Sometimes You Just Have to Say “Happy Birthday”


I still snicker when someone bemoans the day to day interactions on Facebook or Twitter as “trivial”. Granted, you shouldn’t be wasting your time engaged in useless conversations, but there’s a lot of power in one important day:

Birthdays.

It can be overwhelming to a lot of people on Facebook to go to their wall and see hundreds of birthday comments, but it’s such a big icebreaker it’s worth wading through the Blingee cards to find the gold.

Here’s a great tip:

Watch for upcoming birthdays on Facebook. Follow up with people a couple days later and just ask how their birthday was. Usually the day before, the day of, and the day after a birthday are inundated with greetings so time yours for a couple days after.

“Hey there! How was your birthday? Hope you celebrated well and had a great time”, something like that. And they’ll respond usually with some giddy response because the birthday glow will hopefully stuck around for a few extra days.

This is a perfect strategy for anyone who is shy about breaking the ice, or doesn’t know how to approach someone. It gives a nice excuse to connect and who knows… maybe there’s GOLD in that birthday greeting!

What other social media icebreaker tips do you have? What results have you gotten from simple conversation starters on Facebook or Twitter?


Share this resource!

Share on Digg!  Share on Delicious!  Share on StumbleUpon!  Share on Google Buzz!

About Nancy Marmolejo

I'm a soul-driven strategist who teaches entrepreneurs how to turn followers into fans and fans into clients using social media and heart based marketing. My approach integrates proven strategies and intuitive hits so each client finds her special way to stand out and sizzle in the spotlight.

  • http://topsy.com/trackback?url=http://vivavisibilityblog.com/say-happy-birthday/ Tweets that mention Sometimes You Just Have to Say “Happy Birthday” — Topsy.com

    [...] This post was mentioned on Twitter by Solo Entrepreneur, Leesa Barnes, Terri Zwierzynski, Lissa Boles, Rhonda Hess and others. Rhonda Hess said: RT @NancyMarmolejo Sometimes You Just Have to Say “Happy Birthday”: I still snicker when someone bemoans the day t… http://bit.ly/aMisat [...]

  • http://VisionForSuccess.biz Ali R. Rodriguez

    I love this post as really, everyday should be a birthday, but when we're talking social media platforms, that information is priceless. It's the pearly gates to wonderful releationships depending on how far you want to take them, and you connect with the most amazing people that show appreciation back. Instant gratification!!! – Remember, the GOLD is in the follow up.:)

  • christinebuffaloe

    I agree with this completely. As a VA, I do this "trivial" job for many of my clients because I have stressed this as important for them to do. Everyone likes to be remembered on their birthday, I know I do! So really, how much time does it really take to spread some joy?

  • http://amatterofbalancecoaching.com/ Deborah White

    Ok, since you are talking birthdays you can say Happy Birthday to me on Saturday, LOL.

  • http://www.melaniekissell.com melaniekissell

    It's often said that you never get a second chance to make a first impression. Some social media ice breakers people have used to connect with me:1.) THREE WORDS – If someone asked you to describe yourself by using only three words, what would they be?2.) WHAT'S ON YOUR READING LIST? – The books you read tell a lot about you. What book have you read that best represents you?3.) HOUSEHOLD APPLIANCE – Which household or kitchen appliance best describes you? And why?4.) MOVIE TITLE – What title would you give a movie made about your life?5.) CANDY BAR – If you were going to be a candy bar, what candy bar would you be?6.) COLA – Are you a Pepsi or Coke person?7.) WEBSITES – Which three websites do you go to every day?8.) NAME THAT COLLEAGUE (friend, follower) – Write one sentence with as many hints as possible and I'll try to guess who you're talking about.I think I might start asking people the anniversary date of the very first dollar they earned online. :-) Put magic and meaning in your day, Nancy, and thanks for another attention-grabbing blog post!