Founded in 2004, Facebook's mission is to give people the power to build community and bring the world closer together. People use Facebook to stay connected with friends and family, to discover what's going on in the world, and to share and express what matters to them thanks to Facebook groups.
Facebook's recent (and massive) algorithm changes are set to support this mission now more than ever— supporting Facebook users in every way . Despite what you might think, this is a GOOD THING for entrepreneurs and marketers using Facebook.
By good thing…I mean that you have to step it up and align yourself with what Facebook wants to give its users (which is a community and a place to share and express what matters to them).
Can you add to the empowerment of people wanting community and connection on Facebook?
The answer for the heart-centered entrepreneur is a resounding YES! You CAN create and build a community where connections thrive, and community group members can share and express what matters to them!
On the other hand, if your only goal is to make a quick buck, then the Facebook changes for you (I'm sure) are frustrating and already have you looking at other platforms. BUH-BYE… and thank you for creating the space to build thriving communities.
Heart-centered entrepreneurs can make great strides right now if they're willing to nurture a Facebook group (community). We're often asked how to start, grow and nurture a Facebook group and here's a brief overview:
1. Be a GOOD Facebook group member before you decide to lead one.
Familiarize yourself with being a member of a thriving Facebook group (pick 2 to 3 groups to start) and PARTICIPATE. By being an engaged member you'll get the most out of a Facebook group and learn how leaders lead groups. You can make excellent decisions about your own group when you start by understanding what it's like to be a member, first.
Find your favorite groups on Facebook by typing the name of the person you admire because of what they're doing and/or whose business mission you like. When you type their name in the Facebook search box, you'll see all the groups they belong to giving you ideas of where to join, too.
If you're a Facebook page owner wanting more tips on growing your page, we invite to join Grow Your Followers .
2. Prepare a group mission statement
Decide what values you want for your group members and write up a group mission statement and add it to your description.
This area can get as detailed as you like. And remember, don't be afraid to inject your own personality and style.
If you need more space because of the character limitations of the group description, you can pin a post, a document, or a video to your group newsfeed for members to see. You can also upload a file with more about the group's mission and guidelines and refer to it, as well.
We recommend welcoming members when they've joined and then referring them back to the group's mission and guidelines so they know what to expect, too.
3. Ask Questions
After you've drawn up your mission statement, decide what your prospective group members will look like and prepare at least 3 questions they can answer when requesting to join. Zero in on the people (prospects and community members) who are ideal for you and what you're wanting to do.
What questions can they answer to let you know you're attracting the right group members? For example, if a Facebook community of entrepreneurs is who you're looking to serve and lead into your services, ask, "What is the name of your business?" or "How long have you been an entrepreneur?" or "How many people do you employ?"
4. Connect
Make your Facebook group that one little place on Facebook everyone will enjoy. Start a positive energy flow with your new members with a daily or weekly warm welcome message and tagging the new members. Engage older group members by asking them to help you welcome new members with a hello in the comments below your post.
Follow up by giving group members GREAT value and they'll stay connected to you because of it. However, if you use the group to purely promote yourself— you'll lose them QUICKLY.
A Facebook group provides a unique space for you to showcase your expertise by helping your community members, first. You can provide tips, and do regular LIVE Q/As. Steven keeps a very high membership retention rate for his Your Digital Formula program because he provides additional support to YDF members through a private Facebook group. Weekly, Steven does a private members-only Facebook live directly in the group answering questions from the YDF Members .
Keep members connected with engaging threads that specifically encourage engagement from your members. Here's a thread we start in our YDF Grow Your Followers Group helping members showcase their posters (already with 13 comments and engaged members):
To connect means to show up regularly, even if it means a few clicks reacting and responding to posts letting them know you're there.
To connect also means to ASK what your members need and then providing it for them.
Offer group members the opportunity to opt-in and subscribe to your email list by giving them another way to stay connected with you and offering a free gift (like an ebook or a webinar).
As the group grows, hire or find a volunteer moderator to help you manage it…but NEVER forget your members in the process. Moderators are excellent for helping you manage the group as it grows, but the members join because of the value you provide. Make sure they're getting it. In fact, make sure to give so much value in your group, you'll earn the right to give them an offer.
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