All A Twitter About Twitter - A Change Of Heart
Twitter Mania Has Me Hooked
Well, I’ve finally succumbed to Twitter mania after initially having dismissed it. I’m learning a new language of “tweets”, “twitterland”, “retweets”, twitbin” and “tweet scans”.
Important - We who “tweet” are apparently “twitters”… and luckily not “twits”.
Twitter As A Business Tool
When I saw people I respect taking a second look at Twitter as a business and networking tool, they had my attention.
Joanna Young, Des Walsh, Michael Martine, Guy Kawasaki and Amy Palko all share how Twitter has worked for them
Initial Thoughts About Potential For Writers And Bloggers
Only a few days in, and I’m a born again Twitter fan and can see loads of potential for freelance writers and bloggers. My writing and blogging colleagues Mary Emma Allen and Laura Spencer are also experimenting with Twitter.
I resisted for so long, because I thought it was a banal “what I had for lunch” type of thing. That might sound familiar to bloggers who get that reaction to blogging from non bloggers.
Sure there is a bit of that, but if you follow bloggers who are business people, you can see the networking, marketing and connections happening in a subtle, very personal way. It has a lot in common with all the best elements of blogging, and is often called micro blogging.
Connections and Conversations
My initial thoughts are that Twitter is a combination of networking and social interaction through conversation. It’s the informal chat version of the comment thread on a post. It’s immediate. It’s personal and it’s fun.
It’s a bit like drifting in and out of the conversation at a cocktail party. You listen to who you are interested in, when it suits you and you join in if you like or answer questions or requests for tips or feedback. These things are often asides that never make it into blog posts.
I have new readers from being at Twitter and have reconnected with past readers. I have linked at Twitter to some key articles on my blogs, or on other blogs. Others have linked to my articles at Twitter and recommended them. I’ve also been reminded of bloggers who I used to visit by their presence on Twitter.
Use Twitter For Accountability
Apart from the networking, marketing, branding, social aspects, I love Amy Palko’s suggestion of using Twitter for accountability. You can tweet but you can’t untweet, so it’s out there and you’ve made a public commitment. But with that comes the encouragement and support of your Twitter community. Thanks Amy - great tip.
Just in the last few days on Twitter I’ve discovered what bloggers I follow have been up to -
Shannon Hurley Hall in the Caribbean wrote a travel article about a place just 2 hours from me in Australia. She also put out a call for help on Twitter when she had major technical blog issues and James Chartrand, the gallant knight from Men With Pens came to her rescue.
Char Polanosky did a Tweet Scan and discovered two bloggers on Twitter who live less than 25 km from her, including one of my favorite freelancers, Kristen King. Do I see local Twitter get togethers coming up all around the world?
Social media consultant, Des Walsh let us know that he is working on a case study for the bi-lingual Chinese/English version of his book 7 Steps To Business Blogging.
Top Tip When Starting Out With Twitter
Des Walsh also added a comment at Home Biz Notes. He shared a tip worth its weight in gold to would be or beginning twitter users.
… proceed slowly at first and don’t just “follow” everyone who “follows” you. Just as you wouldn’t go to a party or networking event and try to listen to and participate in *every* conversation.
I absolutely agree. Otherwise the conversation can be “deafening” at first with too many people taking part.
How About You?
I’d love you to share your Twitter experiences. How can it be used you as a business tool?
Want To Follow Me On Twitter?
Yvonne Russell
Catch me on the web - Yvonne Russell
www.growyourwritingbusiness.com
www.smallbizmentor.com
www.homebiznotes.com
Hi Yvonne
Although I joined Twitter a while back, it’s only in the last month that I’ve been using it regularly. There’s a mine of information out there if you follow the right people. When I had that blogging experience that you mentioned, I got a lot of great suggestions from several people, as well as sympathy. It was great. I responded to one of Problogger’s tweet challenges and picked up a couple of new readers for my blog and several new followers. I think it has great potential, and it’s also a fun way to connect with my fellow writers.
Hi Sharon
I’m beginning to see that mine of information you refer to. It’s gold, and as I indicated it often doesn’t make its way into blog posts, as it’s more informal and spontaneous.
I’m looking forward to exploring the potential further.
It’s taken me a while to get over here.
I’m still getting my feet wet with it, but what a nice round-up post of your initial experience!
Thanks Laura. I think it has a lot of business potential.
It’s fun observing the variety of ways others use Twitter for fun and business.
Hi, Yvonne,
I must have seen or read about Twitter but had not really paid much attention to it. Sounds interesting to explore.
Thanks for the info and a great week-end to you.
Hi Yvonne, I am now following you on Twitter. I am a twitterholic and can’t wait for a tweet-up in my area (and yes they’re already taking place!). Through Twitter, I’ve discovered great bloggers, resource gems and wonderful people I may never have gotten to known.
Karen Swim’s last blog post..Fierce Friday!
Hi Princessa
It’s definitely fun to explore. Give it a go. I was hesitant at first, but pleased to have joined up.
Love Twitter. I can comment to my heart’s content. I like the social interaction first and foremost.
Gallant knight… *grin* I have to show Harry that one.
Hi Yvonne,
I joined Twitter awhile back but haven’t been using it that much. Yesterday I was looking at it again and am going to start getting in on the conversation.
It’s funny because what I’m thinking of doing with it is using it for accountability for exactly what I blog about - fitness, weight loss, and health. So I would often be tweeting about eating (LOL), and exercise. Hey, I need the accountability.
JoLynn Braley’s last blog post..Friday Fit Linking at The Fit Shack
Yes, Char and I used to be neighbors — almost literally! — until I moved about 30 minutes south. We’re still just a town apart, thought! Fun, right?
kk
Kristen King’s last blog post..What’s Your Daily Routine?
Hi Kristen
Have you met in person yet? Maybe the world isn’t so big after all.
Hi James
Glad I gave you a smile.
Hi JoLynn
I think Twitter is a great platform for accountability. Let us know how you get on.
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