Many of my customers are new to Twitter, Facebook and other social media and are trying to get a handle on how to use it . Some gurus tell them that it’s all about socializing – chat about your family, your hobbies, your activities, your likes/dislikes and slip in a business promotional link every once in a while. That works if what you’re selling is your personality but what if you’re selling a new roof, straight teeth or a fantastic pasta? If I’m a prospective customer, am I interested in the fact that your child started Kindergarten or that you’re trying to decide whether Pebble Beach or Torrey Pines is the best golf course? I might be really interested and identify with you, or I might be bored with how much you talk about yourself. What I’ve learned in a lifetime of sales is that the customer, just like anyone else, is most interested in himself/herself. If you focus your twitter stream on your prospective customer, they will be interested … if you focus on yourself, some of your prospects will be turned off.
Here’s my number one tip on Twitter for Business – If you’re lucky enough to have a prospective customer follow you – Follow them back!. There are two reasons for this.
I just ran across a great interview from David Spark of Socialmedia.biz with Guy Kawasaki – Guy’s 3 tips on twitter use for business are here in the video – but he eloquently explains the point I was making above. He says that your tweets should be informing not meforming – give useful tips, resources and information not mundane personal chit chat …
Social Media Coaching
I’ve created a Sacramento Business Twitter list and map to see how different local businesses are using twitter. If you want to be listed, drop me a line at julie@getonthemap.us or call 916-265-2521. If you’re new to social media, I can help you set up a strategy that will attract new business and improve your bottom line.
View Sacramento Business Twitter in a larger map
