Change the Way you Think about Twitter

Enough with the Twitter mystique already! If you’re human, you already know how to use Twitter effectively. It’s no different from meeting someone for coffee and trying to impart wisdom, share a great book you read etc.. Granted some of our in-person sentences may go over 140 characters once we throw some likes, ums and y’know’s in there.

The best Twitter example is like  being at a cocktail party. All different kinds of people are at this party, friends, colleague’s and of course your competition, yes they are present as well.

There is so much you can accomplish at this cocktail party. You can get to know new people and your competition, ultimately you can sell things. Not at the party of course, that would be cheesy, but you can promote your services and really begin to build solid relationships. You can find out what people want, listen to them and then tell them about what you are offering. This all sounds great but the trick is….you have to be there.

The best part about this event is that while you may be thinking you don’t have time for another evening gathering after a long work day, you don’t have to worry as you can go anytime you want. I should also mention that you are able to leave at any time as well. Sure you might be thinking that you simply just don’t have time to be wasting. With digital media you control the time you want to spend and unlike a regular set party that starts and finishes on a set date, social media is always occurring at any time of the day and night.

Of course then there’s the networking. When you make a connection with someone you instantly gain access to their entire contact list. Since the goal is to make connections everyone is happy to share.

Success is becoming part of the Twitter party flow.

5 things you need to do:

1. Commit to time. Decide how much time you can spend at the party and then commit to it. If it is 20 minutes a day, great but if it is only 15 minutes a week, that’s fine as well. Become part of the flow and you will notice things grow. If you are still worried about it all just give it a try and find someone you find interesting and listen. It will likely surprise you how easy and successful it can be. The key is being consistent.

1. Make unique connections. Avoid the DM trap and desire to send out to the masses. Find someone interesting, follow them and send them a personal greeting. Avoid sending out a blast to everyone and anybody. It’s tempting to do this but it won’t build lasting relationships, the one’s that count for your business. Twitter isn’t an elevator pitch for your products or services. It’s a conversation. Build relationship that will make a difference.

1. Complete your Twitter profile. Would you go to work in your Pajamas? Don’t tweet without your Twitter profile complete with a good quality picture or company brand. Many people would not bother following you if you don’t cover the basics.

1. Don’t give up. It takes time to build your brand online. Most people give us after signing up because they don’t know what to do next. Observe, keep learning. Twitter is the best place to learn about Twitter. Watch other successful brands and see what they do.

1. Build a solid strategy. If you go in without a plan and wing it, you will likely have to step back at some point and reevaluate. Sit down and develop a 6 months to a year strategy and follow it.

Big tip that is always true. The way to getting what you want is to help others get what they want. Connecting with people and communities and building lasting relationships is key. Find them and make those connections.

Now get out there!

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