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Try Something New - Like Twitter
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What is it that you've been putting off? We keep mental and digital lists of things we'd like to try - when we have the time, or can "get a-round to it." Meanwhile, we get caught up in the tyranny of the urgent. In the corporate world we called it, "Killing Snakes." And those want to-do's just keep gnawing at us. But there's no better time than right now to break out and try something new. The holiday season is a perfect time to regroup a little and yes, treat you to trying out a new...something.
 Not sure what that something is? Don't know what to try? After all, you probably don't have time to do a whole lot. And you want it to count, right? Well how about this, how about signing up for a free account on Twitter? By now I'm sure you've heard of Twitter. You can't hardly turn on CNN or read a news story, like how Barack Obama used Twitter to get his message out to tens of thousands of supporters during his campaign without hearing about Twitter. Twit this and Twit that!
What is Twitter? Twitter is a combination of Instant Messaging (IM) and micro-blogging. Maybe you wanted to start blogging but were afraid of the commitment. With Twitter you only get 140 characters to post your message. So, if you don't have a lot of time and don't have a ton to say, you can just keep it short and simple!
But what would you Twitter (or Tweet) about? And to whom would you Tweet? Well, for starters the most basic question Twitter asks is, "What are you doing?" And from there, the conversation gets started! Go ahead, I dare you to try something new, try Twittering. Invite your family and friends and/or clients, co-workers, prospects, etc. to connect with you through an exchange of quick and frequent messages. And while you're at it, you'll find and make new friends. Those with whom you share a common interest with may find you on Twitter and be-friend you. Or in the vernacular of Twitter become a "follower."
While Twitter is a simple, easy to understand and use social networking application, it can also be a powerful marketing tool. But a little word of warning. Don't start by pushing your products and services. And, don't do it too often. Twitter, like many other social networking technologies is all about connecting with people and joining in on the conversation. Real people sharing real world stuff. But what you'll find among the conversations are opportunities to help someone out with an answer to a business-related need. You'll also gain valuable insight and knowledge on what is happening, and with a little effort discover outstanding "thought leadership" within your industry and areas of interest. I have found many great articles, tips, how to guids and tools through what others have freely shared on Twitter.
There are nearly a gazillion uses and benefits of Twitter. Here are just a few to get you started thinking and doing - with Twitter you can:
· Create an interesting profile and bio that includes your Website URL
· Pick an easy to remember and find Twitter user name - mine is "gregelwell"
· Use the "Find People" feature to find your friends and contacts already on Twitter
· Keep in touch and build trust and relationships with friends, customers, prospects
· Tweet about special offers, discounts, new products and services you're launching
· Share breaking news, events, reviews and recommendations
· Direct traffic to your Web site or the sites of friends
· Get feedback, give compliments and ask for advice
I tend to use Twitter for both business and personal purposes. On the personal side, my wife and I had recently taken a walk across the Golden Gate Bridge on a beautiful sunny day. I took photos and created a slideshow on Flickr. I then sent a Twitter message with the URL of the Flickr slideshow to all of my followers. It was a neat way to get the word and link out to all those following my Tweets. On the business side I recently completed some updates to a client's Web site. I posted a Tweet with the URL of the site. It was gratifying to hear back from one follower, "gorgeous site!" This accomplished a couple of things, one I was able to showcase my client's site, and secondly, I was able to promote my work. I know some people who only use Twitter for personal, or professional. But I find mixing in both aspects lets people get to know the real me. I think this is what building relationships and mutual trust is all about.
Whether you try something new like Twitter, or something else like it, the key is to just do it! Get started; don't wait until you have just the perfect strategy and plan. There is much you can study and learn about a tool like Twitter. I have more free resources listed below about getting started with and using Twitter. But using and benefiting from Twitter is more about the journey than the end game. It's like, "you can't steer a parked car." You've got to get moving on something with some idea of where you want to go, but making course corrections is part of an effective strategy to fail fast, to improve, and to succeed. And remember, as Winston Churchill has said:
"Success is never final, failure is never fatal. It's the courage to continue that counts."
So get going this holiday season. Try something new. Try Twitter. As you do, know that Twitter is similar to a service and tool like Constant Contact. It's largely about building and sustaining relationships. It's permission-based, relationship marketing at its best. It's first about giving, and then receiving. After all, isn't that what the holidays are all about?
To sign up for your free Twitter account go to: http://twitter.com
Follow me on Twitter by searching for "gregelwell"
Twitter resources on my delicious bookmarking site: http://delicious.com/gelwell/twitter
A How To Guide and more Twitter resources:http://www.wsiwikiworks.com/Resources.aspx
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Client Spotlight: Christina S
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 Christina S, located in downtown Benicia is a unique "Fashion Destination" for women. Owner and fashionista Christina Strawbridge offers an interesting mix of clothing and accessories that are often seen internationally and sold exclusively to boutiques. The Web site serves as an informational source highlighting the collections available, upcoming events and also serves to tell the story of how girlfriends can have a Great Day by the Bay while visiting the charming town of Benicia.
Located at 370 First Street, Christina S is open daily. Check out the Web site for hours and happenings!
Phone: 707.745.5125
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