If you’re confused by Twitter, you’re not alone. It takes some getting used to.
Called “micro blogging”, Twitter gives you just 140 characters to get your point across. How powerful can such a short message be? Last winter, Egyptians used “tweets” to share breaking news about the Egyptian Revolution.
What About Business?
From a business standpoint, users use it to network and keep in close touch with colleagues (some of whom they’ve never met “In Real Life”—IRL).
Of course, you can also use it to develop a closer relationship with people you do meet at business card exchanges and other networking functions. By showing up and interacting in the more informal Twitter setting, you get to know more about the people you meet at these events, your shared interests and how you can help in one another’s businesses.
How? Because you’re having a conversation and sharing information. Just like real life networking.
Think of a networking event where you’ll see the same people each week. Over the months, you build a relationship. You feel comfortable referring that person and you might use their services yourself.
Twitter can accelerate that relationship building process.
Local businessperson, Kellyann Schaefer at Your Task Complete, (Twitter handle @taskcomplet) used Twitter to connect a nonprofit that matches gently used furniture with needy families to a storage space that stores the furniture while in transition. That’s Twitter Power!
Once you get into the mindset of having short conversations and getting to know people, just like at real life networking events, you’re beginning to use Twitter effectively.
Here are some “Worst Practices on Twitter” or What Not to Do:
Twitter Fact #1: There are some Twitter users whose only goal is to amass followers. They get on Twitter and follow everyone hoping some percentage will follow back. These are not people effectively using Twitter to build a business. Don’t be like them.
Which leads me to the question of quality vs. quantity on Twitter? It doesn’t do you any good to build up 15,000 followers if they’re not your target audience.
Why? Because it’s kind of like going to a packed NFL stadium right at kick off and standing up in the bleachers, cupping your hands around your mouth and yelling your 30 second blurb. You’re not going to create relationships and you’re not going to get any business from it.
Focus on quality, not quantity.
Twitter Fact #2: There are also Twitter users who think the purpose of Twitter is to post 15 promotions a day and think they’re “using” Twitter. That’s like the annoying “networker” who spends all his time pushing business cards into people’s hands to trying to sell them on something right then and there. Everyone avoids him. It’s the same on Twitter.
Here are 2 Ways to Get the Most Out of Twitter:
Step 1: Follow experts in your industry. You can search for their name right in the search bar on Twitter.
They’ll probably show up on the right hand side with their profile image. Right About Here.
You also can look up their Twitter “handles” (what people call themselves on Twitter) on their websites. Then drop the @name into the search bar on Twitter.
Step 2: Follow other business owners you know.
With both groups, watch what they’re posting, see who they’re mentioning, (@mentions are other users. You can follow those links to see if you want to follow that person.)
When you feel like you want to comment on someone’s “tweet”, do it. You might not catch the “experts” eyes right away but then again, you might. Twitter is still a fairly level playing field.
Step 3: Tweet! Tweet “early and often” as the old joke about NYC’s Tammany Hall goes. If you have a smartphone, you’ve got the tool. Use it while you’re waiting on line at the deli, the bank, at the gas station. Just open up your Twitter and see what people are saying. Comment. Retweet.
You might be surprised how useful you find it!
The secret to Twitter: Show up, add value and have fun!
If you’d like to receive a copy of my Twitter Handbook complete with glossary and step by step instructions, just email me. It’s my free gift to you.
Happy Tweeting,
Jen Phillips April @phillysocial
