Would you ever go to a party, run into the room, and scream, ‘Buy my stuff!’...only to turn right around and leave?
What about going to a networking event and yelling, ‘Who wants a drink?’ and pulling aside everyone who says, “Me!” to convince them to buy the drinks you have stashed in your bag instead of going to the bar?
Annnnd, would you get all ready and dressed (as in, put on pants and leave your house), and show up to a meetup event only to hide in the corner eavesdropping on what everyone else says, go home, and wonder why you didn’t meet any potential clients?
I’m going to guess, no, no you would not. Because that would be weird and wouldn’t work.
Except, I see this behavior happening online inside FB groups all day, everyday.
Entrepreneurs, who I KNOW mean well, are showing up in groups and just dropping their offers and bouncing, which is like running into a room, screaming, and leaving.
They’re asking questions in groups and then harassing anyone brave enough to engage with DMs that are only about what they have to sell.
Or, they’re silently scrolling and lurking for hours wondering why the clients aren’t rolling in.
Then, those same people claim ‘FB groups are dead’ or ‘FB groups don’t work.’
(Btw, FB groups are very much alive and continue to be a part of marketing strategy that’s allowed me to get and stay fully booked and make consistent five-figure cash months.)
If this is making you cringe because it feels close to home, no shame. People are teaching this is the way to make money online, and I’m here to let you know there’s a better way.
A really simple rule of thumb with FB groups (or any kind of social media marketing) is to remember that things don’t change just because there’s a screen between you and someone else.
Remember, FB groups are simply communities of people. Ask yourself what you’d do if you showed up somewhere offline with a group of people. How would you act?
I’m guessing, you’d probably say hi, introduce yourself, and start up a conversation with someone. And, if you noticed your work could help the person you’re talking to, you’d let them know. You might give them a card or let them know how to connect with you later.
Sounds about right and pretty simple right? And, it’s the same thing when you’re marketing online and hanging out in online communities.
Show up and behave in groups online the same way you would if you showed up to an event or party offline - like your awesome self.
The more you show up this way, the more you’ll find, FB groups aren’t dead and online marketing can be a great way to meet new people, grow your audience, and your business.
Wishing you your version of success.