February 2, 2011
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Howard Goldman
Do you have a friend who hops on the newest fad without blinking? Their phone is filled with social networking apps and they read their news on the run, right? They are go, go, go. Then, on the other side of the spectrum, do you have that friend who still doesn’t have a Facebook account and still uses e-mail to communicate? Yes, we’ve become technology snobs.
Obviously, people still use e-mail to stay in contact, but you know who I’m talking about. And I get it. Technology can be scary. At our last event in November, few people tweeted. The most common reason: “I don’t understand how it can help me.”
Twitter is one of the most important tools you can use to promote your business. Not only is it free, but it’s also easy to use and your content can reach thousands, even millions of people. My question: If you don’t have a business presence on Twitter, what are you waiting for?
One of the most spectacular success stories from tweeting I know about is Mayor Corey Booker and the $100 million he received for Newark schools. Here’s a young leader, who, by staying current and using the latest technology, was able to help his city. I can’t say for sure how he was able to get that money, but keeping himself (and Newark) visible and in the conversation probably didn’t hurt. It just proves you’ve got to stay current and be where the action is! Like it or not, Twitter puts you in a different place.
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So, how do you utilize Twitter for your business? Here are some simple tips:
- Create buzz: What kind of information are you tweeting? Stating, “It’s raining outside,” is not going to create buzz about your business or its products. Be very aware of what you’re putting out there. When you’re at a conference, are you tweeting great information back to your followers/customers? I hope more people will tweet at our event in Denver on April 4. When there’s great information, it’s to your benefit to share it with clients. For example, “I’m at #M31000 in Denver where @NellMerlino gave awesome tips on finding more time. Hiring a part-timer when I get back (finally).” It’s all about the message.
- Run a flash promotion: One company that has utilized Twitter above and beyond is the San Francisco-based ModCloth.com, seller of indie and vintage clothing. They are the perfect example of how to promote a flash sale. With a team of “social butterflies” who are in constant contact with followers, they don’t seem to miss a beat. Customers can leave comments on their blog and even vote on items they’d like to see for sale on the site. While you might not have the time or money to hire your own team, check them out @modcloth on Twitter to see what you can learn from their strategy.
- Tweet to loyal followers: Do you have fantastic followers who constantly retweet your content? Give them a shout-out. Get them involved in the conversation the way ModCloth does. It’s a great way to build buzz and generate more income for yourself.
- Team up with someone: For example, if you see someone has an event coming up or even a promotion, offer to promote their cause on your Twitter page if they reciprocate. It’s easy to get exposure from others when you’re willing to do the same in return. It’s all about building relationships.
So, how are you using Twitter? Any successes? I’ve personally seen the difference it has made for my own business as well as for the many of the businesses we work with through the Make Mine a Million $ Business program. But I’d love to hear what you think. Leave a comment – or a question – below!
If you think you have what it takes to make your business a million, join us in Denver April 4 for the M3 1000 conference to take your business to the next level. Don’t forget to follow us on Twitter @M3Award and use the hashtag #M31000 when tweeting about this awesome event!
Nell Merlino is the Founder and President of Count Me In for Women’s Economic Independence, the leading national not-for-profit provider of resources for women to grow their micro businesses into million $ enterprises. She is the creative force behind Take Our Daughters to Work Day and the author of “Stepping Out of Line: Lessons for Women Who Want It Their Way in Life, in Love, and at Work,” from Broadway Books, which is available on Amazon.com.
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Howard Goldman 1 year 3 months and 26 days ago
If you "can’t say ... how he [Mayor Corey Booker] was able to ge the money" and that it "probably didn't hurt", how does follow that "It just proves you've got to stay current" or anything else?What you say may be true but give us some supporting facts!