Over the last year or so I’ve been to many (too many) real estate conferences, expos and seminars and have observed an almost universal fear. The good news (sort of) is it’s not unique to the real estate industry, it’s a fear felt throughout all business. Social media and the following innocent looking graphic are the cause:
The fear centers on a question that creates a state of panic and confusion. What is it? It is:
“How do I keep my personal and business contacts separate on Facebook?”
But help is here! My solution is a simple one; it starts with a question, something I call “the vacation photo” question:
“Is it OK for this person to see my vacation photo’s?”
I’ll help you with a visual:
It’s pretty simple really. Imagine yourself wearing beach attire, pick a beach, any beach, and there you stand, proud of everything the camera can see, perhaps having had a mudslide or three (go on! life is short!) and then ask yourself “Should my new ‘friend’ see this photo?”
If the answer is ‘no’ then point them to your business page. I know it’s easier for some than others but try practicing the following statement:
“I’d love to connect with you on Facebook but I only use my profile for family. I do have a page though, I’ll send you details so we can keep in touch there!”
If there are people that you have already friended and wished you hadn’t, tell them to connect via your page and then unfriend them. I wouldn’t call the page your “business page”, it seems a little cold even though it’s true, then (if necessary) explain:
“I only use my profile for family and some of them are prone to adding comments that others might find offensive. I’m just trying to make sure I don’t offend anyone”
I don’t buy into the dumbed down explanation of social media; “it’s like a cocktail party!” No it’s not!!! And I think you can draw a clear line between your business and personal online self but it will require discipline, a plan and a bit of tact.
One final note: If you are thinking about having two Facebook accounts, one for personal, one for business, don’t. It is against Facebook terms and might result in your Facebook account getting revoked. And it’s more work, no one wants that! 
