93 responses so far ↓

• Sharon McPherson // Aug 15, 2008 at 9:17 am

  Hi Lynn,

  I must admit that when I first took a look at Twitter, I couldn’t see how it could possibly help me build my business, but I decided to give it a shot anyway.

  Within just a few hours after opening my Twitter account, I had figured out how it works plus added 26 subscribers to my newsletter’s mailing list, strictly from Twitter.

  And something that not many people realize is that not only is Twitter an excellent research tool, but if you use the “right” keywords, your “tweets” can be indexed by Google sometimes within hours.

  As with any marketing tool you use to communicate, providing relevant participation is the key to making the best use of Twitter.

  Sharon McPherson
  @SharonMcP

• Wade Watson // Aug 15, 2008 at 10:57 am

  Well, I wouldn’t mind being Twitter “In”, but after several months, I admit I still feel kind on the periphery. Twitter’s the first social networking site I’ve partaken in, prompted by podcaster Leo Laporte and co. I check it 2-3 times a day and am constantly entertained by the interesting people I follow, such as Lynn. I do go long periods without posting anything. I see the value for marketing your online activities, when you’ve got something going on. Some of us are not naturally chatty, though, so the constant casual interaction thing doesn’t necessarily come easily (I use my cell phone maybe 5 minutes a month). I’d be very interested in other thoughts on this.

  –Wade

• Jenn Givler // Aug 15, 2008 at 12:55 pm

  I admit - I wasn’t even close to being an early adopter to Twitter. I took the stance that it wasn’t right for my business and that it was just another social networking arena.

  Wow - am I glad I joined. It has been outstanding for my business.

  Not only have I added e-zine subscribers and gotten visitors to my blog, but I’ve created JV’s through Twitter, I’ve had people purchase my products b/c they met me on Twitter, and I’ve met some really amazing people that will help my business grow.

  Twitter is probably one of the best things I’ve done to reach my niche this year.

• Vera Raposo // Aug 15, 2008 at 1:10 pm

  I love that twitter is a great way to socialize with other people online.

  For me, I have secured interviews as well, and have increased subscribers, along with traffic to my site.

  I enjoy it, it’s my time to tweet with my friends mostly and share together on a more personal level.

• Lael Johnson // Aug 15, 2008 at 4:19 pm

  Hi Lynn,

  I’m definitely in with Twitter. I’ve recently met a group of wonderful coaches and other helpers working through the 30DC together. It’s great for so many reasons, but if nothing else, for expanding my horizons and feeding my lifelong learning habit.:)

  Thanks for a great question.

  Lael

• Sandy Naidu // Aug 15, 2008 at 5:33 pm

  I am struggling with Twitter…I realize the potential but I am finding it too distracting. I know I am missing out on a good marketing/socializing opportunity by not using Twitter…How do you guys not let it distract you? Give me tips please.

• Jenn Givler // Aug 15, 2008 at 6:02 pm

  Sandy - I agree - it can be distracting. I schedule my Twitter time - just like every other marketing activity in my business.

  Some days I have a good deal of time for it, other days, not-so-much. Some days, I’m on top of lots of conversations, other days I pick out 1 or 2 things to follow up on.

  As with everything it’s all about balance.

  I treat it like every other marketing activity - and when I’m not using it, I turn it off.

• Elijah // Aug 15, 2008 at 7:52 pm

  I’m in.

  All the way.

  If you’re out, you need to get in - quick.

• Cindy Morus, Your Money Mending Partner // Aug 15, 2008 at 8:09 pm

  I’ve been on for a few weeks at my coach’s (@kellymccausey) suggestion and have connected with some new friends, found some old ones and struck up a few new friendships including a JV.

  I like it! I’m in, too!

• Annemarie O'Bea // Aug 15, 2008 at 8:12 pm

  Hey Lynn

  I’m in — totally. Now just trying to convert from being a 100% social user to splitting 50.50. I still haven’t totally figured out how to tap into my niche though, but I will.

  Annemarie O’Bea
  @shesquared

• Lynn Terry // Aug 15, 2008 at 8:12 pm

  I look at Twitter as being much like “list building” except that it is of course much more Web 2.0 and “social”. Instead of the traditional one-way communication you have with a mailing list, it is two-way communication with your “readers”.

