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An Insiders Look at Facebook: Join Me for a Day Behind-the-Scenes

Facebook is one of the main pillars of  social media and most of us started on Facebook. I know I did. It was my first foray into connecting with friends and family across the country. Today our Facebook connections have expanded beyond just friends and family but we've also maintained our core foundation.

On a recent trip to San Francisco, I went on a behind the scenes tour of the main Facebook campus. And let me tell you, it was amazing. It was part of a geek day of visits to twelve different technology companies that I took with Guy Kawasaki  (see Guy's Geek Day photos here) and due to the logistics, Facebook was our last visit of the day. We had seen a lot of people, many offices, and so many cool things so we were slightly tired and thought what more can there be? But we were both floored by Facebook.

Before our “fun” tour of Facebook started, we were taken to a conference room for a meeting with a Facebook team. I'll give you a little insight into Guy and I, we love fun stuff but give us a meeting to discuss social media and we are in heaven. We're always interested in learning more and pushing the limits of what we can do with social media.

Our Facebook dream team of Shannon and Merlyn did their homework!

Facebook peeps

They had done research on Guy's Facebook page and we discussed the set up, what we post, how we post, and other details about Facebook overall. Sure, it was a little scary to have my work analyzed with my boss by Facebook at Facebook but the confirmation that I'm doing everything really well after being analyzed by Facebook was priceless.

It was most impressive that Facebook took the time to plan a presentation and discuss what they do and how we are doing it because this was our only meeting of the day. I was inspired to send a note to their boss because they were truly helpful. This meeting renewed our motivation with Facebook and for continuing to build out new strategies for the platform. One thing that I've really stressed with my social media is creating a full balanced platform with multiple layers. You don't want to be an island floating on one social media platform. I think that's paid off really well for me and my management of Guy's social media.

And now for the photos of the fun part of the tour of the campus! The Facebook corporate culture is everywhere. Employees are encouraged to be creative, work together on projects, and enjoy being at Facebook. It was called college 2.0 on our tour and that seems very accurate to me.  There's a lot of great work going on but also time for socialization and personal growth.

GeekDay (224 of 154)

Facebook 1 (1 of 1)

This is a bike shop where you can have your bike repaired for the cost of the parts.Facebook 2 (1 of 1)

This is the building that Mark Zuckerberg works in. His all glass office is on the bottom floor with a 360 degree view in and out. He was working there when we went by but you aren't allowed to take photos.
Facebook 4 (1 of 1)This is a print shop that people can come and create things to take a break from their work. There was also a wood shop and other hands-on places to relax.

Facebook 6 (1 of 1)

This is a little poster that someone made in the print shop that I saw around campus. To me, it exemplifies what I saw of the Facebook culture. Make art: do what makes you happy everyday. Art can be in the form of coding, marketing, advertising, or any of the many departments that it takes to keep Facebook rolling. Each person is adding their art to help make the Facebook engine run. It's inspiring!Facebook 3 (1 of 1)

My three word description of Facebook: creative, inspiring, and smart. I can't wait to go back to visit Facebook again and really spend sometime learning more from the inside out. Thank you to Facebook for allowing me to come visit your campus! I'm grateful for the time you spent with us and for our connection.

Where would you want to visit if you had the chance to go to a social media company? What would you ask them or want to see?

Facebook 5 (1 of 1)

Photo credit: Big Stock Photos

7 Comments

  1. Wow, what fun. I too would love to have them analyze my pages and what and how I do Facebooking. Is the campus in San Francisco or Silicon Valley. Very cool.

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