I was recently teaching a Facebook Workshop for a group of fabulous realtors.  One of the participants asked me the same question 3 times (just worded a bit differently).  Her question . . . “How do you know people are going on Facebook looking to buy real estate” and then “You mean people are using Facebook to search for real estate”?

My answer to her each time was this . . . “No, absolutely not!  People are not on Facebook or any Social Media or Social Networking sites (Twitter, YouTube) to buy ANYTHING; much less real estate!!”

Are there business owners and entrepreneurs out there that think this about their product or whatever it is they sell??  Oh my goodness!  I hope not! You will be much much disappointed in Social Media if you jump into these Networks with that frame of mind.  We must absolutely turn this thinking upside down, throw it in the garbage, jump up and down, stand on your head, whatever it takes to get those thoughts outta there!!

People (and potential clients & consumers ARE people) are NOT using these online networks and hanging out in these online sites to buy stuff.  They are there connecting, engaging, researching, having fun, being influencers and collaborating like you wouldn’t believe!!

Facebook, Twitter, Linkedin, YouTube are networking sites that assist you in establishing yourself as an expert in your industry.  These are NOT a broadcasting tool.  They are not a one way street! These are two way streets!!  If you want to broadcast about what you sell or your service, you most likely want to look at traditional advertising methods ~ radio, television, print ads, billboards ~ these are all ONE way venues!

I would suggest that as business owners our goal on these sites is not to sell anything (that may be our ultimate intent; but can’t be our goal).  We are there to connect, engage & converse with potential clients (or referrals) and to build our community!  How do you do this . . . .

Think what you know how to think, Say what you know how to say and Do what you know how to do!  Earn the attention of those you are attempting to “hang out” with.  But, don’t stop there, you must then earn their Trust.  You wouldn’t want to abuse the privilege of earning someone’s attention by then broadcasting over and over and over and over what you sell or the service you provide.  Give people Awesome-Not-To-Be-Missed Content and Interaction and you will be well on your way . . .

I’m just sayin . . . Do you have any thoughts to share?