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Permalink Reply by Tom Bullington on July 2, 2009 at 1:03pm

Tom-
From what I'm hearing, it is only effective if you use it a lot. If you only post on it once in a great while, it is not going to yield any results. I've made a few connections from it - the way to treat it is that it's a conversation. It's an informal way to network with folks who might have some common interests with you. Not sure it will be as huge (long term) as people think right now, unless we can find a way to measure its value. Right now, there are many people on Twitter that are on it just so they can say they are "on Twitter."

Just a few thoughts...
Tom Bullington

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Permalink Reply by Jennifer Reynolds on July 22, 2009 at 7:42am

Tom-
What is referred to as the "Y" generation (those born in the Reagan years) grew up not really knowing what it was like to live without computers, the internet, and email. It is second nature for them to be texting and getting and giving quick information as a means of communication. I think those and those younger spend a tremendous amount of time online - socializing, shopping, watching movies - even TV shows - who needs TiVO when you have Hulu? For those of us just over that age threshold and older it's a learning curve we have to leap over and therefore we may be a little less enthusiastic about diving right in. About a decade ago I introduced a company to emailing their promotional "flyers". At the time there was was some confusion as to whether people would actually respond to this method of marketing. Then the phone calls started. How are you doing this? Can you tell me how to do this? Now - that's old hat. Today, whether it's Twitter or Facebook or atGeist.net, it is just possible that we are only seeing the tip of the iceberg.

Just my thoughts early in the morning
- Jennifer Reynolds

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Permalink Reply by Benjamin Blanco on September 21, 2009 at 4:06pm

Hi Tom,

I think Twitter and other social media tools work best when integrated with your overall marketing plan. Essentially, twitter should be one medium you're using among many to communicate with your audience. If not, as Mr. Tom Bullington pointed out, it can be challenging to measure the ROI. In the end, ROI is what's important to the corporate brass. As a result, it should be presented as a great tool you're using to increase customer satisfaction and improve engagement rates. We often get asked on how to use twitter for your business. I'll be covering the topic on our blog in a few weeks but below is my favorite example:

Business Twitter Example:
I read a case study when I was learning about how to effectively use twitter and the Zicam example made the best impression on me. Twitter has a 'search' feature where you can locate specific keywords people are using in their tweets (messages). Zicam would search for keywords such as 'cold' or 'flu.' Immediately they would send a direct message to the user expressing sorrow for their discomfort. Included in the message would be a link to a coupon to save money on the Zicam product.

I think this is a great example because it showcases how a business can use twitter to communicate with people at the best moment. My best advice is to think about how you can apply that example to your service or business.

Good Luck to all,
Ben Blanco

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Permalink Reply by Tim Puckett on January 7, 2011 at 7:23pm

Tom - to answer your question, I don't see twitter becoming the next google. But I love twitter and have both a personal and business account.

I started using twitter on a personal level when I found myself unemployed two years ago. It really led me to some excellent job search sites and people that enhanced my job search. I think the trick to twitter is having a specific goal in mind and users will find so many sites, blogs, and people that will enhance theirvbusiness and life.

I have accounts with Facebook, Digg, and Smaller Indiana to help my business.  Google tracks activity and I think it has helped in a small way to keep me on page one when customers are searching for painters. I do follow painting companies, blogs, and painters on twitter to see what new tools, products, and techniques they are using and I have been very happy with this approach. I just seem more in tune with the painting industry.

Tim

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