How To Backfire Using Facebook

I use Facebook. I've made mistakes (nobody's perfect after all) but fortunately from just observing what other people do, I've been able to avoid making too many mistakes.

One thing I've observed that is a sales backfire is someone using their personal Facebook account for business. I mean outright SALES. A person who uses Facebook this way can even turn off dear friends.

Here's an example of how that works - er...fails.

Your Facebook friend mentions her mother's birthday is coming up, and she posts this:

"My mom's birthday is coming up! She's going to be 60! We are planning a big party because it's also the weekend of my parents' 35th wedding anniversary! We're so excited!"

As a pencil portrait artist, of course you see a lot of potential here to "make a sale." As you know, as pencil portrait artists, our portraits DO make great birthday and anniversary gifts. Sure would be great to point that out, wouldn't it? [Warning! Warning! Do NOT do this!] But hold up, Sparky! Your friend did not ask for gift ideas for the occasion.

"Yay! I can create a beautiful portrait to commemorate this occasion! My portraits make great gifts for weddings AND anniversaries!"

If I could add sound effects to my blog, right here I'd put the sound of an aircraft going down in flames with a spiral of black smoke coming out of the engines.

Business "experts" might even advise you to work in your sales pitch into a personal conversation. On the other hand, why not just be a friend instead of a salesperson . People on your list probably already know you do pencil portraits and art. Or whatever it is you sell or do. They already know!

By blasting that stuff in there, even though you tried to seem conversational, you have failed. Your friend just wants you to be a friend.

This is similar to your friend inviting you into their house to a party, and you bringing your portfolio and shoving it in peoples' faces without your friend even inviting you to bring your portfolio. They invited YOU, not your portfolio. Appreciate that. Do you think you would ever be invited to another party at her house again after being so pushy? Most likely not. No "sale" is worth losing a friend.

The best response is something along the lines of "How wonderful that your parents have had such a long and happy marriage! If I can help you with anything for the party, let me know!"
Of course, don't offer to help with the party if you really can't help...but your friend is really just looking for some affirmation of how great the party and event will be, and she's clearly proud of her family.

If there is a secret to success on Twitter or Facebook, it's as easy as just being a friend and being appreciative. Work on being positive, but never be fake with compliments. If you say their kids are adorable, you better mean it. As ridiculous as it seems people keep trying to fake sincerity. It never works!

Let your business promotion happen naturally, do not force it. If you want a business promotion page, then set up a SEPARATE fan page for your art business. These pages are free to set up on Facebook.

Questions or comments on this topic? You can leave them here or feel free to contact me on Twitter @DarlaDixon.