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Setting Up Facebook's Timeline for Small Business Owners or Consultants

Guest post by: Krissy Mayse

Article Overview: When it comes to generating new business or contacts on Facebook, there are some basic steps independent consultants will want to take when organizing their Timeline. Putting though into your Timeline will help you be more professional and show someone viewing your information that you are capable of being a mentor, consultant or in some businesses a"sponsor". You also want to make sure you are staying within your company’s Internet policies. Remember, you are marketing YOU. So make sure you look like someone worth setting an appointment with.

Setting Up Facebook's Timeline for Small Business Owners or Consultants

When it comes to generating new business or contacts on Facebook, there are some basic steps independent consultants will want to take when organizing their Timeline. Putting thought into your Timeline will help you be more professional and show someone viewing your information that you are capable of being a mentor, consultant or in some businesses a"sponsor." You also want to make sure you are staying within your company’s Internet policies. Remember, you are marketing YOU. So make sure you look like someone worth setting an appointment with.

Step 1 – Your Profile Picture. Put the right profile picture up. This should be a nice head shot of you or you and your spouse if both of you are working your business together. If not, just use your picture. Make sure it is a head shot. This means a close up – not you on a mountain top. It's called FACE-book. It’s not “Dog-book” or “Cartoon book” so putting a cartoon, a shot of your kids, art graphics, etc. is not appropriate if you are seriously interested in using Facebook to generate contacts. I have heard many people say “but my dog is cuter” or “I’ve got friends from high school on my page and I’m 30lbs heavier than I used to be” ( I’ve got news for you: so are they!) Don’t let this deter you. Social Media has a culture of being real and putting up anything that hides the fact that you are you is a deal breaker when you want people to trust you. “My kids are so cute though…” Mine are too! But I use Facebook to build an audience of prospective customers. This means I try to keep a nice head shot up the majority of the time. When I update my status on Facebook, Twitter, etc.; I want people to see me and keep me in mind.



Cover Photos (for the new Facebook Timeline): These can be a great way to express creativity or advertise your business. You can use them to give people an impression of who you are. Keep your business hat on while deciding which photo to use here. If you need ideas, trying putting keywords like "Timeline cover photo ideas" into Google or other search engine. There are some cool tips waiting for you to explore.



Step 2 – Your Info (About) Page. (If you have the Timeline, you will find this underneath your profile picture as a link that says “About.”) If you are an independent marketer, it is important that you check with the company you represent to determine what their guidelines are. Can you use their name? In what capacity? These are good to know before you fill out the information page on your personal profile. Many consultants choose not to put their company name but to put their blog name. It's a good idea to remove all those fan page likes and anything that deters from how you and your business can help someone. Don't make them wade through irrelevant information.



Step 3 – Write Your Basic Info/About Me Paragraph.

· Key element is how you can help someone

· Don’t write it like a resume

· Don’t tell us your life history

· 1-3 paragraphs. Short, sweet and how you can help

· Include a “human” paragraph too – family oriented, hobbies.

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Article Tags: Facebook Timeline, Independent Consultants, Network Marketing, Prospecting, Social Media Marketing, Timeline



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