Facebook, Twitter – social networking for businesses
Posted in: News - Wednesday, March 03 2010
Perhaps you think Facebook and Twitter was something that only teenagers and bored young office workers did to catch up with friends. A waste of time, especially if it’s under the boss’ nose during company time. Well at least that’s what I thought. We’ve all the heard the line “people who use Twitter” (ie those that “tweet”) are “twits”, right?
Demographic information surveys vary, but the most recent data may surprise you. It seems that the average Twitter user is in their mid to late thirties with a roughly equal split between males and females. Same goes for Facebook.
Business has embraced Twitter like a teenager given unlimited free SMS. There is a revolution occurring in the way people are doing business and communicating online. People have become immune to corporate spin. People like dealing with people, not faceless company drones reciting company mantra.
Static websites are no longer enough. People want fresh information, updates, instant responses. Phone calls, letters and emails can do that, but Twitter’s messages are limited to 140 characters and forces you to be concise. Which means it’s faster and makes your communications very efficient.
Build relationships by being a real person first, salesperson second. Hard sell is out, no one likes spam. Communicate without being obnoxious.
Attract the people you want to work with by being open, honest and above all else, yourself. You are more likely to enjoy working with someone with similar interests and values anyway. Inform your customers about interesting projects you are working on, within the bounds of client confidentiality. Or tell them about the great fishing trip last weekend. I can’t tell you what to write, but be aware that once sent out into cyberspace, it’s on the public record. So try to be professional about it. It works.
