Should You Ban or Embrace Facebook?

Facebook has become quite popular lately with all ages. Even people who don’t do much else online have a Facebook account. There are so many games, applications, fan pages, and links to comment on, play. It’s a great way for people to check out what all their friends are up to.

So what does Facebook mean for your small business? It can definitely be a distraction from getting your own work done, but it can also be a huge distraction for your employees if they have online access. Some businesses are even banning Facebook access in the workplace, because of the time wasted. There’s also the question of liability if an employee does something shady while they are on the clock and working on one of your computers.

Facebook’s not all bad, in fact Facebook can be used as a promotional tool for your small business, not just a distraction.

How can you use Facebook for promotion?

• After you set up your own account, set up a page for your business. Let your friends and customers know you’ve set up a fan page so they can join you.
• Whenever your business is mentioned online, or if you have a blog for your small business you can post a link to share whenever you post any new, useful information.
• You can also “friend” clients, customers, employees, and suppliers along with actual friends, and use your account to keep them updated with what’s going on in your business and industry.
• Facebook is one of many social networking “tools” you can use together or separately to interact and network with others.

Do you use Facebook to promote your small business? Do you have a policy for your employees for Facebook usage?

Image via Flickr Matt Hamm