Mack Collier asked if I was going to post my presentation from the Web Community Forum. Is it ironic that I met Mack in a group in Facebook? And later I learned that he has a smashing marketing blog called The Viral Garden.

It was a panel so we didn’t have a formal presentation. Instead we started by asking the audience what their questions were to mix it up a bit because we were a day & half into the conference. I did put up some main points on the screen:

Sociology: It’s about relationships

For Facebook Groups to be effective there needs to be efforts towards building community.

Strategy: Have a plan & outline your goals for visitors & those joining

  • Add Value
  • Contribute to the conversation
  • Be Creative
  • Be Dynamic
  • Be Relevant (in my case I have to remember succint too! :) )

We also talked about rejuvenating a group that’s dismally quiet. Ask yourself what you can do to regain interest? In a smaller group an email can be sent to the membership.

One question that was interesting was from a representative of T-Mobile asking if they should have a group? and what it should be. They were offered some suggestions. First check to see if fans have created groups around the brand already? If there are then join those conversations. If not, then create a strategy of what the objective is? They have a popular character in their ads so it was suggested that maybe a group could be formed around that character?

One main point that was made early on was that Facebook Groups were originally created to band people together to express ‘I Hate. xyz brand” or I love xyz brand! But another segment is using Facebook & we’re using Groups in quite a different way. We’re exchanging information, sharing & learning things & networking. Imagine how this appears to college students?

One of my main points in regard to Facebook groups is that Facebook Groups only provide value if you interact & get involved. I have heard many criticize them & question their worth, but they have been invaluable to my networking. And if you ask questions & listen to others you’ll find out that there is a world at your fingertips!

Some groups that I’d recommend checking out: