Facebook Fascination Part 2.0

Feb. 8, 2009

Facebook Fascination Part 2.0
Rick Coates 2/9/09


Facebook has become essentially the modern day virtual class and family reunion, giving users 24/7 access to long lost acquaintances, former classmates, relatives, friends and even business associates, Facebook and other social networking sites (MySpace, Twitter, Friendster) seem to be here to stay. Projections point to Facebook having more than 500 million users by the end of 2011.
But not everyone is fanatical about Facebook. Just ask realtor and radio personality Jack Lane of Traverse City.
“I see it as the Trojan horse of the 21st century,” Lane says. “There are some people who are always searching for something in their life -- something that they think is missing. This idea of finding former friends and classmates is an odd one. I believe there is a reason why people are in your past, and maybe they should stay there.”
While not a fan, Lane maintains a Facebook account to keep up with his college-age sons. He is not alone: many parents open Facebook accounts to stay in touch with kids who are off at college.
Bev Sanchez of Petoskey also is not a big fan of Facebook.
“I opened an account last fall because friends from high school were planning our 20th class reunion this summer downstate and they wanted all of us to get accounts to stay in touch,” said Sanchez. “Well, all of sudden I have these girls that were mean to me in school are now my Facebook friends. I am thinking, what a joke, I don’t even like them. Why are they my Facebook friends? I cancelled my account and I call it Fakebook or Fraudbook.”

THE BENEFITS
But while Facebook and other social networking sites might have their flaws, the benefits seem to far out weigh the negatives. Even Lane admits that from a business perspective he sees possibilities in social networking sites.
“I am amazed at how fast Facebook has grown in just the last month,” Lane says. “These sites were originally for socializing, but I now see some merits from a business perspective.”
Jodi Mallow Mass, whose company ATI Attraction Marketing in Traverse City uses social networking sites, agrees.
“Social media sites are a virtually free global marketing avenue for business,” said Maas. “Through social channels such as e-communities, blogging and networking sites, relationships are built and ideas shared. In turn, attraction-marketing organically occurs, resulting in an un-intrusive and highly effective way to get permission to market to someone”
Maas, along with her business partner Michelle Corteggiano, will be offering workshops for businesses and individuals on how to use social networking sites such as Facebook or Twitter for one’s business.
“When you take into consideration that the Generation Y population (those under 35) is nearly 80 million and they were all raised on technology, and this generation will be the driving force behind future businesses, it is important that businesses stay ahead of techno-savvy customers,” Corteggiano says. “The buzz being heard globally is don’t wait, now is the time to get yourself and your business on top of the social media explosion.”

MAJOR MEDIA
Industry trends are pointing to a shift in how consumers get information and how they are being marketed to. Even major media sources such as the New York Times and the BBC have joined the Facebook explosion.
“Look, you are either in or you are out, right?” says Corteggiano. “You have to pay close attention to the integration of social networking into your business. A key aspect to remember is that you must first make friends before you ever share your business. Many social networking sites are like a party and you don’t want to be ‘that guy’ -- you know, the one that you can’t get away from fast enough.”
The fascination with Facebook is growing so fast that industry experts figure over 20 million new accounts have opened since the beginning of 2009. Those who use Facebook reference the professional nature of the site and the ability to locate long-lost classmates and friends from the past.
A downside is that Facebook and other social networking sites can be very time-consuming. Some businesses ban their employees from using Facebook during work hours. But experts say this might not be practical in the near future, as Facebook might become a sales or marketing tool.

CONTROLLING INFO
If reconnecting with long lost friends and classmates or staying connected with family and friends who live half way around the globe interests you, Facebook might be your answer. It is unobtrusive; you control what information is out there about yourself and who has access to it. Cancelling your Facebook account is easy and only takes seconds and your information is removed completely.
If you are not convinced that a Facebook account is for you, consider these business and professional reasons that social networking experts point to for having an account:

1. Business Contacts: By 2011, more than 500 million Facebook users will create a virtual web of potential business contacts.

2. Connections: Facebook opens the doors to people that in the past might have been inaccessible.

3. Peers: Facebook is a great way to get connected with peers. You may list your business, school and professional affilations and this allows others to find you and you to find others. Sales and job leads are all about networking, and Facebook allows you to expand your network to every corner of the world.

4. Visibility: Unless you are a celebrity or political leader, it is virtually impossible to have a world audience. Facebook puts everyone on an even playing field when it comes to “visibility.” You have to show up and stay active, but by doing so you increase your visibility and your contacts.

5. Target Marketing: Identifying target markets through typical channels can cost a fortune. Facebook simplifies this process and allows users to target their audience easily and cost-effectively.

6. Free: For the most part, Facebook and other social networking sites are all free. Sure, they have “pay to use” programs, but you can easily promote a product or an event on Facebook by investing only your time.

Opening a Facebook account is simple: in 30 minutes you can have a photo up on your site, provide basic information about yourself, and acquire 30 friends. If you are interested in learning more about how to use Facebook and other social networking sites in your business, contact Jody Mallow Maas and Michelle Corteggiano at ATI Attraction Marketing via their website atiattractionmarketing.com or by calling 231-649-1732 . They have a couple of two-day workshops, February 20-21 at Northwestern Michigan College in Traverse City, and February 27-28 in Cadillac.

Of course we have caught the Facebook bug here at Northern Express, find our fan page by searching Northern Express on Facebook.