Recently, I’ve been wondering why I use Twitter.
Truth be told, I started using it solely to promote Renegade HR. I thought it was stupid. I used it anyways, but I thought it was a waste of time.
Then I became hooked. Like hardcore hooked. Then I finally settled into a more reasonable amount of usage.
Steve Jobs Doesn’t Tweet
But recently I’ve been thinking about how the people I most admire – the Seth Godins and Steve Jobs of the world – typically aren’t on Twitter. They’re out there making amazing shit that changes the world. They’re not talking about it on Twitter.
And I think that’s why most people are so hesitant to get involved with Twitter in the first place. They’d rather do things than talk about them. So here I was, thinking, “Should I stop Tweeting?”
Enter Ben Eubanks. We had a killer convo about Twitter the other day, and he kindly reminded me that some of my strongest and most fruitful professional relationships started on Twitter.
But they didn’t end there.
Twitter is like a networking event. It’s where the introductions happen. A little small chat. Bouncing a few ideas around. Collect some business cards.
But real networking – the relationship building part – happens after the event. It happens through email exchanges, on Google Wave brainstorm sessions, and dare I say, in real life!
So I’m not giving up on Twitter, but I am redefining how I use it. That means stepping up my relationship-building game after connecting through Tweets.
Getting Started
If you’re not on Twitter yet, and want to get started, here’s what I’d do:
- Sign-up (duh!)
- Follow me (because I’m awesome). Also follow Ben Eubanks, Lance Haun, Frank Roche, Jessica Lee, Kris Dunn, Paul Hebert and the whole slew of other awesome HR folks I couldn’t possibly hope to all mention here.
- Share ideas, great articles and insights. Comment on other peoples. Talk to people directly. Call people out by name. Chat a bit. Have a short conversation.
- Take it offline. Or at least off Twitter. You can’t have a really good, sustained conversation about a meaningful topic 140 characters or less at a time. Send them an email. Post on their blog. Connect with them on LinkedIn. Do something to connect outside of Twitter.
Do you already use Twitter? How? Any tips for someone just starting out?
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I had a very similar outlook, at first. I got sucked in and like you, had to tailor my usage to meet my business and personal development objectives on Twitter. At the end of the day, I like the tool. It’s been great for me because I have been able to actually make real connections on Twitter that are impacting me ‘in real life’ in business.
My advice for new starters would be to get engaged, spend 70%+ of your time as a ‘critic’ commenting on posts and engaging the community. Spend 30% or less promoting your content, etc.
Definitely definitely definitely take it offline if and when it makes sense. That’s where you will see the real results.
@ Jason – Great tips! I find myself Tweeting less and less. We’ll see how my use evolves over time.
Excellent post Chris and top advice for those who aren’t on Twitter yet (and even for a lot of those that are).
Like you I have found that the real value comes from taking conversations further and commenting on others blog posts. Twitter is merely the tool for helping me find people who share information on the subjects that interest me (but a fantastic tool at that! I also find Twitter is great for posting short comments when I don’t have the time to contribute a lengthier comment on someone’s blog.
Thanks for reminding me that whilst sharing is great and we should all do it, it really is connecting on a deeper level that adds more value.
Another tip I might add for someone who is new to Twitter is the importance of expanding your community. Be helpful by sharing contacts and introducing people to each other if you think they have mutual interests or could benefit from talking to one another. It is a brilliant feeling when two people you introduced hit it off!
Jed