Had a couple of clients say this to me recently. So, what’s not to get?
Variously non-Twitter believers normally split into one of three groups.
- It’s rubbish! It’s all a bunch of people tweeting about how they’re on the toilet.
- It’s rubbish! I’ve frantically followed thousands of people but only 12 people have followed me back.
- It’s rubbish! I’ve tweeted 50 special offers this week and not one of them got a response.
A really useful analogy is thinking of Twitter as a massive networking opportunity.
If you went to an actual business networking event how would you behave?
Would you frantically hand out business cards in the vague hope that the more people you give them to, the more business you will win? (number 2) Or perhaps you’d systematically shout out at the top of your voice all the deals your business is offering at the moment? (number 3)
If you were smart you’d do neither. Because, people would take an instant dislike to you. And, just like business networking, Twitter is all about engagement.
Smart networkers introduce themselves, politely listen and add value to the conversation when appropriate. They communicate personally sharing their personal values, stories and interests. This wins them credibility, friends and ultimately business. It’s not rocket science. And neither is Twitter.
People I speak to get giddy about the opportunity to broadcast their message to millions of people on Twitter. They’re ultimately disappointed when they sadly discover that nobody cares about what their business does or sells!
Twitter is not a broadcast solution. It’s a two-way engagement and communication solution. The same way email puts you in touch with people. So can Twitter.
Why would you want Twitter? Why would you want an email address? It’s the same thing.
And don’t be seduced by the number of followers either. When I look at my followers I see a significant proportion are people who want to sell me something. 10 strong and engaged connections (i.e. people who are actively listening to what you have to say) are significantly more valuable than 1000 people who have followed you just because they want you to follow them back.
Connect
Listen – monitor the conversation about your business and sector.
www.twitter.com (upgraded featuring great listing, saved search and tweet search features – perfect for single accounts)
Monitor with a Great Twitter Clients – choose your favourite. (if you have more than one account)
Shared Minds (currently my favourite)
Also take a look at:
If you enjoyed this post follow me and say hi on Twitter. Http://www.twitter.com/richardglynn
Nice one – i dont do the “twitter” thing but i may now.