By Dana Phillips

It is time for me to do a little “mom” work and share some do’s and don’ts with those of you who are posting in other groups, building relationships, prospecting for new team members, and searching for customers. Please take these to heart. I have your best interest in mind.

  1. Read the Group Rules. Different administrators have various rules. Become familiar with each group’s rules, so you know if it is a group where you will bring and receive value.
  2. Don’t Break the Group Rules. No one likes a trouble maker, particularly when they are a guest. This should be obvious, but it isn’t. We delete one post a week from members who are breaking our cross-recruiting rule. I block them after the second offense. If a group says “Don’t promote your business,” then for heaven’s sake, don’t!
  3. Listen lots before you post. Listening means more than just scrolling and reading. She is posting and commenting in the group. Listen to the types of comments from various members. Who is complaining? Who is solution-oriented? Who is looking for help? LISTEN.
  4. Don’t go in “promoting” your product/service. Seriously, would you walk into a public place and start shouting, “My product is on sale this week!” or “I just love my job.” No. Save those comments until you are asked or until you build relationships with members privately. Also, see #1.
  5. Comment! Comment! Comment! Your silence, likes, loves, lol, and emojis are not enough to get you noticed. You are in the group to engage. Just think, how do you like it when your group members don’t comment. DUH! You hate it, right?
  6. Don’t be disagreeable. I never thought I would have to say this, but it only takes one look at a political post to see all sorts of disagreeable people. Remember the adage: you can’t change people, but you can change the way you respond. If you feel the need to disagree, start your post or comment with a disclaimer, “This is my point of view,” or “Here is another way to look at it.”
  7. Praise others! There is not enough praise in this world, and Facebook is a great place to show appreciation for someone’s point of view, articulations, or tough question. That’s good manners!
  8. Don’t post your problems. Now there is a difference from asking for opinions about the content in the group, “What do you all think of the new trend in ___” and dumping your bad day, bad week, lousy month of sales on any group.
  9. Send a message and friend request to people you want to attract. This is good etiquette. Send a message and ask permission to send them a friend request. Tell them why you like them. You might respect their advice, share an interest in xxx, or think they are funny. See #7
  10. Don’t invite all the members to join your VIP Group. That is just rude and foolish. Once you have a relationship with someone, then personally (private messenger) tell them why you think they would enjoy your group and ask permission to invite them. Thankfully, Facebook’s new rules will not allow you to add people without them “joining.” You are looking for people who will be keen on your product. Let them spread the word.

Okay, so there is my list of etiquette. I would love to hear your thoughts, additions, and ideas.

Looking for a FB Group for Leaders?  Join the Direct Selling Leaders Network!

Every Friday, we offer a quick five minute Facebook live in our group, the Direct Selling Leaders Network. You and your future leaders are welcome to join the group. We have no cross recruiting and no daily sales pitches. PS: Our Friday topics are often about building and sustaining a business on Facebook. Interested? Join today!