Facebook for Brazil Real Estate Investors

The rise of Facebook since its inception in 2004 from humble beginnings to almost 'world-wide domination' has been insurmountable. Whilst initially only been popular amongst the younger generation, recent statistics have pointed to the fact that more time is spent on Facebook than Google and the fastest growing demographic is those 35 years and older. The amount of business owners on the network also has increased dramatically: something that the owners of network are actively encouraging in the form of 'fan' pages, applications and several other business assistance tools (see below). Indeed, more and more global property investors are realising that promoting themselves as individuals has become as important as anything else and, with its ever-growing popularity, Facebook is a perfect platform for them to be able to do this. This guide, therefore provides some pointers of how to leverage Facebook to your benefit as a property investor, with particular focus on Brazil real estate:

• Should you wish to keep your business and personal life separate, you can control your privacy settings (and head towards the bottom of the page);
• Obtain a simple 'Vanity URL' which you can use hand out and build your contacts. Also add the Vanity URL to your email signature and business cards;
• If you have a business blog, set up feeds into your profile and use Facebook Connect to integrate the network on to your website(s);
• When your Facebook friends login into their accounts, their homepage shows updates of what their contacts are up to - you should take advantage of this by regularly updating what you are doing which may be of interest to your Brazil property contacts;

• Consider making use of the following, business related, Facebook applications (in alphabetical order):

  • Callifower - access free conference calls;
  • Define Me - your contacts can anonymously list words that best describe you which are displayed on your profile in a 'cloud' (the most common words will appear larger);
  • Facebook Video - share your videos of presentations, events etc. using this default application;
  • GL Print Business Card - create a virtual business card using a number of creative tools and instruments;
  • Huddle by WorkSpaces - with 1GB worth of free space on this Facebook application, you can organise, store and share files with your contacts (and also edit them online);
  • I Endorse - use this testimonials applications to build the value of your reputation;
  • Introductions - another method (other than doing it manually yourself) to meet people with the similar business interests and perspectives as you;
  • My LinkedIn Profile - an application that creates a smaller banner with a direct link to the professional business network, 'Linked in';
  • My Office - a virtual office with access to a built-in 'dashboard' to organise meetings / events, discuss ideas, obtain feedback, share files, create to-do lists, collaborate online and more;
  • Networked Blogs - share your own and see other similar blogs;
  • Notes (Default App) - add and share notes with your contacts (and leave comments);
  • Page Maps - add a custom map to your personal profile;
  • PodCast Player - share audio recordings;
  • Posted Items - a default application (on the top right of your profile page) where you can posts links of interest;
  • Professional Profile - a particularly useful application if you are looking to keep your business and personal profile separate (you can create another tab for your professional contacts);
  • Simplaris BlogCast - put the title of your blog post and link to it via your Facebook feed quickly and simply;
  • SlideShare - share Powerpoint presentations for your contacts to view on your profile;
  • Smart Message Centre - this application allows you to send messages to a group of people upon which you get back one organised, visualised response (saves the hassle of having to wade through many emails);
  • Smart Phone - make phone to phone calls through your Facebook portal;
  • SocialFly - an application that enables you manage your contact list, create notes and set up reminders to contact / talk to them;
  • Social RSS - add your blogs, twitter and RSS feeds to your Personal Profile and Business Pages;
  • Static FBML - an application that enables you to add advanced functionality to you Facebook page;
  • Tag Biz Business Network - places a so-called 'tag cloud' of keywords of descriptive words on your profile which is linked directly to their business directory;
  • Telephone - through the use of an 'egg-phone', you can call your Facebook friends; send / receive voicemails; send / receive group 'voiceblasts' and exchange messages with your contacts using your MSN, Yahoo, AIM and Gmail chat contacts;
  • Testimonials - as with I Endorse (see above), it is another way to gather short feedback and responses from your contacts to help promote your business;
  • VoiceMail - another voice messaging application;
  • Xing - application enabling users to directly link the popular 'Xing' network to their Facebook profle;
• As with a lot of social networks, beware of 'scam artists' and 'sharks' requesting to be your friend (it is very easy to take someone off your friends list should you discover such an occurrence);
• Research other Brazilian real investors (and their associated companies if they have one) by through looking at their profiles (which often have further information about their experience, background etc.);
• Take advantage of the Facebook 'suggestions' feature which will make recommendations of people that may be of interest for you to build a connection with (again you may want to add an introductory message if they do not know you);
• Build your connections by looking for mutual contacts on your existing friends lists (again, an introductory message would be advisable here);
• Connect with your email contacts by logging into your email account(s) via Facebook;

• You will find that there are many property investment related groups / fan pages that exist on the network(including our own - Brazil Investment Guide (Real Estate) group) and/or the Brazil Real Estate Fan Page. Some others that we would recommend joining include:

  • Brazil Real Estate
  • Brazil Private Equity
  • Invest in Brazil

  You can use these groups to build your network (with other members) as well as see other related groups that may of interest for you to join. Remember to comment on wall posts to establish your identity and visibility;