It's great to see how Twitter has grown in the time I've been using it.
But what's really impressive is the way that people are using it. Sure, there are spammers leaping on hashtags and trying to attract attention but they're a minority. And they're easily blocked.
For the most part, people are using Twitter the way it should be used: as a way of building a community, broadcasting a brand and making valuable connections.
That's all the more impressive when you think of the temptations. See someone you want to partner with on Twitter and there will always be a temptation to shoot him or her a direct message or a public tweet with your pitch in 140 characters.
I'm not saying this never happens. I get pitches like this almost every day. But considering the number of people on Twitter it's still pretty rare.
That's good, because it's not effective. I can't think of a single deal I've made with someone who approached me out of the blue on Twitter, and I can't think of a reason why I ever would. Almost all of the deals I make are with people I've met personally - people I've come to know, like and trust.
That's something that Twitter can deliver too but it takes time. It doesn't happen with one tweet. It happens with a series of tweets, with an exchange of information, with humor and with goodwill.
The series begins not with a pitch but with a tweet that catches the eye. A question is a good option. Ask a contact that you hope to build into a valuable connection something about their company and they'll spot a natural opportunity for a bit of self-promotion.
They'll also spot you.
You then have to follow it up by answering their own questions but most importantly, by writing tweets that show off the benefits that the contact would enjoy if he were to work with you. In time - and it does take time - you should find that you're generating interest and building a relationship.
It starts with a wave though, not a pitch.
Very true Joel.
Nowadays, especially on the web everyone is vary of others because without face-to-face communication, it makes it almost impossible to see an individuals true intentions. Not to mention people have almost been programmed to shutout spam these days so going straight into a pitch will set off most people's spam triggers - even if you're serious about your pitch.
You said it.
And yea most people may think that Twitter is full of spammers but your right they can easily be blocked. Making good connections is what it's all about and without Twitter I wouldn't have nearly as many blogging friends as I do now.
-Paul Roekle
http://paulroekle.com/tldb/
One night a year ago I was watching a basketball game at halftime on t.v. and gave myself until the end of the game to sell something directly from twitter. I did it, I sold something, and got a couple of services leads as well, but realized then how much MORE I got from my efforts by the number of people who opted-in to get my whitepapers and just those checking out blog posts. I then realized over time that the relationship building comes from your followers seeing your repetition of offering great content. That's what makes them look forward to your tweets and that's what I focus 100% on now with Twitter.
Yes i agree with you Joel
I recently started a blog experimenting with google adsense, different affiliate programs and tactics ive learned form you so i can learn from my mistakes. When i set up my proper Blog i know what not to do.
Ive also set up twitter for the blog and out of 300 people that added me there was one person that said hello without spamming me. That person stood out from the rest! So ive alredy learn to apply this to my new blog when i set up!!
"It starts with a wave though, not a pitch."
Best Regards,
Colin
Hmm i hope you do not get annoyed with this question, but how much does a website like yours earn?