Facebook Groups

If there is one positive thing about Facebook (probably one of very few), then it’s the sheer amount of groups that offer a place to learn and converse with like minded people.

I’ve just been doing my annual check through today of the list of groups I follow on FB.  I do this every years to have a bit of a clear out because sometimes the groups don’t always turn out to what they say in their description or sometimes the conversation threads go rather off topic.  Not to worry though, it’s good to do some housekeeping because it then means every time I log into FB my feed is as relevent and up to date as possible.

Today I’ve also had a search to see what else I could find.  Mostly around nature and green issues.  There are thousands of them.  Some groups are so big FB shows me that up 150 posts a day can be posted.  That’s just too big for me.  I like the small to medium size groups so at least you get the chance to converse with the same people some of the time and build up mini-connections.

It’s not easy though keeping up with groups.  I tend to join in with lots of enthusiasim but it’s not long before I feel slightly overwhelmed or unable to keep up.  On the other hand I’ve stuck with some groups for years because I’ve leant a lot about subjects that I’m interested in and have struck up some really nice online friends through them.

If you’re looking for online folks that have similar fondness, thoughts, concerns, areas of interests etc as you then FB groups are a good place to find them.

Here are a few tips in finding the right groups and using them successfully:

• Do a search on key words because some groups aren’t always obvious.  I really like gardening but not only are there hundreds of groups with the word “gardening” in them, they are also huge groups with a massive range of conversation starters in them.  Instead I look on words such as “permaculture”, “no-dg” and “veganic” to find smaller but more unique groups.
• Put the place name in the search as well.  If you’re opting for a wider group conversation but want it tailored locally you could put “gardening UK” or “gardening London”.
• Be aware that a lot of groups (similar to pages) are built for the sole intention of building a business or a brand.  They don’t always appear obvious either.  The only way to tell is to see what feed you get after joining.  If people are constantly talking about a product then it’s time to move on (unless you love that product).  Sometime business pages for products can be used for user support.  But be wary of people using it as a platform to moan and complain.
• Using groups takes time.  It takes time to build up a raport with people (as in real life), and it take time for people to get to know you as well.  The best way to do this without groups taking over your life is to pick your groups wisely and interact as much as you can.  But make sure every interaction is meaningful.  One word answers and emoji’s aren’t really saying much.  Don’t respond to every post unless it genuinely resonates.
• Equally don’t expect everyone else to post.  If you feel confidant enough then posting something yourself can show you’re authentic.  You could do this by asking a question or raising a point that you feel others would understand you on.  Create something that starts a conversation but steer clear of anything controversial.  A lot of the time posts are usually monitored by the admin team of the group so if you wondered why your post hasn’t been posted then it must got against the groups rules.
• Don’t ever post anything you wouldn’t say to someone you’ve just met.  It sounds obvious but it’s suprsing how many people forget to think before they either post their own post or respond on someone elses.
• If you don’t agree with a post then just scroll on by.  If you don’t agree with several posts then you’re definitely in the wrong group.

Thank you for reading.