When the private Facebook group becomes a business

Online relationships have a certain type of flavor. The majority of us (including yours truly) understands that what we put out their publicly is seen by anyone who wants to look up your handle.

But when we are invited to ‘private’ groups on Facebook, Google or Yahoo, we expect a bit of tact as it relates to what that group is today and how that group will grow.  What I really mean to say is: Upon inception of a private group, you should include every intention of what you ‘may’ want the group to be. In addition, you should check in with your private group every month and give them status on what is going on.

I’ve done this before. I ran a nationwide community site called Gals’ Guide. It wasn’t a private group. It was an open site that any woman could read, comment, etc. I also ran ads. I pulled together a live-streamed summit.

The site wasn’t massive, but the key is that my readers and community knew I monetized the content when I could. Simple.

When you start using the number of members in your ‘private’ Facebook community in interviews and press for your new startup that blurs the lines of trust in my book.

It’s these actions that make me hesitate in joining any online private group these days