By Michele Scism
The Results Lady
I have been getting so many questions lately about a Facebook application called BranchOut. What is it or Is it of any value for small business owners? If you are on Facebook and are constantly getting those request from friends to join them on BranchOut you might be wondering the same thing.
So I started doing a little research – reading some blogs and then headed over to YouTube and found this video from Anastacia Hauldridge that explains how to use it and a little bit about how businesses can use it. I want you to notice that this video was made in February and a few little things have changed on BranchOut but nothing too drastic.
So now how can we use that information as business owners.
First and most obvious would be to utilize the job ads if that is something that would benefit you. Especially if you are in the direct selling business or the mlm industries that might be beneficial or if you are looking for employees for your business. A super cool new feature allows Facebook Business Page owners to add a jobs tab from BranchOut that shows jobs you are running ads for on the site. Great connection tool.
Second the concept behind BranchOut is that it wants to become the LinkedIn of Facebook. It is specifically designed to help people find jobs by utilizing their network. You see you build a network of friends (from your Facebook friends) and through that network and all of their friends you can see who might have contacts at certain companies you want to work at. But what if you didn’t want a JOB at that company but wanted them to hire your business. Wouldn’t it work pretty close to the same way.
I think as business owners we need to keep our eyes open for the possibilities. If you have checked out BranchOut and have some other ideas for business owners we would love to hear them. Please leave us a comment below.
Thank you for the information about Branch Out. I have been using it but not really understanding it’s use, so very useful, thank you :)
You are very welcome Kama – Thanks for leaving a comment. Michele
Thank you so much. I keep getting connections and accepting but I was never quite sure what to do with this application. As usual you are full of great useful info
Hey Roberta – Well I have had so many people asking me what to do about BranchOut and I had to tell them all that I just wasn’t sure either. It was great to find this video that made sense of it a little bit. Thanks, Michele
Wow, does Anastacia have some super energy or what? LOL It was a great video and she taught me so much more about BranchOut.
My one concern about BranchOut – as well as Stix (which I believe is no longer around, correct me if I’m wrong) is that people I don’t know are asking me for recommendations. I’ve got 4 requests in BranchOut from 4 people I’ve never heard of before. How am I able to give them a recommendation? I won’t recommend anyone unless I’ve used their services, purchased their product, or know them well enough to know that they produce great work.
Recommendations without solid working experience and knowledge to back it them are worthless – so all those recommendations you read could very well be made up – fake. Social media is supposed to be about authenticity – I can’t recommend someone I don’t know and be authentic at the same time.
What’s your take on that?
Eydie :)
Eydie – I know what you mean – she is a firecracker. LOL I have to tell you that I get a lot of people who ask me to recommend them but I just don’t unless I have worked with them or know them. Sometimes I will give a referral for someone even when I haven’t worked with them if I can say something like “She has been a participant in our blog challenge and has been very interactive with all of the other bloggers.” If I can say things like that I will give them a recommendation. It’s those people I don’t even know that blow my mind. LOL Thanks for commenting, Michele
Michele,
Thank you! I too gleaned some wisdom and benefit from this post!
I get it :)
You are so welcome Marcia Ann – Thank you so much for letting me know. Michele
Those were the pros, now what about the cons?
I guess the con is the time you spend on it — I’ve found that branch out really works best for people who are looking for a traditional job