Facebook - Good for Business?

I use Facebook, and like it. I have even gotten business out of it. But I don't like when people shamelessly plug their business in the guise of a "regular" status update. One of my friends updated his status with this recently: "I'm busy at work, helping people get great deals on auto insurance." I thought that was pretty cheesy. Others are more direct, like someone I know who works for a local newspaper - "We're having great deals this week on advertising, so call me if you want to work with the best paper in town!" Puhlease.

For me, Facebook is about socializing with friends, so don't bug me with your solicitations. So how did I get business out of it? The same way I have gotten business at my kid's soccer games - sort of by accident - but not really. Through natural socializing. Reconnecting with old freinds always leads to, "So what are you doing these days?" And on at least one occasion, my old friend was in need of the service my company provides.

Now, I'm sure those who shamelessly self-promote get business out of Facebook and other social networking sites, but in my opinion, they turn lots of people off along the way. So for me, I say treat others the way you want to be treated - don't solicit! Have fun, keep it about socializing, and the business will come.