  I have all but quit using my RSS reader, and use Twitter instead to scout new content or blog posts or bloggers - which is something I was doing as a part of my normal routine anyway.

  Twitter has added so much to my business in the way of networking & communications, that it is most definitely worth the time invested.

  Everyone does it differently - uses different apps or methods, for example. I just use the web based version and keep the window open while I’m working. Then I just check in on it from time to time. Usually while I’m waiting on something, or between tasks, that kind of thing.

• LaTara // Aug 15, 2008 at 8:17 pm

  I have to say that I have loved Twitter from the first day I joined. I tend to take things on with a challenge and want to push all the buttons to see how it works and that is what I did with Twitter. I am also very relational in my approach to business and life so Twitter was perfect fit for this gabber.

  The majority of my writing business has come from Twitter helping me to maintain a comfortable weekly income and gain some great clients who have stretched me beyond what I thought I could be stretched with my writing. All of my blogs are frequented often by Twitter folk and that is pretty cool to.

  I have sparked up some great relationships and business opts through Tweeting daily.

  To those who don’t get it I say, give a while and the light bulb will come one

• Govindji Patel // Aug 15, 2008 at 8:33 pm

  I am in and have not used twitter as much as you all have but i am learning as I have just started using twitter about a month ago and stiil learning on how to best use twitter.

  Govindji Patel

• Lynn Terry // Aug 15, 2008 at 8:39 pm

  Govindji - your Twitter bio says you install scripts for websites (might say “for webmasters” instead). Have you networked much on Twitter on this particular topic - offering script tips or special offers or anything similar?

  You mentioned you were still learning. I’m curious what your perception is so far - and what your experience has been in the first few weeks.

• Govindji Patel // Aug 15, 2008 at 9:01 pm

  I joined twitter from the 30 day challenge before that I did not know what twitter is so I am just starter at twitter and so far I like it what I can do with twitter that is networking and building relations.

  Govindji Patel

• Sheila Finkelstein // Aug 16, 2008 at 12:19 am

  Just started tweeting - last week , I think - after having signed up a couple of months ago. Still “figuring it out” and that’s fine, fits in with my latest “figuring out” path.

  I’ve met some interesting new people and happened on some old friends. It’s great. Looking forward to future connections.

• Sheila Finkelstein // Aug 16, 2008 at 12:20 am

  I forgot to add, I’m @InspiredSheila

• Tina Tobin // Aug 16, 2008 at 8:56 am

  I got to this post through one of your tweets, so I guess I’m getting the hang of it. Twitter’s better than I thought it would be, but I’m still on a learning curve. You’ve inspired me to find my favorite writers and authors on it, which has been on my “to do” list for days.

• Lynn Terry // Aug 16, 2008 at 11:14 am

  One of the most important keys to your personal twitter experience is in who you follow, and who follows you - both of which you control to a large extent.

  You want to use the search feature to find people in your industry, to find people talking about your products (or you), to find people talking about your topic (or niche). Seek out the authors, bloggers, podcasters & publishers in your niche and follow them - these are people you want to associate yourself with, and ultimately people that you can set up things with like: interviews, link exchanges, JVs, affiliate opps, etc.

  As for your following, the best way to build a specific following is to tweet very specifically. See 5 Ways to Build Your Following at Twitter

  If you teach knitting at your website, tweet about knitting tips, knitting deals, knitting resources, knitting experts, knitting videos, etc. People who are into knitting (ie your target market) will WANT to follow you!

• Lynn Terry // Aug 16, 2008 at 11:26 am

  I’ll share another extreme example for you guys. I follow Lorrie Morgan-Ferrero (aka RedHotCopy - well known female copywriting expert) on Twitter.

  Why do you think I follow Lorrie?

  You guessed it: for copywriting tips & to stay up to date with what she is offering.

  Instead, over the last few months I have learned about her relationship with her husband, about her dog, about her family BBQ events, about her “mani/pedi” appointments, etc, etc, etc. I cant say I’ve ever heard a single copywriting tip from her.

  Result: Unfollow!

