Last month I gave a presentation called Twitter Fundraising: Holy Grail or Fail Whale during a teleconference with over 2200 non-profits. Many of the participants were very interested in how their non-profit could use Twitter, but had not set up an account. Many others had a lot of experience with Twitter.
My challenge was to provide value to both audiences, so I decided to outline the basic laws that govern Twitter (and all social media):
* Twitter is not a silver bullet. This one’s pretty straight forward.
* Twitter should be used as a part of your overall marketing strategy. Why not print Twitter user names on your direct mail pieces or include them in your emails? Do you have it on your business card?
* Take action, figure out your own way. Most Twitter users are very new at using Twitter – and they’re all figuring it out as they go. Start with your strategy, goals and then go from there.
One of the reasons why Twitter has grown so quickly is that it’s very, very easy to use. Anyone who is reasonably smart can quickly understand how Twitter works.
All you have to do is find users you respect, observe how they use Twitter, and ask questions. Within 30 days you’ll be a pro. That said, here are four more tips for new users:
Keep self-promotion to a minimum – Don’t be “that guy”
1. Find a healthy mix of the 4 Post types – People want to follow interesting Twitter users. If all you do is blast out news on your organization, people will get bored and eventually “unfollow”.
2. You can differentiate yourself by being human – You know this one.
3. Karmic laws also work online – Putting others first, a primary teaching of the Buddha, will cause others to eventually support your agenda. Use wisdom and trust this Karmic law.
Finally, have fun! Aren’t you attracted to those having a blast?
Thanks to my special guest author – John Haydon. Who is John Haydon? John Haydon advises small non-profits, small businesses and social entrepreneurs on how to implement inbound marketing strategies with the social web.
He has been invited to speak about social media on Philanthropy.com, Techsoup.com and NetworkforGood.com.
In his own words, he “helps non-profits get results with social media by translating abstract marketing concepts AND web 2.0 technologies into plain English.”
Twitter to grow your business
Sacramento marketing firm, Get on the Map, can customize a social media plan to help you reach your business goals. Whether you need help with Facebook, Twitter, Youtube, MySpace or some other internet tools, we can help! Call 916-265-2521 for more information.
