Twitter Do's & Don'ts

The Tao of Twitter: An intro guide

     

View more presentations from David Griner. (tags: networking business)

Recently I've been asked by a number of people, "Exactly what is Twitter?" and "Is Twitter somewhere my business needs to be?"

In regard to the first question, the above presentation by David Griner is great for understanding the basic What/Why of Twitter. As far as whether or not a given person or business should be on Twitter, I think the decision should be based on whether or not one can provide something of value or interest to the Twitter community.

Take the time to read the full post 8 Useful Tips To Becoming Successful With Twitter (via Smashing Magazine). Cliff's Notes version as follows:

1. Above all, keep it personal.
2. Learn from others.
3. Get a good desktop client.
4. Use Twitter on the road.
5. Tracking the results.
6. Follow and be followed.
7. Integrate whenever possible.
8. Don't over-think it.

Another well-written, yet cautionary resource is How To Blow It On Twitter (via Chief Marketer). Once again, I recommend reading the full post, but here are the high points:

"Where much of traditional advertising leans on the principles related to motivation and making choices under conditions of uncertainty, social media lives in the world of relationship building.

"Both principles in this area – "reciprocity" and "liking" – set the stage for making requests. We employ "reciprocity" in social media because it is by definition a dialog, not a monologue. We comment, they comment. We engage, they engage... This means what we write needs to be valuable and relevant to the reader. Throughout this budding relationship, we foster "liking." People help those they know and like. When your personality comes through in your writing – and people like what they read – they "know" you, and by extension, your brand. This means how we write is as important as what we write...

"Social media is "social" first. We give before we receive. We make friends. Without these steps, we're just broadcasting. Even when we're talking to friends."

And, I would add, most people aren't interested in following a person or a brand that is predominantly engaged in a one-way monologue.