers, people who don’t really give a hoot about you really, people who only want to sell, sell, sell. Are those people friends? Can you have 5,000 friends?
Says Kathleen:
“Since this incident began I have given a lot of thought to what Social Networking really means. In the truest sense it is about building a community; one in which people want to be a part of our network. “
Unfortunately, this is not how many people are positioning their Social Network involvement. Lots of people, myself included, have been guilty of going for quantity rather than quality. It’s as if the Social Network demons take over our bodies and chant, “More, more, more.”
Yes. It seems to be the more “friends” the merrier, with huge potential to backfire royally (at least on Facebook). I resisted that siren call because I wanted quality over quantity and that meant being picky. When people I do not know send me invites I always try to see what we have in common… and I have never had a problem saying no if there’s nothing. If we have something in common, even if it’s by association it’s often a go. Even then, it depends. Facebook has always been my “personal” network though, not really for business. Only a week ago, concerned I might be missing marketing opportunities, I set up a page… that will give me exposure to my business without me marketing at my friends. It will take time to build, is yet another “network” to figure out and nurture however as with anything worthwhile, it taking time is a given.
Some quotable nuggets from Kathleen – and all of them are great so do read her post.
1. Determine why you are involved in a network. Based on this, plan out what is your best approach and level of involvement.
2. Invite only those people you really want to be connected with. When you send a friend’s invitation add a short note to the request. Be sure not to use the exact same message with each request or you will feel the Facebook Bolt of Lightning strike down on you.
The most important lesson in all of this is take time to build a quality network (and yes that means time) and you will likely minimize your chances of you joining the ranks of Facebook Rejects.
Oh, and my 4th reason for blogging this? I thought Kathleen’s post is so classy. No ranting, raving or sarkiness…just a great post with lessons learned. and tips for all of us.
So Facebook, PLEASE let Kathleen back on. Reactivate her account because Facebook is important to her business. She’s promised to be good.
And now for the honestly shameless plug…I will be interviewing Kathleen on Wednesday April 29th on how she makes a ton of money with Teleseminars. (I already know, but I want her to tell other entrepreneurs and small business people). It’s a message we all need to hear until we’re doing it too. Making money that is. If you’d like to join us, you can get the low-down and register here.
Right, I’m off to find that FB group for letting Kathleen back from FB purgatory. Good luck KG! When they let you back on I’ll add you as a friend!
on 
{ 2 comments… read them below or add one }
Thanks so much for this post Nicky. I really appreciate your support in this amazingly interesting experience.
And….I am thrilled to be interviewed by you. And yes, I will be sharing with your listeners how I make lots of money with teleseminars. Oooops. There goes another shameless plug for the two of us.
Kathleen
Hi Nicky,
I don’t know Kathleen. What I do know is that the blogosphere and our social networks are full of internet marketers, who are addicted to spamming ie. advertising overkill. Yes, there is a backlash building and unless marketers stop, listen and learn they will be reported and banned.
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