If you are like me, you’ve probably spent much time reading about how to maximize your time on Twitter. Though much of the information is great, I have found a lacking piece of substance from the big dogs on the platform. Practice what you preach should be applied when taking any advice. I’ve noticed several of the big dogs of the platform preaching, only a small hand full actually follow their own advice.
I personally joined Twitter in November of 08. I quickly denounced the platform and compared Twitter to a freeway of billboards. It was like walking down a carnival midway and being cat called to play a game. I was not sending clear, concise or compelling tweets. I personally became the very billboard I whined about.
Why should you take my advice? I am still swimming in un-chartered waters and often feeling a bit awkward in my new twitter skin. I have though increased my daily followers slow and steady. In the last week I’ve connected with over 100 followers. My influence rating up and overall impact is up. In the short time I’ve typed this, I’ve added 18 new followers. Not big numbers to some of the high level Tweeters. I am though very content in quality over quantity – these new followers saw something they liked – ME! No random Search & Destroys to get adds here.
Virgin Advice
Search & Destroy – The pundits playing off of the popularity of twitter advise to add as many followers as possible to grow your list. Just search and add. Do this and you will be bombarded with unqualified connections. My de-flowering under this advice left me with blasted with direct messages advertising ways to grow my list. It also left me with people who were not originally attracted to my posts and not responding.
Spending the time to add oodles of followers in hopes of getting a follow back is like a handsome man in a dark corner winking at a pretty lady – only he knows what he is doing.
Apply the Cocktail Party Rule
If you want to be boring, talk about yourself. If you want to be interesting, talk about something other than yourself.
It’s just that simple folks. Share information from others, re-tweet (RT) often. Reply to others, let the other person know how much you liked their efforts and thank those who pass your info along. Build your followers with people who get you, don’t fret over the ones who do not.
The Virginal Bed of Twitter
Stop fussing with how to be the #1 Twitter head and the best. You’ll learn as you go, just as I am. I still fumble with getting my tweets RT’d, sometimes I wonder if anyone sees my tweets, then like magic a beloved and gentle RT.
Take it slow, steady and straight forward. Be yourself and stop trying to be Joe Blow with 36,000 + followers. Joe Built his empire of followers one day at a time. In Twitter land being asked to bed down on the first date is acceptable, be watchful though of how and where you leave your crumbs with them after wards. In other words, make sure you keep in touch after the seduction. *wink*
Inform-Empower- Engage!
Coming Soon! The Virgins List of what Not To Tweet!
Budurl.com has a good service (free version too) that lets you see how many of your links are opened.
TwitterAnalyzer is excellent for seeing how far beyond your own Follwers your posts are tweeted too. It has other analytics and presented as graphs so easy to follow. So to speak.
Just have fun with Twitter is my advice.
Today I attended a local networking business event in my town, that I learned about on Twitter late yesterday evening.
On Thursday I have two new clients booked in for Outplacement coaching, thanks to a new friend on Twitter from a large recruiting firm.
Every day is sharing tips and comments and cool things to see or learn, from some marvellous people.
Friday we have a Twitter meeting in a local cafe, about half an hour from my house. All people I’d never have met if not for Twitter.
So I’d say it is a good opener. But it is a tool. The magic is in the relationships one builds with it.
Make it fun.
Thanks Lindy!
I’m much more laid back about the entire twitter-verse now.
I’ve much to learn! Thanks for the budurl info, I’ll check it out!