Facebook Strategy For Business - Do You Have One?
Remember when the question was What is your Internet Strategy? Was your company late in adapting? If so, hopefully a lesson was learned. So today’s question is What Is Your Facebook Strategy?
What is Facebook? Facebook is the most powerful of Social Networking Sites For Business, and growing rapidly each day. If you don’t have a Facebook Strategy, it is time to start to put one together, and integrate into your overall Social Media Marketing.
Facebook was launched in 2004 and was originally for College Students. In 2006 it was open up to anyone with an e-mail address over the age of 13. Facebook has grown dramatically and evolved to where it is today, the premier Social Networking Site, with business marketing use booming. Here are a few key points in the latest Facebook Statistics:
More than 140 million active users The fastest growing demographic is those 25 years old and older
2.6 billion minutes are spent on Facebook each day (worldwide)
More than 13 million users update their statues at least once each day
More than 15 million pieces of content (web links, news stories, blog posts, notes, photos, etc.) shared each month
More than 2 million events created each month
More than 19 million active user groups exist on the site
Setting up a successful Facebook Strategy is critical today. Things to consider in addition to putting together a facebook profile are joining and creating groups, fan pages, finding friends, communicating with your facebook community, and so much more. Do a simple facebook search, you will be surprised at the results of companies marketing online in Facebook.
Ok, are you convinced that Facebook is a place you need to be to market and brand your company online? Want to know how to use facebook, what is Social Media Marketing, and how can social media benefit my business?
To answer these questions, let’s examine an actual Facebook Strategy. I have selected a friend I met on Facebook and will examine her Facebook Strategy in a question and answer format.
Jennifer Walden, M.D., F.A.C.S., is a Plastic and Reconstructive Surgeon who is fellowship-trained in aesthetic surgery and board certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery.
Dr. Walden is a premier Manhattan Plastic Surgeon, and is often asked to comment, as a medical expert, on CBS, ABC, Fox News, and other media outlets. Dr. Walden has covered issues including current cosmetic surgery, breast augmentation, prevention of breast cancer, and many other topics.
JF: Hello Dr. Walden , and thanks for answering some questions on Facebook Strategy.
JW: My pleasure.
JF: How long have you been using Facebook and what other Social Media do you find beneficial.
JW: I have been using Facebook for about a year, and have connected with many of my friends and contacts. In addition to Facebook, I participate in MySpace, Linkedin, Twitter, some medical specific social networking sites, blogging, television and media interviews.
JF: I have noticed your profile on facebook , and was impressed with the great information, including links for anyone interested in plastic surgery, breast cancer awareness, and your volunteer work. Tell us about setting up your facebook profile , especially why you seem to make patient education a priority.
JW: Orignally, I set up my facebook profile to connect with friends, family, and contacts. I have subsequently added information and resources for people interested in plastic surgery. Patients now have so many choices to research medical issues, while I believe it is important to do research and read articles, it is also very critical to consult with your Doctor, to make an informed decision.
JF: Dr. Walden , you belong to a Facebook Groups that I admin, You Tube Contest , and one that I set up for a Health Care Attorney, Legal Issues Affecting Doctors , tell us how do you decide which Facebook Groups to join and participate in?
JW: I look for relevant facebook groups, where I can get good information, either for my business or personal interest. The Legal Issues Affecting Doctors is a great resource for keeping current with medical legal issues. I am a University of Texas football fan, and love to use Facebook to stay in touch with the team and school.
JF: Tell us how to search for a person on Facebook, and how you go about adding Facebook Friends.
JW: I like to connect with friends, family, and contacts, or anyone interested in cosmetic plastic surgery. Facebook has a very user friendly friend finder to help you connect with friends and contacts.
JF: I also noticed you have posted links to news and articles in the Facebook Posted Items section, I found them very relevant to your specialty, how do you decide what links to post?
JW: I believe strongly in patient education and look for items that include relevant information on cosmetic plastic surgery.
JF: Dr. Walden , tell us how you decide what photos to upload. I noticed some very cool photos of you in the operating room, and some very nice and appropriate personal photos.
JW: Personal photos are great for family and friends, medical related photos are great to reinforce patient education.
JF: Tell us about Facebook Fan Pages.
JW: Facebook Fan Pages are great for topics you have an interest in, in my case Texas Football, and Fashion Issues. I also have my own Facebook Fan Page, for people interested in cosmetic plastic surgery.
JF: Dr. Walden , you have done a great job of implementing a successful Facebook Strategy, including integrating with your overall Social Media Marketing . This is critical, and something we always advise our clients to do in setting up their Online Marketing Strategy. How important do you see Facebook, and Social Media for online corporate marketing in the next few years?
