Facebook was originally used by college students as a way to keep in tough with friends from high school. but now those "kids" have grown up and entered the workforce as professionals. This demographic shift has altered the way Facebook is used. What was once solely a playground has transformed into a place of business.

Facebook grows up...

Recent statistics have demonstrated that Facebook has moved beyond its origins to become a potent business networking tool. Its only logical that as the original adapters graduated, started jobs and business careers they would continue to use the Facebook network to stay in touch with people.

Should you draw a line between social and professional when networking?

As the use of Facebook changes the once obvious distinction between business and playtime has become blurred. You have all probably read hilarious, stupid or just plain sad stories about people who damage themselves by telling to much in a psuedo-social setting like Facebook. But is the answer to draw a strict line between personal and professional networking.

Drawing too strict a line between personal and professional may cause you to lose potential clients or opportunities for business. Indulge in too much frivolity and you could ruin your reputation.

If you are careful about the type of personal information you share and the amount of disclosure about your personal comings and goings you can have the best of both worlds. You can use what was once a purely social medium as a networking tool for business uses.

How Facebook Networking Can Help Your Business

Huge Potential Exposure

The reason you are reading this article is probably the same as the reason I am writing it. Facebook is simply too big to ignore. The count of users at the time of writing is 350 million.

If you use Facebook consistently and strategically it can increase your company's visibility. Post comments on your contacts pages, provide insights, helpful tips and advice and you'll earn respect an credibility.

Improve Your Google Page Rank

Use the "Pages" application to create a non-personal profile for your business, practice, services or products, ON these pages you have the option to include links to your web site and drill down to specific resource on your web site, papers you have written, research you have done.

Marketing Free Of Charge

Facebook offers may plug-in applications. You can find great user-friendly tools to market your services, products and promote your business.

Targeted Paid Ads

Facebook offers paid advertising that is very similar to Google Adwords but with a unique twist. Google allows you to reach people based on the keywords they are searching on or keywords on the page they are reading. But Facebook allows you to also zero in on keywords found in the users description of themselves. Their school, occupation, status and lots of other juicy self disclosed demographic data.

You also get tools to track you ads performance. Not great like Google adwords but adequate.

 A Few Networking Tips For Facebook

Using Photos on your Facebook Profile

Avoid posting a lot of personal photos that cast your business is a bad light. No birthdays, vacations, etc. Try posting photos of events, conferences you've attended instead. Keep to tone personal but professional.

Your Facebook Profile

Keep you profile simple and direct. Don't add too many distractions, widgets, gadgets, games etc. Use your Facebook profile to offer up essential information about you, your company, your services or products. Stay focused on you business goals. If you want to connect with people in your industry provide information that will lead them too you.

Pick Your Facebook Friends Wisely

People you add as friends will have access to all your information... AND they will be able to post comments on your pages. So, watch who you allow into your domain!

Post Relevant Content

Post content that is relevant to your industry, your career, your business, your profession. give valuable information and share your expertise.

Explore Facebook Groups

The group option is a good way to reach out in the business networking arena. Plus you might want to take a look at the Facebook Marketplace where you can place listings for your products and services free.