There are three predominant forces in the social media arena – FaceBook, LinkedIn and Twitter. Without a doubt, my favourite is Twitter.
Early on, I was told that you either ‘get’ Twitter or you don’t, and there are many users who try it and just don’t seem to get on with it. I think I ‘get’ it.
The best analogy I’ve heard about Twitter is that it’s a bit like a party. When you get there, you know stuff’s happened before you got there, which is fine, and you know stuff’s going to happen after you leave, which is also fine. Whilst you’re there is the bit that counts. You interact, you share, you engage.
So what do I use Twitter for?
I use it mainly as a business tool, and the majority of ‘tweeps’ I follow are small businesses. I tweet links to blogs on our website (which themselves are articles of advice written principally for clients but are available for anyone to view and comment on), as well as sharing (retweeting) links to other websites/articles of interest to small businesses. I also interact directly with other users, which builds relationships.
Over the last year or so, I’ve come across some great people, businesses, ideas and ways of thinking about things through using Twitter.
I think it’s a fantastic communication channel, particularly for our line of business.
If you use Twitter, what’s your experience?
Hi Nick
Great article. Twitter (infact all social media in general)is a great way to communicate the ‘heart’ of your business – in other words it allows you to get your personality over. Now I know as an IFA and you being an accountant many people don’t realise we do have a personality. These social engagement tools gives us the chance to dispell that myth
The key, for me, is to make sure you engage in the right way with the right people. Let’s not forget it’s ‘social’ media so, as long as you turn up at thi party with a smile on your face and an interest in others then your most of the way there. After all, no-one likes a party pooper eh Nick?
Bri
Thanks for the comment Brian, and like the way that you’ve developed the analogy. You are of course spot on. I come across tweeters who follow as many people as possible – on the basis that a fair number will follow them back – and then it’s one advert after another. No interaction or anything interesting, just a means of pumping adverts out, which I believe is not in the spirit of Twitter.
Hi Nick, I very much agree with you. Twitter gives me the chance (as a fellow accountant) to interact with my clients, my potential target market, and my colleagues, and it also helps to keep me informed and up to date. I think its a great chance to come across as more approachable and less intimidating.