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Previously the number one social network by user base was MySpace, but now Facebook has stepped in as the new champion of the social networking masses. Originially geared toward colleges only, the social network later expanded to other schools and individuals. But what makes Facebook so palatable for businesses is its unique ability to assemble "fan groups" for a company, concept, or other entity (ranging from anything from celebrities to pop culture media). By bringing on new "fans" for an organization, it is possible to create chatter about topics or services that the company might be interested in presenting B2C or in many cases B2B.
Since Facebook has become more widely used by top organizations and professionals, the social network has become an excellent way for businesses to market their ideas or products to other interested individuals or groups. The reach that Facebook has also has an impact on the marketing aspects of a company, such as providing coupons or promotional offers of group walls.
Although Facebook was originally intended for college students, it has since become an effective way for businesses to create chatter, promote services, or simply create awareness about a specific subject matter.
The powerful networking tools and applications available on Facebook create opportunities for businesses to leverage their knowledge and expertise inorder to establish relationships with other businesses, potential customers, and individuals who might become a connection to future customers.
When using Facebook, it is important for businesses to keep in mind the strategy by which they want to communicate on a business and consumer level. Facebook is useful for branding companies further through presenting company images and discussions, but what makes the profile of the companies helpful in particular is the ability to create links to the company website and provide traffic to pages that contain marketable content.
 Using Facebook is one way that businesses can either advertise their services or create a networking opportunity B2B or B2C.
While the network may seem cumbersome initially with a lot of bells and whistles, the intuitive nature of the applications and functions make it an easy tool to quickly build up and fill out.
The only problem is that it requires a user associated with the business account, rather than allowing just the business to have an identity on the network.
So if businesses cannot simply create a profile that allows them to have the same utilization as a regular user, how can Facebook be used for businesses? The secret is to have employees that are already on Facebook interact as fans or administrators.
Once the business page is associated with an individual's Facebook account, the profile can be expanded to participate in other groups with similar business interests.
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