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It is Monday! Time to get back to work...
I am a fan of all technology.But I am mostly inspired by Mr. Steve Jobs (1955-2011).Though his products have revolutionized the entire world, it is what he accomplished and how he persevered that is most inspiring to me.Who got fired from their own company? Steve Jobs.Who went back with an even better idea than before? Steve Jobs.Who continued to push forward with his idea AFTER it was mocked and labeled 'impossible?'Who pushed on even after seeing Bill Gates' make his first billion in the same industry he was in? Steve Jobs.And, who can we credit for the iPhone, iPad, MacBook, and all things Apple? That's right - Steve Jobs.Of course, he had a team, supporters, and people to push him into what he was destined to do. I do not discount their role in anyway!But, ultimately when there were no fans and no support, he continued on.I find it rather ironic that His name was Jobs and his products and genius have created many jobs. January 24, 1984 - 21 years ago today - Steve Jobs' company Apple launched their first Macintosh computer at the annual shareholders' meeting. And the rest is well, history.
We've all read the articles, blogs and case studies. They don't always agree either.
Some will strongly suggest that employers should allow their employees to use Facebook as it has been shown to increase their motivation to work. A little peek on their social media pages won't harm, right?
Yet other bloggers and professionals strongly caution business owners that the social network with almost 1 billion active users per day is a time stealer and should be avoided during normal working hours so that productivity is maximized.
We even have handy tools like Hootsuite, buffer, and similar services that help us schedule our social media updates so we can remain focused and productive without actually logging into the website.
However, I have found that using Facebook as a mode of communication for prospective and current clients is faster and more efficient than emails.
What is it about being able to interact with someone on a mostly informal platform that can attract customers?
1. Clients get to know more about the REAL you. People like to interact with people, not brands.
As Facebook is a social networking site that houses information about people in a way that is unique to their platform, it allows people to get to know the face and personality behind the products and services they need.
We like to do business with people we know, and if we like them, that's even better. Facebook offers an opportunity to learn a little about the people you do business with. It goes beyond the education and experience that you can easily find on networks like Linkedin or Twitter, and delves deeper into their personalities.
When all else is equal, your personality is likely to play a major factor in a prospective client choosing you instead of a competitor. Be wise with the things you "like" and your status updates, but don't be afraid to share a little bit about yourself.
2. Real time interaction is more suitable for our fast paced work environment. It seems that many people are logged into Facebook most of the time. It is easier to reach people and get answers more quickly when compared to emails and telephone calls.
Facebook gives people a way to reach you in your personal space without actually invading your personal space.
Recently, I have been able to get customer service issues resolved with companies on Facebook more quickly than through email. It is then that I began to avail myself on the social network more frequently.
Though it was not what I had expected, I was able to resolve my issues quickly and professionally. All emails are saved unless you delete them so you can always go back and review or copy/paste links if necessary.
3. Colleagues and professionals in your field can be helpful resources. I also enjoy being able to chat with other professionals via chat if I run into an issue I need resolved, or find something that could be resourceful to us. Whether they are using Facebook on the web or Facebook mobile, I can see when they read my message and am more likely to get a response more quickly than if I call, text, or email them.
Facebook groups are also a great way to network and gain access to a pool of resources you may not have been able to find on your own. Whether I am logged into my Facebook for Business page or have the site running in the background, I am in control of how often I interact.
4. Keeping your chat available for your clients communicates that you are willing to meet their needs when they have them, even beyond your normal business hours. Let's face it, we all want fast and easy access to the companies we do business with. I like the fact that I can log on to my cell phone providers chat line on the web when I am busy but have a question or concern. Getting on the telephone can be disruptive for writers who are in their groove. It is not easy to get back to your flow when you've been disrupted with a phone call, at least it isn't for me.
Availing myself to clients and prospective clients via Facebook is a great way for me to be accessible without the disruption to what I am doing. I especially like the feature where you can turn chat on for certain users, or turn chat off for certain users. You can control who see's that you're online.
Facebook is a vehicle you can use for your profit, but if it is a hindrance and disruptive to your workflow, you should develop a system that works for you. Using their email notifications might be a great alternative if you find that being logged into the website tempts you to endlessly scroll through peoples pages and status updates.
As with many things on the web, you have to use wisdom. If Facebook is a distraction from your daily routine, use it sparingly and only at certain times.
But with the right technique and attitude, you can make yourself available on Facebook during your work day and still be productive in your duties.
