Back to Facebook: Your Privacy is at Stake

Yes, I know it is has been awhile since I posted about Facebook, but this is new information just released...at least to me anyway. It has come to my attention that Facebook has made yet another change and this one has our privacy at stake. I remember a day not too long ago when people were hesitant to purchase anything online for fear of identity theft or having their credit card stolen. Today, not many people are worried and if they are, they use a service such as PayPal to make secure payments.

We use all kinds of social media to stay in touch with friends, to make new friends and to expand the horizons of our business networks. And, expanding their horizions is what Facebook is doing with their latest "update". Facebook is allowing other sources to obtain information about each of our profiles for money. Now, don't get me wrong, I'm in business and I know how difficult it can be to make money. Yet, Facebook with their "instant personalization pilot program" has "opted" into this culling of information without my consent.

Somewhere in signing up for an account on Facebook I must have clicked the little box saying okay to the agreement that allows Facebook to have this privilege. Recently it has been one update after another. Within the last few months the changes have included:

1. Changes to the news feed. You need to click the news feed button to get the latest posts from your friends.
2. The "fan" page button has changed from "fan" to "like
3. The Instant Personalization Pilot Program allows Facebook to share your profile information with third party vendors

So, you don't want your information shared? Either do I. Here is what you do to change the settings:

One: Go to your Facebook page
Two: Click on Settings
Three: Go to Privacy Settings
Four: Go to Applications and Websites
Five: Go to Instant Personalization Pilot Program
Six: Click edit settings
Seven: Click in the little box where there is a check mark (the website will want you to confirm you want to opt out, click confirm not cancel)

You are done, for now. The news stations do not know if this one act will suffice or if we need to opt out at the websites where facebook is planning to share our information. Your information may still be shared through friends accounts unless you block that activity. And, my question is who has the time? I think that is what Facebook is banking on. All of us have enjoyed using the site and we do this for many different reasons. If I didn't find the site so useful I'd pull my account.

Even Congress has gotten into the discussion and has put pressure on Facebook to make some changes to their pilot program. Check you settings every few week, I know I will. Who knows what other program is coming down the pike! You may want to keep an eye on this discussion by following news feeds such as the one on My Fox:


For the full story read about it here.

FaceBook: Busy Business Women's List

by Felice Gerwitz

I have a love-hate relationship with To-Do lists. I like them because I can easily and quickly see what needs to be completed each day. I hate them because I am reminded of all the things I have not accomplished each day. So, in the spirit of liking and hating, I'm creating a To-Do list for your FaceBook page. See which of these things you have already done, and place the others on your list for sometime in the near future.

FaceBook for Women:

1. Professional Picture: preferably with make-up, collared shirt and photo-shop touch up
2. Lock Down: all settings are private to friends or friends of friends only with invitations enabled.
3. Organize Friends: Make groups for business, friends, families
4. Profile totally filled out: all information that you want the world to know or at least 400 of your closest friends (and their friends) completed
5. Search: For target clients, co-workers, and possible new customers
6. Check Friends Status: Try to post something personal on different clients walls to stay in touch
7. Post Value Info: at least weekly, daily is best...be personal 20% of the time
8. Connect FaceBook feed and Twitter: if your content is relevant and value driven this is important, make sure to still add new posts to Twitter
9. Add your FaceBook URL to your email address
10. Set your feeds: make sure your receive only the info into your email that is important
11. Join Groups: related to business 
12. Check FaceBook daily, but not too often!
13. Read FaceBook Rules: Beware, contests should be approved first via FaceBook
14. Share: Useful articles, your blog, stats related to business or target market
15. Engage follower: Ask Questions 
16. Post Pictures: Relevant to business
17. Blast News: Events, Promotions, Free Product
18. Join or accept "gifts" sparingly: These pull info from your FaceBook page, they are third party applications and not all are friendly. A warning box pops-up to advise you of the "threat"
19. Look at Apps: Facebook is constantly adding more applications for business, great blog with more info: http://mashable.com/2009/01/22/business-facebook-apps/
20. Add video: at least one time a month, fun to do and keeps the contacts guessing

That's it for today. If you can check all these off your list, great! Let me know what's on your FaceBook To-Do list, and I'll quickly add it to mine!

Social Media: Facebook Fan Pages for Business

Become a Fan!

Facebook has become a household word. Once used mainly by college students to stay connected, the site has grown to millions of users, many of them business people. If you have toyed with the idea of creating, a Facebook Fan page or a Facebook Business Page here is the bottom line...do it only if you have something of value to offer...and choose wisely.

Facebook is constantly changing and updating their website. As of this writing, it is better to create a Facebook Fan page for your business rather than a Business Page or Group Page. Why? Well the main differences are as follows:

•    You can have many more followers than on a home page
•    You can add applications to the page, such as a sign up box to capture emails

•    You can get statistics for your page

•    Once you have more than 1000 fans, you can get a custom url.

•    Fan pages are indexed by the search engines which gets you in front of anyone that may search for your brand or product

•    Fan pages are available to the general public, so people that are not on Facebook can access them.

•    Your fan page will show up in your followers News Feed

•    You can advertise your fan page and place links back to your website or blog
So how do you get fans on your Facebook Fan page? One way is to invite using the list on your facebook home page; another is to build dynamic content causing others to join because of the value you will give them through your posts. For example, if you are in the Real Estate business, you can talk about community activities, great communities to live in and information, such as how to choose the right home for your family needs. In that way, others will want to join your fan page to find out more information and will let others know. You can find possible clients from this page as it is indexed in search engines spreading your reach even further.

If someone becomes a Fan on your Facebook Fan page, it will show up on his or her page as a follower. In that way, their followers will see who you are and if interested, they will follow as well. A fan page also allows you to advertise on facebook. An icon will crop up that will prompt you in this manner if you care to join the growing number of advertisers. Let your fans know about upcoming sales, promotions and so much more. You can also dialogue with your fans, post notes and keep in touch. Relationships in business are invaluable!

Questions? Let me know how I can help you to jump-start your fan page.

SWFL BUSINESS opportunity

Attention for local business professionals, please save the date for an upcoming Business Tradeshow on Tues March 30, 2010 from 3pm-7pm at the Three Oaks Banquet Center, Estero FL. This will be an opportunity to expose and support the local business community. Empowered Network Inc is organizing the event for profssional business owners, entreprenuers, non-profits, retailers, restaurants, organizations, and companies in our local SWFL area can exhibit their products and services to attending professionals and the public.

An opportunity to find local supplies that we can help support be an associate or business partner with your business, as well you may find a supplier that you can become a customer of. And this event will hopefully encourage support of our local economy and encourage companies on display to promote any job opportunities that may be available.

This is a free event to attend. Come out and network and explore business opportunities available in the work force, in business, and of service.

Empowered Network's last tradeshow in October, Live Life Well Expo, had more than 600 in attendance with 68 vendors on display. "We hope this spring event, focusing on the small business, will be even more successful and offer the attention that our local business community needs', says Joann Frazier, President of Empowered Network.

Special vendor sponsors include; Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, Mona Lisa Graphic Designs, Set Free Photography, Small Business Development Center at FGCU, Rick Johnson Auto & Tires, Conric PR and Marketing, Inspiration to Change, Small Business Resource Network, Costco, and Mow & Blow Lawn Service.

If you would like more information please contact 239-233-4114 or visit the calendar at http://www.empowerednetworking.com/