I’ve been going through a list of dozens and dozens of people who want to be my Facebook Friend. It’s tough. Most have given me no hint to tell me that we’ve met in real life at an event or activity in the past or that we have a common interest that could help a friendship blossom.

I’m just a number to them. Someone has told them that having a big following is essential to business success on Facebook, but that person is wrong.

But, if you feel compelled to have a big Facebook following, here’s my advice:

Look to see if that person is on Twitter, follow them there and try to create a connection – retweet their stuff, comment about something they say that’s interesting, respond to a question.

Join their Facebook Fan Page – respond to something they say, invite your friends to join you as fans, share their posts with your network. Everyone with FB fan pages is trying to generate more engagement, they’ll be grateful.

When you send an invite to friend, include a relevant comment that says why you’d like to get to know them better. If you’ve met, tell them where. Let them know what personal interests you have in common.

I’m really a friendly person. But, It’s not flattering to anyone to feel like you’re just a number in someone’s quest for social media domination. Treat people online the way you do offline, and you’ll have plenty of friends.

More on this topic …
LinkedIn recommendation for one of the alleged Russian spies.
Friending Etiquette
A real or a fake friend

More Facebook Marketing Tips

If you need help with Facebook, call Julie Gallaher at 916-265-2521.

Friends, Acquaintances, Connections, Followers