John Halderman writes about personal growth and online marketing , helping people take command of their income, personal growth and wellness. He is also on Twitter
Many have foundTwitter to be a great place to get linked to many people, and many see it as a promotional wonderland. “WooHoo, look at all those people I can hit with my promotions”
Well, yes . . . and no. Let’s pull back on the reigns just a little ‘Roy Rogers’! Twitter is fast becoming a place where you can gain lots, read thousands, of people you can contact and to a good aggressive marketer, a virtual gold mine. However it doesn’t work that way, at least that’s how most Twitter users see it.
Now you can certainly jump in to Twitter and plaster your latest promotion all about with reckless abandon, but guess what? You will rapidly find a lot of ‘no follows’ – that’s unpopular in Twittereze. The reason for this is that nature of the community. Just like in ‘real life’ every community has a personality that basically dictates normal behavior. Now, like this or not, the Twitter community has sort of established itself already.
For most Twitterers, there is a balance, a fine line between promotion and socializing. Twitter has become a place to socialize and get to know people . . . and recommend. Just like any aspect of life, there is a fine line between the two major aspects of Twitter, socialization and promoting. Twitter is a place where you can get to know people of all sorts, even individual ‘big’ in an industry are there rubbing shoulders with everybody.
This is a place where you can Twit a business leader who would be otherwise difficult to contact, and where they are quite likely to respond. But . . . but as long as you are being social about it, not sales-ey! Here’s the thing, if you spend some time getting familiar with people and they you in a casual way, they will not see you as intimidating or risky to interact with. Realize that many top level people in any business get approached often by people who want something from them – don’t be that guy! Rather, have a simple question for them, or offer help or even just a comment on something that they posted.
When you do post, Tweet, in a promotional manner, make it more suggestive or helpful, not – “Hey Buy My Stuff”. Yes, you will see some of this that doesn’t make it acceptable
to most. Not sure, try this – ask other Twitterers what they think about it. Just as in any marketing efforts, it’s better to gain trust, familiarity and respect from people before asking them for money. It’s important to remember that business is about relationship building. This is important with both potential customers as well as partners or joint venture partners.
So, about the fine line, the balance, many are now automatically Tweeting their blog posts and articles, which is fine, but don’t let that be all that you do there. Have a social presence as well. Sure, recommend something, but offer to help, answer a question, and just be social. You will find that with the Twitter community you will be well accepted and welcomed, people will become more interested in you and what you do. Isn’t that better in the long run than just pimping a product?
Balance on the fine line – Twit away!
John Halderman
