Are you using Facebook groups to encourage people to view you as an influencer? A local social media colleague of mine, Hollie Clere, is doing just that.

Co-owner of The Social Media Advisor with eight years of social media consulting under her belt, Hollie recently launched a Facebook group called #BeAwesome in Social Media. https://www.facebook.com/groups/617631178389147/

beawesome group

In just under a month, the group has grown to over 200 members, with Hollie’s questions and tips leading to lively discussions.

Should you wish to create a group, be careful and detailed when you outline its purpose and how it operates. Be very specific about what topics can be posted in group discussions, how to invite people to become members, and any other “ground rules”.

Here are some examples of ways Hollie uses her group to help her become even more of an influencer than she already is.

Some Ways to Use a Facebook Group for Business

  • Ask questions relevant to your industry. You can ask questions of group members that have been posed to you by people who value your expertise. You can also ask questions about things you are curious about to see what others have to say. Examples of the kinds of questions Hollie has asked include: Do you make recommendations on LinkedIn for people who have given you great customer service or worked well on a project? Why or why not? Why use Twitter? How do I get more followers on Facebook without paying for them?
  • Respond to the all the answers and comments you get. Once you get group discussions going, you need to respond in a timely manner – and that means you have to monitor your page regularly. Hollie does a great job of providing information as well as sharing her own practices. She also shares links that relate to the topic under discussion.
  • Respond to questions posed by group members. Once you start to become known as an expert, members of your group will turn to you with questions. It is imperative that you respond quickly with practical tips and personal observations that will be helpful to the person posing the question.
  • Post upcoming classes and other events. Since group members will come to regard you as a knowledgeable person in your field, be sure to post information about your classes and trainings. You can also use this space to share information about classes and trainings in allied areas run by people whose expertise you admire.

 

 

How About You?

How have you been using Facebook groups for your business? What tips do you have for someone just starting such a Facebook group?

About Joyce

Joyce Feustel, Founder of Boomers' Social Media Tutor

Joyce Feustel helps people, especially those age 50 and up, to become more effective using social media, especially Facebook, LinkedIn, Pinterest, and Twitter.

She provides social media tutoring and training to business owners, business development professionals, authors, speakers, coaches, business consultants, job seekers and many others. Find her at www.boomerssocialmediatutor.com.