Consultants Leveraging Social Media – Part 3: Twitter

We’ve now arrived at post number 3 of our 3-part series exploring how consultants can leverage social media. Today, we look at Twitter.

TVCNet has been using Twitter for a few months and has seen some success with this medium.  Of all the social networking mediums on the web Twitter is the most confusing, but that’s OK.  When people first encounter it, its purpose is not very apparent.  I have to admit that I didn’t understand it at first, but after a few months it became very clear to me that this is a new way create outreach to those you wish to connect with – people within your target audience.

To give you a better understanding of Twitter and how a consultant can use it to leverage their outreach, I interviewed Jen Harris, Communications Manager at Consilio and Boise-area Twitter maven.

Q: How would you describe Twitter?

I would describe Twitter as a place to communicate with people that is direct & to the point with FANTASTIC information, news & the latest/greatest of what I am interested in.  It is the ultimate filter of what I really want to hear.  And I love the fact that I get to follow @TinaFey.

Q: I know Twitter is a website (initially) that provides a stream of posts in a 140 characters or less from users, but there are many tools or software applications available to help leverage your usage of Twitter. What are your favorites?

TweetDeck was the first platform that came along to manage your Twitter feed in a way that made sense to you.  You can put your tweeple into categories based on location, interests, keywords, selling strategy (yes, lets all admit it - a LOT of people are using Twitter to create relationships that they want to turn into sales) & just plain fun. 

I am also trying out another SM Manager, OrSiSo, which is in Beta mode.  It is a bit clunky right now - but it has HUGE potential to not only manage your Twitter account, but Facebook, LinkedIn & Flickr all from one Adobe Air app. 

My other favorite tools is a URL shortener called bit.ly.  Yes, it shortens your uber long URL & sends it to Twitter, but the best part is the tracking!  You can see, in real time, how many people are hitting your bit.ly url and proving to your boss that the 100+ extra hits you are getting a day are from ONE Tweet.  Plus you can see if it is re-tweeted, from who, from where (Facebook, FriendFeed, email, Twitter.com etc) and which country.

Q: What are some of your favorite tips and tricks on Twitter?

Make yourself Visually Stimulating!

Don't Sell, don't sell & did I mention: DONT SELL! (meet for coffee instead after you get to know each other) We want to know you, your heart, soul, interests, funny side & quirky side before we buy a product/service from you.  My favorite quote is from Chris Brogan (I might botch it): All I want to do is shake your hand & you want stick your tongue down my throat."  Which one will you follow?

Don't automate - AutoDM or AutoFollow.  AutoDM's are equivalent to getting a "personal" email saying “Dear Mrs.JenHarris”.  You are not that popular.  You should spend 10 minutes a day going through your new followers & see who you want to follow (remember this is an OPT IN application where you don't have to follow anyone you don't want to!)  If you like them & have something in common, say so!  The AutoFollow will put you into a tailspin of Twitter Cesspool-ness.  With the rise of Twitter users, you should be picky on who you follow. Quality over quantity if you want to be taken serious.

Q: What do you think a consultant could do, as a business-to-business professional, to use Twitter effectively?

Get to know people.  Check out their profile.  They spent time picking out a background, filling in their bio & putting in their url.  You never know what you have in common.

Q: What's the best way(s) for someone new to get started on Twitter?

Take a workshop! After you get set up, follow those that you KNOW &/or ADMIRE & listen, listen, listen.  Then engage as if you are at a party.  We want to hear your voice, your thoughts, your ideas!

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Thanks for the interview, Jen!

As a Twitter user myself (here, here and here) I can tell you that it will take a little time to get used to this medium.  Think of it somewhat like instant messaging, but understand that what you say is limited to 140 characters and only to those who follow you.  Sure, anyone can look up your Twitter page and see what you are saying, but they don’t get your comments immediately unless they are following you.  As you follow other Twitter users you’ll reach an “a-ha moment” and see its benefit.  Start using the tool by talking about projects you are working on.  What thoughts and insights have you arrived at.  Do you have an event or seminar you are promoting?  Announce it on Twitter.  Be creative and have fun.

Like all of the other social media tools on the web, try it on for size.  If it’s not for you, opt-out.  Using social media to promote yourself as a consultant is a mixed bag.  Depending on who you are trying to reach, certain mediums will work better than others.  Experiment and give them all a try.  You’ll never know which combination of tools will create the best exposure for your knowledge and skills as a consultant.