JW: I see Facebook and other Social Media increasing in popularity. Facebook will be a must for online corporate marketing. Companies will need to balance their need for a powerful Online Marketing Strategy, with the desire of facebook users to have quality Social Networking Experiences.
JF: My favorite TV reporter is Megan Kelly of Fox News, I enjoyed your interview with Megan on new cosmetic procedures, tell us a little about being interviewed as a medical expert on news shows.
JW: The news shows are a great way to educate patients and is something I enjoy doing. I agree with you about Megan Kelly, she is awesome, and is always prepared and sharp.
JF: Dr. Walden , thanks so much for taking your time to answer some questions on Facebook Strategy. On the blog post for this episode, I have listed some very informative links on your Web site, including your various media interviews on current cosmetic surgery issues. Any closing thoughts or advice for people looking to join or improve their Facebook experience?
JW: I would suggest that you have fun in using Facebook, and other Social Networking Sites. If you treat people like you would like to be treated, you will have a rewarding experience.
JF: How would someone go about contacting you?
JW: I can be reached at 212-288-9009; my Web site is www.drjenniferwalden.com, e-mail drjenniferwalden@hotmail.com
JF: Thanks again Dr. Walden , I look forward to staying in touch with you on Facebook.
JW: Same here Jim.
Dr. Walden Video Links
Dr. Walden Breast Cancer Prevention Tips
Listen to Podcast Episode with Dr. Walden
Jim Farrell Social Networking Contact Information
Facebook Groups
Business Bits YouTube Episodes
Conquering Your Fear of Public Speaking
Jesey Shore Entertainment at the Historic Strand Theater
Meet Your Next Marketing Director
January 10th, 2009 at 6:38 am
Jim:
Great interview. With the changing economic times, I see more physicians utilizing the internet in various ways within their practice. Many patients are internet savvy and are starting to utilize Facebook and other Social Media as another means in choosing a physician. As we have discussed a number of times, a podcast is a very good tool for patient education. I will try to get you set up with the NJMGMA to help you spread the word.
Bruce
bkramer@jhcohn.com
January 10th, 2009 at 7:02 am
[…] Facebook Strategy For Business - Do You Have One? | Business Bits Blog […]
January 10th, 2009 at 12:49 pm
Thanks, Jim, I appreciate this opportunity. Nicely done.
January 10th, 2009 at 5:01 pm
Thank you, Jim & Dr. Walden, for this interesting Blog Post!
As a two time cancer/mastectomy survivor, I am THANKFUL to those that take time out of their busy days to help educate the rest of the world on important health matters. 18 years ago, when I was first diagnosed, this wasn’t the case; and 3 years ago (diagnosis #2), things were much different, too, as far as the availability of information.
In the 8 months that I’ve been donating my Consulting services to the Breast Reconstruction Fund, I’ve found the networking opportunities on Facebook and other social media to be HEAVEN SENT. Facebook has got the traditional marketing outlets BEAT!
As a patient and a consumer, knowing a doctor is savvy enough to recognize the potential outreach capacity within social media applications is certainly another factor to consider when assessing that physician’s qualities. Yes, we want our doctors to know what they’re doing in the operating room; but we also want human beings that DO reach out & share their knowledge with the many so that we, as patients, can make educated decisions for our care.
Again, thanks to both of you for facilitating that!
January 11th, 2009 at 8:13 pm
Hey Jim,
Great interview! Is really shows how internet strategy can be incorporated into all areas of business leaving no stone unturned. It’s all in how you use the medium and providing information for your readers. We want to see that our professionals (doctors) are taking their career seriously.
THANKS!
Robin
www.newmediahire.com
January 12th, 2009 at 3:07 pm
Hi Jim,
Really enjoyed the interview! It’s amazing how a simple social networking site originally directed towards college students has grown and evolved into an really extremely useful tool that businesses can incorporate to market their themselves and help get their names out there. I’m sure it must help tremendously for businesses to reach their target customers/audience in a quick and effective way.
Great blog post!
January 12th, 2009 at 3:57 pm
Thanks Jim and Dr. Walden,
Great interview. The internet and social media have become “musts’ to communicate with patients. It is not only a great information source (make sure you trust the source) but also a new way for physicians to get the word out about themselves and their work.
January 12th, 2009 at 4:21 pm
Great interview Jim! As a marketing guru myself I am very happy to see and hear that physicians are recognizing not only the importance of the internet but the growth of online media. What better way to make a connection with a patient before they even step foot into the office.
January 13th, 2009 at 3:34 pm
Great interview! Captures the audience well and a great way to connect with patients!!!
I would love to see more of this in different areas of medicine
Thanks
Dr Jablow
Cosmetic and Restorative Dentist NYC
January 14th, 2009 at 8:42 pm
Great information about FaceBook! It is very interesting to see that FaceBook can be a useful tool for personal as well as business use too.
