I know, this blog is more about business topics, right?  And Facebook is more about sharing pictures of the kids and locating long-lost high school buddies — for business, you go to LinkedIn, right?  These are both true statements, but there are definitely business-related benefits to Facebook.

At first, I didn’t see it either.  I signed up a year or so ago, simply because that’s what you’re supposed to do, and left the account dormant for months.  I don’t remember what prompted me to pick it back up, but I now have over 400 “friends,” consisting of friends (naturally), parents of my son’s classmates, local City Council members, and even clients and other people that I do business with.  I’ve since created pages for my own company, and one for iMAGINE Alexandria, both of which have attracted a lot of “fans.”

I’ve found that Facebook creates an opportunity that LinkedIn doesn’t: I’ve been able to learn a lot about the people I know — personally and professionally, beyond my normal interactions with them.  Status updates, wall posts, vacation photos; these all let me know real-time what they’re up to, providing insight into their lives and creating deeper connections with these people.

Conversations no longer begin with “so how’s it going?”, which prompts a superficial response like “fine, how are you?”, which in a business setting often signals the end of the pleasantries.  I can now say things like “why did Tommy have to go to the hospital last week?”  We then have a much deeper and more meaningful conversation about child-rearing and the joys (read: extreme anxiety and questioning one’s parenting skills) of late-night visits to the Emergency room.

If you’re a small business owner or business development professional (or anyone who regularly comes in contact with clients), here’s the nugget: these deeper insights are not limited to friends, but to business contacts as well.  Knowing what’s happening on a personal level strengthens the relationship, resulting in greater loyalty in the business space.

Just be sure to filter those Fourth of July party pictures!