October 29th, 2008
Twittering Away My Brand
I resist fads. I resist drains on my time that don’t produce results. I resist doing things just for the sake of doing things.
All that being said, I am a reluctant guest at the Twitter party. However, and it’s a big one, this online social networking phenomenon has barged its way into my consciousness, not only because all kinds of random people are suddenly “following” me (which–think about it–is kind of creepy) but also because of the almost daily queries I get from clients asking if they should Twitter. For most (you know who you are –no Facebook page, still don’t know the difference between a blog and an enewsletter) my answer is a resounding “No!” Not yet, anyway. Master a few online basics first.
But there is a strong and compelling argument for everone else to experiment with all that Twitter has to offer. No one makes the case (and the how-to) for this better than the popular web guru David Meerman Scott in his blog Web Ink Now.
In his post on Twitter today, he links this tool with personal branding:
Twitter has been a valuable personal branding tool for me. I’ve connected with people who read my stuff, met new contacts, pointed people to my books, and promoted speaking engagements. All for free and in just a few minutes a day.
Read it. Follow his advice. And all of your Twitter-resistant molecules will disappear–just like mine have.
October 29th, 2008 at 4:53 am
Lyn,
I am finding I *love* Twitter — and I was totally against it, too.
It is far less time-consuming than Facebook, LinkedIn and blogging. It takes all of two minutes to read the tweets to see what’s new.
Dianna
Dianna Huffs last blog post..Bumbling Ace Reporter Tries to Contact Cisco CEO
October 29th, 2008 at 4:55 am
PS — I got to this post via your Twitter update this morning. I have a Blogline account and subscribe to dozens of blogs but never check it to read updated blog posts.
October 29th, 2008 at 5:46 am
I’ve been using Twitter for just about a month, and I’ve already learned more from the “tweets” posted than if I’d attended multiple conferences - in less time and for free. It’s also greatly expanded my understanding of social media.
Interestingly, you get a real sense of how people work and think - all about branding. One consultant I’ve long admired, I was surprised to see, is guarded and egotistic in her Tweets. Not good, since it’s inconsistent with her own recommendations. Most people are very generous with tips, links, etc. so it’s a fast way to learn about topical issues.
I saw your Tweet this morning, and clicked to read your latest blog post right away. Yesterday, someone recommended my blog on Twitter and traffic jumped 800+ visitors above normal. So, for me, Twitter has been helpful for promoting my work, but much more helpful learning about new subjects and making connections.
I’m still trying to figure out Facebook…
PS For anyone new to Twitter, I’d recommend they follow @Pistachio (Laura Fitton at http://www.pistachioconsulting.com) who’s a micro-sharing expert and generous with her great advice about using Twitter for full value.
Mary Cullens last blog post..Phishing Scams in Plain English
October 29th, 2008 at 5:56 am
Thanks for this, Mary. I think Facebook is a whole different form of outreach–it serves in somewhat the same way as Wikipedia (if you’ve written your own entry there). As support and verification for the brand that you have established.
Twitter on! I look forward to seeing you there.
Lyn
November 18th, 2008 at 6:49 pm
The great thing about twitter is that so many other social networking tools recognize it’s power. You can have your twitter update friendfeed, facebook, blogger, and a slew of others. So when I tweet, even people not on twitter can follow what I’m doing, because it connects so easily with the rest of the lifestreaming options on the internet.