Facebook has been largely recognized as the place to connect and reconnect with friends and family. But don’t tell that to the millions of companies who are utilizing facebook to network business. Networking has been taken to a new level of interaction including using social media as the new norm for reaching out to clients, customers and other businesses.

Once you’ve joined Facebook the idea of using it to network business might be more than you feel like you can handle. Fortunately though, if you’re looking for a one-stop way to manage your business networking, Facebook could be the solution you’re looking for.

Making your profile pop is the start to building your network on Facebook. Take the time to complete your profile. Bear in mind that you’re going to use Facebook far beyond socializing with old college buddies so include your contact information and keep it up to date.

The one thing to remember about Facebook is that social networking and professional networking lines can get blurry. It’s important to create levels of privacy so that you can interact with friends only as well as keep your professional face about you when business networking. Mixing the two could be a major faux pas when it comes to sharing too much personal information with business contacts and networks. Also consider setting up a fan page so that friends and contacts can become a fan of your business or site and stay up to date on the valuable information you’ll share.

Put the word out to business contacts that you’ve joined Facebook and invite them to become a friend of yours. There’s no need to invite them to join facebook as many of them are likely already a member. A quick email or a blurb in your newsletter can alert them to your new means of networking.

Take the time to join a few groups within your niche and introduce yourself and your brand. Join in relative discussions and be sure to reciprocate when someone likes or comments on something you’ve shared.

Facebook is rapidly growing into a business networking hub and overcoming the many obstacles that small business and independent contractors struggle to overcome when it comes to reaching new clientele or a fan base. Manage your facebook time wisely but be sure to explore all of its possibilities to expand your business network.