Myth or fact: You really are connected to most people through six degrees of separation? Is it true that any random person you may come into contact with can most likely be connected back to you in a span of six relationships or less?
If the folks at Facebook have anything to say about it, six degrees may be a bit of an exaggeration – on the high end.
If you’re not already following the Facebook Data Team, now’s the time to do so. They consistently turn out interesting information that can be easily applied to the marketing world. In one of their most recent finds, they revealed that American Facebook users are separated by an average of four degrees from other random users.
From a marketing and sales standpoint, what can you take away from this? The first is that it may be easier to make connections than you think. In addition, it’s always easier to ask for a referral if you can do so by name, versus asking an existing client or friend if they “know someone who might be able to use your business.” Being connected through your Facebook network may not be as reliable as a real-life, tangible connection, but it never hurts to use Facebook along with some common sense when looking for an angle.
Since it’s not always easy to trace your connections using social networking sites alone, I recommend using a tool like Reachable.com to help. Reachable can leverage your CRM, Outlook, and your social networks (Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, etc.) contact to help you find useful connections, which can save you a lot of time and effort.
Making connections is just half the battle. Knowing where to find them and how to use them is just as important. Now you Know More!
No comments:
Post a Comment