There are a bunch of social media websites that you can become a part of today like Myspace and Twitter, and they all have their good and bad. The best way to choose a community to become a part of is to evaluate the people who are members. In my opinion, Facebook is one of the best internet meeting places for networking - both personally and professionally. I also use Linked In and Myspace. Of all the social networks, Facebook is the best website when it comes to all around marketing and networking.

I have been using Facebook for the past two years, and it is an outstanding tool to add to your marketing arsenal. Following are 10 steps you can use on Facebook to introduce new people to your for FREE!

1. Build an Excellent Profile: This is absolutely the FIRST thing that you must do to make an impact on Facebook . Think of your Facebook profile as part of your branding strategy. A effective profile will include a picture of you. Don’t use the one of you doing shots at the local bar, unless that’s what your selling. Make sure your new Facebook profile is complete. You should include your contact information, your website address (this is very important), education, work history and your personal interests. A complete profile is the only way to go.

2. Add Friends: This is what sets Facebook apart - the ability meet new people, build relationships and sustain them. The more friends you have, the more profitable your marketing efforts will be. You can use Facebook’s own tools to find friends that already belong to Facebook. Once you add your friends, you can search for kindred spirits. Make their acquaintance, become their friend, build a relationship. One unique feature on Facebook is that you can see friends of your friends. This will help you build a monstrous network in no time.

3. Join Groups: You can join online groups on Facebook that are associated with what you do. There are groups for filmmakers, musicians, and experts of all kinds. Almost every supposable kind of professional service provider has some kind of group on Facebook. I belong to many Facebook groups and have made tons of new contacts this way.

4. Create your Own Facebook Group: Can’t find a group that really fits? Create your own! You can add members, publish articles, initiate some great discussions, and surely find quite a few new people. And even if you find good group to belong to, start your own. This gives you the chance to be the trendsetter!

5. Syndicate your Blog Using RSS: You can syndicate your own blog on your personal profile page. This essentially means that every time you make a post, it will automatically show up on your profile page. More Exposure = More Readers = More Leads = More Business. And the bonus is the back links to your site. I syndicate headlines from three of my blogs on Facebook.

6. Comment on Other Peoples Profiles: Are you a follower or admirer of someone’s work? Reach out to them on Facebook! Lots of my business contacts check their Facebook messages more repeatedly than their email. They are also more likely to respond to Facebook messages. Don’t feel quite right sending out a message to someone you don’t know? Don’t worry! Leave them a “just saying hi!” or “Your cool!” comment on their wall. All profiles come with “virtual walls” where visitors can leave a comment. The more messages you leave on your friend’s Facebook profiles the more exposure you get!

7. List your Events: Launching a New Service? Create an events page and invite everyone you want. You can even see who RSVPed and get feedback from your guests. Marketing doesn’t get much simpler (or cheaper!) than this.

8. Send Virtual Gifts: Want to show your appreciation for someone? Send them a virtual gift. You can choose from a bunch of Flowers to a potted plant that actually sits on the your friends profile and grows over time (plus hundreds of others). With all the third party applications for gift giving available, what are you waiting for. This is a proven way to build strong relationships!

9. Use Some Cool Apps: Facebook has literally tons of applications that were built just for the site. Event planners, testimonial gatherers, News and more. When you use an application, you get to invite your friends to use these interesting mini applications (Apps). So just like number 8 above, this allows you another way to interact with your friends on Facebook. Again, this helps you build strong relationships.

10. Create a Community: More than likely Facebook’s greatest benefit is that it allows you to build a community. It intoduces you to a group of people who are constantly connected to you, and your Facebook friends are open to hearing your message. Write on people’s walls, give them feedback, and introduce them to each other. Start building your brand and leveraging Facebook for business building!

Facebook is a wonderful place to introduce yourself to a bunch of new people who may also become customers and/or clients. Just remember one thing: don’t get too carried away and spend all your time there. Facebook is a tool, part of your business strategy. Use the tips above, use them wisely and have a little fun at the same time.

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