I just finished a Twitter Camp for small businesses.
I have to tell you that I love teaching small business people about the value of Twitter and how to apply this social media tool to the marketing of their businesses.
Most of the time I get some skeptics…at first. This usually ranges from “I don’t see how this applies to me or my business. Or, “ I don’t have time for social media.” I love a challenge. Turning skeptics into believers is one of my favorites.
So I had some skeptics last week. By the end of the 1.5-hour camp I had believers. It’s a beautiful thing.
Here’s what this group took away with them:
1. Twitter is a tool. It’s not a magic bullet that’s going to skyrocket your sales overnight. Like all tools they need to be handled correctly for them to work appropriately.
2. Talking about where you got coffee from and other seeming banalities of life really is a good thing. People want to do business with real people. Reaching out and sharing in this way helps people get to know you.
3. Twitter is about having conversations, giving value by sharing information and learning about others.
4. You can’t make people follow you but most likely if you Tweet it, they will come.
5. Time management is everything. You can get addicted. Set time limits and shut it down when time is up.
Everyone went home happy campers and the tweets have been coming.
I really like Twitter Camps. If you’re a skeptic or just want to learn more about Twitter, lets set up a camp! Email me at jfreeman@roarcorps.com.
{ 1 comment… read it below or add one }
You are right! Social media marketing is about forming relationships and it does take time for those relationships to blossom. It definately is not an instant way to generate sales.
I also was a skeptic about tweeting things that seem meaningless like getting coffee but it does make you more approachable and it provides ways for you to have conversations that otherwise would not exist. Its about being SOCIAL!
Great post and thanks for the summary.