Question

Topic: E-Marketing

Join The Marketingprofs Facebook Group!

Posted by Ann H. on 1000 Points
Hi gang,

A few weeks ago, I created the Fans of MarketingProfs group on Facebook. I saw it as yet another way for us to talk to our audience—to let them get to know the people behind MarketingProfs—and for us to listen, to get feedback on what we don't do well, or on what we do well but could do better.

It was also a bit of an experiment. Admittedly, I founded the group not really having a clear idea of where it would go, or whether it made sense at all. Sometimes, it's hard to know whether something is going to stick, or whether it's just another bright and shiny thing... .

It’s proven to be a wonderful brand-building experience so far, and it’s still evolving. It’s great to see the faces of MP readers, and for them to “meet” each other, too. It gives life and texture to MarketingProfs. I’ve found some new writers, met some new readers, and touched base with some long-time subscribers. It doesn’t take the place of any of the forums we run on marketingProfs itself – like this Know-How Exchange or the Daily Fix blog – but extends and augments them.

The bottom line is that Facebook is a rich environment in which to do business. It’s interesting to see how brands are using it to bring together their customers, audience, and fans, or are using it to market their products and services. Some -- like MarketingProfs, the Online Journalism Review, and Nielsen -- are forming clubby groups where fans can congregate.

Others are launching useful new applications for Facebook users: shoe retailer Zappos launched an app that allows people to share deals with their friends; the conference group Business Blog Summit has one that serves up daily “blog tips.” And there’s thousands more.

But I encourage you to sign up for Facebook and look around a bit. Search in the groups for other brands and see what pops up. I’d love to hear what else you discover -- please post them below.

And while you are there, please join Fans of MarketingProfs. You’ll need a Facebook account to join, which is free and open to anyone. If you already have a Facebook account, you can search on “MarketingProfs” and we’ll pop up. Or, here’s the group address:

https://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=19230516048


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RESPONSES

  • Posted by steven.alker on Accepted
    Dear Ann

    What, pray tell, is Facebook? Would I perchance find these “Beatles” chappies therein? We in the UK are a little behind the trends found in the colonies.

    Yours sincerely

    Lord Alker of Rudgwick

    PS That apart, what a brilliant idea! I’ll try and master the intricacies of the webby-sign-up thingy.

    Steve

  • Posted by Ann H. on Author
    Steve: You can do it.

    Marcus: Like what, mate?

  • Posted by jmcnary on Accepted
    I'm part of the group. You all should join! See ya on Facebook.
  • Posted by Mushfique Manzoor on Accepted
    Hi Ann

    already a part of the group in Facebook.

    cheers!!
  • Posted on Accepted
    I joined and I even invited some friends.

    Are you already a group on MySpace? That probably has more memebers than facebook.
  • Posted on Accepted
    done, but wont this be diluting the essence? just wondering! or shud i open a new question on it ;)
  • Posted by Ann H. on Author
    mhannah: MySpace does have more users, but it doesn't have the same functionality, cleanliness, and... well, brand!.. that Facebook does. I have a personal account on MySpace and have experienced nothing but invites from porn sites and friends I have nothing in common with. That said, I'd be interested to hear your take (if you want to email me or post it here).

    jasginder and others: As for diluting the MarketingProfs brand with Facebook, I don't think so. I think it actually strengthens it, because it lets the brand "live" off of this site, and introduces it to a whole other group of people who might not know about it. Plus, it allows me and other MP folks to get to know each other a little more fully. But I'm open to contrary arguments, if anyone would like to jump in!
  • Posted by Chris Blackman on Accepted
    Mmm... Fasbk!

    Hv jnd the FoMPoFB, kewl...

    C-B

    (Not my normal lingo)
  • Posted by Chris Blackman on Accepted
    Does this mean we can "poke" MP?

    What is that "poke" thing about? I got poked- should I be happy, or affronted?

    ChrisB
  • Posted by Ann H. on Author
    Thanks, Chris B, for the join-up!

    As for poking... you can't poke MP, because it's a group, not a person.

    As for you getting poked... well, I guess it depends on your availability! lol...
  • Posted by jpoyer on Accepted
    I joined too -- I think any networking opportunity is good.

    Best,

    Jennifer
    XPRT Creative
  • Posted by callyway on Accepted
    I think I'm in ... maybe I should go check?
    Yep, it's official, I'm in (and have been for all of X days ... not sure when I joined since I've not been using FB too much lately). I tend to only use Twitter or Jaiku these days.
  • Posted by Ann H. on Author
    Thanks for the thoughts, all!

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