Phil Lauterjung

On Wednesday I attended the first sessions of the Social Media Success Summit 2009.  This is an online virtual summit extending over the next couple of weeks and has a number of Social Media experts sharing what they have learned.  While each of the sessions were very good, the presentation I found most intriguing was from Ann Handley of MarketingProfs on using Twitter for business.

I have to confess that I have not had a great deal of interest in Twitter.  I really don’t care to know what you had for breakfast, or that you might be getting your car washed at lunch time.  It just seems like it would devolve into a massive time waster.

However, Ann presented a rather compelling case for at least giving it a try for business purposes.  Here are her reasons for using Twitter for business -

1. Building Community. Use it as a means to increase your community and, even more importantly, build relationships.  It’s not about selling, it’s about relationships – it’s social media.
2. Customer Service. Engage with customers that need help.  Comcast is the case study she gave as an example.  Check them out at Comcastcares.
3. Prospecting & Sales.  I know, I know I said in #1 that it’s not about selling; but it can be done once you have built relationships and credibility.  For prospecting use Twitter to create demand, targeting potential customers.  For sales, use it for special offers and promotions – but don’t overdo it.  If all you’re doing is promoting, people stop following you.
4. Increase Brand Awareness.  By being active and helpful, offering valuable and useful information, to others you get positive vibes for both you and your product.
5. Networking.  Ask questions for research and/or to gain feedback.  Most people like to be asked their opinions and will usually give them willingly.
6. Listening.  I have already done this, and it’s amazing what you can learn.  You can simply enter a search for a person, company, or product and find out what people are saying on Twitter.  Be forewarned, you will get the good, the bad, and the ugly.

What have your experiences been with Twitter?  Do you find it to be a waste of time, a shiny new toy, or a legitimate business tool?  Oh, by the way, you can send me a tweet here.

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