A few weeks ago, I created the Fans of MarketingProfs group on Facebook. I saw it as yet another way for us to talk to our audience–to let them get to know the people behind MarketingProfs–and for us to listen, to get feedback on what we don't do well, or on what we do well but could do better.


It was also a bit of an experiment. Admittedly, I founded the group not really having a clear idea of where it would go, or whether it made sense at all. Sometimes, it's hard to know whether something is going to stick, or whether it's just another bright and shiny thing... .
It's proven to be a wonderful brand-building experience so far, and it's still evolving. It's great to see the faces of MP readers, and for them to "meet" each other, too. It gives life and texture to MarketingProfs. I've found some new writers, met some new readers, and touched base with some long-time subscribers. It doesn't take the place of any of the forums we run on marketingProfs itself .... like the Know-How Exchange or this blog .... but extends and augments them.
The bottom line is that Facebook is a rich environment in which to do business. It's interesting to see how brands are using it to bring together their customers, audience, and fans, or are using it to market their products and services. Some -- like MarketingProfs, the Online Journalism Review, and Nielsen -- are forming clubby groups where fans can congregate.
Others are launching useful new applications for Facebook users: shoe retailer Zappos launched an app that allows people to share deals with their friends; the conference group Business Blog Summit has one that serves up daily "blog tips." And there's thousands more.
But I encourage you to sign up for Facebook and look around a bit. Search in the groups for other brands and see what pops up. I'd love to hear what else you discover.
And while you are there, please join Fans of MarketingProfs. You'll need a Facebook account to join, which is free and open to anyone. If you already have a Facebook account, you can search on "MarketingProfs" and we'll pop up. Or, here's the group address:
https://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=19230516048