Facebook has changed the language when you receive a Friend Request to “Confirm” or “Not Now”. What is the thought process that goes into sending a Friend Request to someone?
I use Facebook personally and also networking for my business and 501(c)3 Foundation. I know some people who use it solely for personal reasons and some who use it solely for business reasons. We’ve got a wide range of how and why people are using Facebook.
Since I use it for business and personal, I am “friends” with people whom I have never met. Whenever I send a Friend Request to a person that I have never met, I ALWAYS include a message with the friend request letting them know how I know of them or mutual friends or just plain and simple why we should be facebook friends. Actually, even if I know the person, I include a message. I believe I’ve only sent out about 1% of request without a personal message included. If I receive a Friend request from someone I don’t know, I always visit their profile to see whether or not we would be a good fit for becoming facebook friends.
I am curious why people send friend requests to people they don’t know without a personal message included. Let’s take two scenarios – one to apply to the personal arena and one for business. First, imagine you are at a wine or beer tasting or socializing over coffee or tea. You are having a good time, laughing with friends, sharing stories and pictures. Someone walks over to you and says, “Let’s be Friends”, Let me join your conversation, let me see your pictures; without introducing themselves or without any precursor to “Let’s Be Friends”. Would you do that in person? I wouldn’t. If you wouldn’t do it in person, why do it online? Second, imagine you are at a networking event. You are listening to what others have to say about themselves and their business, you’re exchanging business cards, you may be talking a bit about personal stuff. Then, someones walks over and says, “Hi, my name is Jane Doe. This is what I do and this is why you should buy from me or use my services. Let me tell you some more about me.” Would you do this? I wouldn’t. I know there are some who do this; but, this isn’t true networking. True networking involves listening. True networking would be something like, “Hi, my name is Jane Doe. I see from your name tag that you do this or I overheard you say you do this, that or the other.” “I would love to hear a bit more about that because __________ (so and so suggested we connect, I see your connected to so and so whom I do business with, etc).”
Why do (or not do) things online that you would not do (or do) in person?
What do you think? Do you include a personal message with your Facebook friend requests? What do you do with friend requests you receive from people you don’t personally know; especially the requests without a message? I would love to hear your thoughts. Thanks y’all!