January 15th, 2009 at 12:04 pm
Hello Jim and Dr. Walden,
I found this interview extremely helpful. I am currently on Linked In and am just beginning to realize the benefits of having a presence online. As an insurance specialist for businesses, I always felt Facebook wasn’t the right fit for developing business relationships, but it seems that joining the right groups will only enhance opportunities to make new friends and develop business partnerships. Thanks for the info.
Robin Campbell,
Insurance and Risk Management Specialist
Pavese-McCormick AGency, Inc.
January 15th, 2009 at 1:41 pm
Dr. Walden & Jim - great interview and podcast - Would suggest that Dr. Walden (if she hasn’t already) add a podcast elment to her website - for patient education as well as lead generation for her practice -
Well Done -
The Coach
January 17th, 2009 at 10:48 am
Dear Dr. Walden and Jim:
As a woman with a history of breast cancer in my family, I am always looking for the latest information on early detection and breast cancer awareness in general. Using social media is yet another fantastic avenue for physicians to get information out to the general public. Dr. Walden is recognizing not only the opportunity to increase public awareness about breast cancer, but at the same time increasing her practice’s “visability” through the online world which is growing by the minute.
January 17th, 2009 at 12:00 pm
Great interview! It is so interesting to see how much Facebook has changed the face of business. I have been on this site for over a year and didn’t realize that there are people like Dr. Walden using this as a tool to educate patients. It is refreshing and exciting to see where the future of internet marketing through social media sites is heading.
January 18th, 2009 at 4:30 pm
Great interview and Podcast! You have really explained the importance of Facebook. I am also impressed with Dr. Walden making the effort to educate patients.
John P. MUrdoch II, Esq.
Wilentz, Goldman & Spitzer, P.A.
732-855-6008
jmurdoch@wilentz.com
January 22nd, 2009 at 12:12 pm
Thanks for letting me know about this post, Jim! It was very interesting to learn how Facebook can be used as a personal networking tool as well as for business. I actually have been able to connect with my clients and colleagues on a more personal level by being friends on Facebook as well. A social networking tool like Facebook is very helpful in this day and age where personal relationships sometimes determine the sole success of a business transaction. It has allowed me to connect with my clients and potential clients on another level. Thanks for the insight, Jim!
January 28th, 2009 at 6:12 pm
Jim,
Until I saw your interview with Dr. Walden, I was under the impression Facebook was used only by college students. You demonstrated what an invaluable marketing tool it can be. Your imformation is timely and impressive!
Arthur L. Chianese, JD, CPA
www.chianeselaw.com
www.chianesecfo.com
February 4th, 2009 at 4:00 am
Thanks for the link to the Internet Strategy Forum web site at the top of this post. Just wanted to clarify that Facebook strategy is part of overall Internet strategy. The first paragraph of your post seems to indicate otherwise. The members of the Internet Strategy Forum are generally responsible for their company’s overall Internet presence strategy, not just Web site strategy.
February 22nd, 2009 at 8:21 am
Myspace Friend Finder…
Your topic UFC 12/10 North Carolina event results | FightOpinion.com - Your Global … was interesting when I found it on Sunday searching for Myspace Friend Finder…
February 25th, 2009 at 3:58 pm
Jim I just read your interview with Dr. Walden and found it very interesting. I to was under the belief that Facebook was for college kids and know I know that professionals are using it on a everday basis. I look forward to learning more about using Facebook as a marketing tool.
Sam
May 18th, 2009 at 7:46 pm
Facebook, cool. What about Myspace too?
May 22nd, 2009 at 3:34 pm
Very interesting and informative interview, Jim. It is especially interesting to me, someone who initially joined facebook my freshman year of college, with the intentions of utilizing it solely as a means for socializing and keeping in touch with old friends; Now, I have been constantly seeking ways to discover how it can help me with my job search and networking. Reading a professional’s perspective on optimizing use of the site has made me realize how much employers/business professionals are using the site as well. In my current search for a job as I look to begin my career in corporate finance, I will definately do my best to utilize the site as much as possible.
September 21st, 2009 at 9:44 am
[…] We have covered Social Media For Health Care Professionals and Facebook Strategy For Business with Dr. Jennifer Walden in prior blog post. The New Jersey Medical Group Management Association NJMGMA has asked for my help in setting up its Facebook Fan Page. Let’s take a look at NJMGMA and examine how the Facebook Page will help to promote the organization. […]
October 8th, 2009 at 3:08 am
benefit cosmetic…
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December 13th, 2009 at 12:06 am
[…] Facebook is the most popular of the top social networking sites, and now has over 350 million active users, and growing rapidly each day. It is very important to have a Facebook Strategy, and build a quality facebook following of friends. […]