10e20 Blog

Everyday I see numerous new posts about Facebook. How to get started | why you should use it | everyone is using it | you aren’t using it? | its the *insert word here* killer | etc. But rarely have I seen anything about how a professional can use Facebook and actually get something good out of it. Well Web Worker Daily has a good post with 12 ways:

1. Think of it like personalizing your desk. Only display on your profile what you’d put on your desk.

2. Look for old co-workers and current connections. Many times you can find more people here then on LinkedIn and stay connected better.

3. Add friends selectively. Despite what you might think, its not a popularity contest. Think quality over quantity.

4. Add apps selectively. There are over 2000 Facebook apps that you can add. A lot aren’t right for you. Only add the ones that are going to help you.

5. Edit your news feed preferences. Set your preferences so that you are only being alerted when something happens that will be useful to you. Someone adds a new picture: No. Someone adds a new contact: Yes.

6. Edit your profile and security settings. Be selective showing what to whom. In most cases you don’t want to use the default settings which will probably show more information than you would like.

7. Incorporate the tools you’re already using into your profile. If you’re already using Digg, Twitter, etc - then add them into your profile. Run a blog? Publish the feed. In short - make your profile work for you.

8. Join Groups related to your business interests. Just like in real life, there are a lot of dumb groups on Facebook . So stay away from them and hunt down the few that can really help you. Cut through the noise and find the ones that will help enrich your day and grow professionally. One hint: see what your respected contacts are joining as those might be good matches for you.

9. Limit time wasted on Facebook. You can easily sit there and waste tons of time on Facebook. That doesn’t help you professionally - at all. Set limits for yourself. Or access Facebook from your mobile when you are in the car/on the train/etc - the mobile version is great.

10. Be philanthropic. You’ll be helping others, which is good karma. But you will also look good to your contacts in the process.

11. Ask Questions. The My Questions app is a great way to tap into your contacts’ knowledge en masse.

12. Look for events. One thing I have found is that the best online relationships are supplemented by face-to-face networking or meetings. Use Facebook to find these opportunities - they are out there.