Growth, trees, fall, seasons, cycles...
It's a new day.
I think these are exciting, interesting times. I know it doesn't feel like it with all of the uncertainty, (economic and other) but usually some new order does emerge from chaos. I think social media is part of the emerging new order. It really is communication coming of age. (It makes me wonder what people must of first thought of the telephone!)
I was recently having a conversation with someone, trying to explain the advantages of Twitter, why I like it, what are the advantages and I just thought...blog it. :) There are differences too, depending on your goals and your connection ambitions. I read in an article recently the differences between Facebook and Twitter put this way; (and I couldn't say it any better myself) Facebook is for people you already know, keeping in touch, connecting and reconnecting. Twitter is for networking and looking and finding those people you would like to get to know better. Eureka! (The world is your oyster) So true! They both have distinctive purposes and benefits and it is best to take advantage of both.
Twitter is great for networking and finding like-minded individuals. Twitter is better than Facebook for professional networking. The distinct difference is that a lot of random important (and not so important) information can be spewed out on Facebook, much of it personal information from people you know. Facebook is more casual, more social. On Twitter, CONTENT IS KING. Twitter is this cosmic wonder in that you have your interests, background and profession...as you tweet quality content and share your knowledge in these areas, a wonderful thing starts to happen...people who share your interests, profession and knowledge will start to follow you. If you tweet about your chosen topics of interest etc....you will start to connect with these like minds. This doesn't really happen on Facebook. Useful and spectacular content sharing is so important on Twitter. Everyone likes fresh ideas, articles and the latest information. If you tweet quality stuff....you are going to get followed and you will find others to follow as well.
Start with your true authentic areas of interest.
Quick Twitter tips:
1) Theme. Customize your Twitter background to match your other spaces so there is continuity and branding potential. (Same background or picture etc..)
2) Bio. Make a fun, snappy bio plug...something that grabs attention and interest.
3) Tweets. Twitter, like Facebook, interaction with followers is key. WHAT TO TWEET -VERY IMPORTANT!!! No one cares what you had for breakfast, the weather or your last fight with the ex.(And getting an over-the-head sales beating either) Business and branding ONLY! It is one of the most courteous places I visit on the web. Etiquette and consideration is required. Talk about music, philosophy, poetry, current events, business whatever but NO bloviating!! People will get tired. However; You do want to interact with your followers and let them get to know you, so a good rule of thumb is the 80/20 rule. 80% business and on topic branding and 20% personal. If you tweet a couple of things a day and interact occasionally with your followers (30 minutes - 1 hour a day lets say)...you will do well. :) It is another place for people to find your blog, brand, business once you get a following. Don't get hung up on it. You don't have to get addicted, it is becoming a very powerful, well-respected and targeted advertising vehicle that will only grow with time.
4) News & Information. Twitter is great for quick information and news. Another distinct difference with Twitter as opposed to Facebook is that since the information often shared is kept so short (140 character tweets) it is used for more "real-time" information sharing. For example; A plane crash in France a couple of years ago showed up immediately on my Tweet thread before it hit the news feeds. It makes information move very fast and in real-time.
5) Growing Followers. Pick about 100 people to follow and this will be a good start. If you want to get found and followed check out the trending topics on the side of your page (they are always listed) if you make a comment or two on these trending topics it is a way for people to start seeing your face pop up and get found. Also go to all of your areas of interest and follow. Everything local, global and beyond. Think quality over quantity. Slow and steady...don't fall for the "gain 10,000 follower" quick gimmicks.
This is a really good start. You can follow many tweets and you will get the hang of patterns and so forth...learn and have fun.
Articles of interest by Social Media Today:
I love this blog and it's perspective with the potential of social media if you take the right approach.
http://www.businessesgrow.com/2010/08/29/the-spirituality-of-social-media/
You can follow me on Twitter @Juliems3. Communicate & connect great content and enjoy!
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