As many of you who read the YPN blog know, many of us are on Facebook too. Facebook, which was once a trend among college students, has wriggled its way into our lives as a resource for young professionals to use as a marketing and social connection tool.

Facebook is in our faces and it’s a great instrument to have in a business based on who you know and the connections we create.

Let me take a moment to say thank you to those of you who have accepted and sent me friend requests on Facebook. I welcome many more so please keep them coming!

I am thanking you because with your connections I have the opportunity to learn about what is taking place in many towns and states across the country, which is becoming a valuable tool when I sit with my clients here in Rhode Island and they ask about the national real estate market.

But while making connections on a social networking site is always beneficial, there is a courteous and respectful way to do so. For example: Brooke Wolford, a newer rising star agent with Edina Realty in Minneapolis, and I recently connected. Brooke and I have exchanged a few messages and she has given me insight into the market in Minneapolis.

Brooke took the correct course when Facebook friending me. She simply sent a request and on her profile noted what she does, who she works for, and then she responded to my message and introduced herself.

Here are a few Facebooking tips that I find even I need to be more proactive in following:

1. When sending a friend request there is a little box to send a personal message, send one saying who you are and why you are sending the request.

2. Once you have a new friend don’t inundate them with products or service information. A friend acceptance does not mean that their e-mail should be used without permission. This is