Twitter is a fantastic avenue to connect and form business relationships if you learn how to use it authentically and with the right mindset. I’d like to share with you tips on: how to understand the difference between collecting and connecting mindsets, who to choose to follow on Twitter, and how to connect with the people you admire in a meaningful way.
Using Twitter is a great way of connecting and building relationships. But it can be overwhelming to know who to follow and how to make meaningful connections with someone that you admire. I’d like to share some tips on how to move past the overwhelm so you can begin using Twitter authentically and meaningfully.
Here’s what I recommend:
1. Choose 10 people to "actively" follow. The 10 can be chosen as people who are:
2. Use Hoot suite, Tweet Deck or Seesmic to manage this "column of people". These tools allow you to simplify your Twitter viewing experience.
3. Take the time to really follow their links. See what they’re talking about and to whom they’re talking. Follow the links and the people and see where it leads you.
4. If they link to a blog, take the time to read it and if appropriate post on it. Then write the blog owner a tweet saying how much you enjoyed the blog and share what you learned.
5. Look for ways to provide connections and referrals.
6. Keep asking "how can I be of service and provide value?"
7. If you’ve really connected, take it offline. If they’re in your local area arrange to meet for coffee. If they live far away, pick up the phone and give them a call. Don’t hold back – people love it when you find them interesting!
Twitter at its best is about engaging and connecting meaningfully. Especially as entrepreneurs, who often work from home, I can’t overemphasize how important it is to be maximizing these resources as a way to expand your community.
If you’re new to Twitter and need tips to get started, please listen to a free call I hosted called Intro to Twitter.
Social networking is a fantastic avenue to connect and form business relationships. The key to being successful is learning how to use it authentically and to create meaningful connections. The platform I’ve spent the most time on is Twitter so I want to share with you some of the ways I’ve found to really connect through Twitter.
I believe the first step is to go into social networking with the right mindset. I have an upcoming class about the Art of Connection where I explain the difference between connecting and collecting when you’re networking.
Understanding the difference between these two concepts will allow you to enjoy networking – both online and offline. Here’s the difference…
Collecting Mindset:
“What am I going to GET?” and “What’s in it for ME?”
Short-term approach vs. Long-term value of connection
All about quantity (how many friends/followers can you get?)
Perceived as less personal
Focus is often on talking about you.
Connecting Mindset:
Focus is on “What am I going to GIVE?”
Focus on being of service first
All about quality (not quantity)
Long-term value of the relationship and how it will evolve
So the goal on Twitter should be to connect and engage. It’s not about having tons of followers but more importantly having relationships. The problem is it can become OVERWHELMING to do. Please read my next blog for tips on how to choose who to follow and how you can connect with them in an authentic and meaningful way.
Imagine a business where you have really great referral partners and ideal clients. You have clients seeking you out and referral partners who believe in what you do and really want to share your work with their friends and communities.
The question is… how do you go about finding these ideal clients and partners?
The answer is to connect effectively with a broad assortment of people.
Business is all about people and all about creating relationships. We all do business with those that we feel connected to. Some of those relationships can be cultivated online and others need to be nurtured in person. Regardless of your method you have to put yourself out in the world and give yourself the opportunity to connect effectively, meaningfully, and authentically.
A few years ago I was involved in direct sales and my first “homework” assignment was to create a list of everyone I knew from high school friends, to past co-workers, to neighbors to relatives. The plan was to contact them, rekindle the relationship and see if they would either become involved in my business or connect me to someone who would.
People do business with those they know, like and trust – this is true online and offline. I believe you should communicate with your website visitors because that’s where the money is. Effective communication doesn’t require thousands of dollars, the latest technology or high-end graphics. In this podcast I’ll share three simple – yet highly effective – steps to make your website work (and sell) for you.
How to Make your Website Work (and Sell) for You [Metromom Podcast] [5:04m]: Play Now | Play in Popup | DownloadWhile connecting is clearly one of my intentions in all that I do, I’ve discovered that not everyone understands its intrinsic value. Are connections important? How many do you need? This week’s podcast examines the value of connection.
Networking and the Value of Connection - Quality vs. Quantity [Metromom Podcast] [9:23m]: Play Now | Play in Popup | Download
