Twitter Popularity
Whoever thought the word Twitter would become a part of our Social Media marketing plan? I know I didn’t!
I’m really not a big Twitterer (is that a word). In the beginning, I struggled with the whole concept, it seemed it may be a passing fad and I sure didn’t need another social app to track. I have enough on my plate, so I dismissed it. Not totally, I just didn’t jump in with both feet or whole heartedly. Small talk has always been a challenge for me; to take all my thoughts and condense them to 140 charachters is really pushing the “small talk” envelope.
I’m still not entrenched in Twitter, as in, I don’t get involved with a whole lot of conversations. Maybe I should, I don’t know! I am starting to enjoy the ride, though, learning tidbits of information here and there and making a few friends. Not so long ago, the population at Twitter seemed to be mostly those in the real estate business. Recently, the population has exploded and there is a lot of conversation going on in the Twitterverse.
Twitter Local
A few months back I started searching for people in Indianapolis who use Twitter. Nothing against my real estate friends on Twitter; I was just curious about who was out there in my city using Twitter. It seemed to me, the people in my own backyard would be the ones who I would have a greater chance of meeting up with or doing business with. At first, there were just a few people here and there and just like blogging, many dropped off without a twit. Today, more and more locals are using Twitter and I have found some unique businesses out there.
A Few New Friends
I wrote about a few of the businesses on my blog, which I thought were interesting and of real value to the general population of my city. The first one I wrote about was, AroundIndy, a company whose website has an all inclusive listing of everything to do in Indianapolis. I also have a link to his blog from mine. I did this because I believe he offers a real value to the city. In return, he put a link to my site from his. I never expected such generosity.
I found a few more sites last week (from Twitter) which I wrote about. One of the business owners is also a VP of Rainmakers in our city and has invited me to be her guest at a Rainmakers meeting. Rainmakers is a local networking group, which I had planned on joining, so it was really coincidental that she is the VP of a local chapter. She in turn wrote an article on the Rainmakers blog about me, entitled, “Not a Rainmaker, but making rain”.
Now, I am not suggesting anyone go out and start writing about local companies for their own personal gain or recognition, because, we know that won’t work anyway. However, with a sincere interest in supporting your local companies and finding out what they offer, how they can benefit your clients, you may just find a friend or two.
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Consumerism, Geo-mapping columnist
Marketing columnist
Hi Paula,
Your idea is a great way to leverage Twitter and take it to a business-opportunity level. I’ve been using Twitter to make real estate friends around the US(and world)and as a learning resource.
Now, though, I’ll use your idea and look for local Denver businesses I can highlight. It give me great blogging content for my local blog, and is a fabulous way to network.
“gives” me…sorry!
Yes, I can really see the power of Twitter in a business sense. We all love to give business to our “friends”, so to know that a potential business contact has two kids, a dog, and loves the Spurs is much better than a generic name on a business card. In addition, it’s also great as a consumer to know experts in any business and be able to shoot them a message when you have a question about their area of expertise. I get computer/technology questions everyday and love the idea of my knowledge being wanted.
Paula,
The more I work (play:)) with Twitter the more the possiblities come to light. I have meant to add some local business articles and you have inspired me to do so.
Look at us this morning I found out what I need to know from you via Twitters DM. Its a wonderful tool
Hi Paula,
Twitter can definitely open up new avenues. I’ve been tweeting for awhile and also searched for people around my area (other than real estate agents) who were on Twitter. One of the people I found is the social media director of our local National Public Radio station. I ended up at WBUR on election night Twittering About The Election. Not only did it feel wonderful to be a part of such an important event, I met a great group of local social media mavens and we were videoed for a social media documentary, too.
You never know where Twitter can take you!
What’s great about Twitter is you can use it in a variety of different ways – be it personal, personal/business or business. I’m finding that Twitter is complementing and even replacing my RSS reader given the number of interesting links I discover from the people I follow.
Paula – Twitter has an infinite possibility of prospecting ideas. Following the trail of crumbs left by hashtags (#NAR2008) and twitter searches for instance.
Good stuff.
Oh yeah – following #NotAtNAR2008 is a great idea as well ; )
Gretchen – I knew what you meant
and don’t you wish the comment section had spell check? I’ve found some great local resources for small business, techies, blogs, and having fun meeting them online.
Richard – the casual contact and conversation on Twitter does make it easy to get to know others.
Chris – Exactly! Knowing where to go for the info you need is right there on Twitter.
Have fun with the local articles.
Deb – How cool is that? Sounds like a lot of fun and meeting others you may never have met otherwise, is a bonus.
Mark – Same here! I still have my RSS feed, but I learn alot from the poeple I follow on Twitter.
Mike – I didn’t even think about the hash tags; I need to go login at #NotatNar2008. Twitter searches for specifics can lead you to hours of info.
I love the idea of finding people locally to follow. My website is hyper-local to the area I know best so I would love to include local businesses in blogs and articles. Unfortunately, the search feature isn’t working on Twitter right now so I can’t find them…I am bummed
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Nicole – I have also enjoyed connecting with the locals – it’s a nice break from talking real estate