  Nothing personal, of course. But a great example to bring up here for the purpose of making a point. There is nothing wrong with being casual & real and personable with your tweets. But if you want to use it as a business tool, you need an objective - and your tweets need to attract your ideal followers.

• Stephanie // Aug 16, 2008 at 11:57 am

  I’ve been tweeting some, but not quite daily. Some days I’m really into it, others nothing quite seems worth saying.

  So far nothing big for me. A few new online friends, which is always nice. Some extra traffic and Stumbles.

  I like using Twhirl. Without it on I keep forgetting to check for tweets. I’m pretty good at ignoring it when I really need to be productive, but it allows me to keep up on conversations when I want to.

• Lynn Terry // Aug 16, 2008 at 1:05 pm

  Hey Stephanie,

  On Twitter I noticed you are promoting your http://www.homewiththekids.com/ website. On your site you have a forum, wahm job postings, parenting tips, scam alerts, and much more.

  You could easily tweet about all of these same topics on Twitter. There are TONS of moms on Twitter (me included)! You might start discussions on certain micro topics, like single work at home parents, or ask anyone about scam alerts they have experience with, or tweet job opps, etc.

  The idea is to become known for what you offer, and to create a following of people who are specifically interested in those things.

  Cant wait to see you at BlogWorld!

• greg cryns // Aug 16, 2008 at 4:44 pm

  Me too.

  I joined last April, I think, and did not get into it for a few months.

  I think what pushed me over the edge was when John Reese made a big deal about getting people to follow him. I figured, if it’s good for John I must be missing something.

  Twitter grows on me more each day. I’ve made a lot of friends. Many of them are movers and shakers. Some will be that soon. I can feel it.

  Staying power? You bet. I’ve not even checked out the main competitor yet (Plurck) and I may never do so. Twitter has enough going for me that I don’t need to check out the other side of the street.

• Regina // Aug 16, 2008 at 5:38 pm

  Hey Lynn,

  I really got it when you said “important keys to your personal twitter experience is in who you follow, and who follows you.”

  That’s key! I’ve had to Unfollow a lot of people simply because I wasn’t interested in what they were saying and gross profanity.

  I use to think that twitter was just for personal chatting, which is fine by me, however I also love the fact that I’ve met some pretty interesting people as well as customers.

  Awesome topic! Thanks ~

• Patrick // Aug 16, 2008 at 11:31 pm

  Hey, cool! It was my pleasure to talk with you. Look forward to doing it more. Twitter is great.

  Patrick

• Patty // Aug 17, 2008 at 12:51 am

  I enjoy using twitter from time to time to check up on what some of the other work at home moms and marketing experts are doing and getting ideas, tips and links to other neat sites to check out. I also received more hits to my sites and more subscribers this way since I send out blog updates and share other events and info related to my site and parenting resources.

  I would like to use it for more personal conversation as well as business PR, but so far I don’t have enough time to spend chit chatting and I guess I still ‘don’t get’ the chatting aspect of it, but I’m learning and looking forward to knowing more about my followers.

• kabonfootprint // Aug 17, 2008 at 12:57 am

  Hi can i follow you on twitter? i have my own twitter w/ the same name. Thanks. (definitely I’m in!)

• Amy Miyamoto // Aug 17, 2008 at 1:01 am

  Hi Lynn,
  This is such a dynamic topic. And I actually found you through a tweet by one of your fellow followers, Jenn Givler. Thanks Jenn! As someone who is in the early stages of launching a business , I have been using Twitter primarily as a resource for information as well as establishing connections with those whom have expertise in the areas I am looking to grow in. And it has also been very helpful to observe how others add value to their Twitter community through their tweets. I know that considering the question, “What do I have to share that will add value for my readers?” when composing tweets will certainly help me to better leverage the power of Twitter.
  Amy Miyamoto
  @amymiyamoto

• Amy Miyamoto // Aug 17, 2008 at 1:10 am

  I also recently heard something else that I found helpful regarding the use of social networking venues like Twitter. Because they are so relationship-based one of the keys to building a following that knows, likes, and trusts you is to become known as a giver of value as well as a an expert in your field. It was suggested that a rule of thumb to follow is to give 7-10 items of valuable resources or connections for every 1 item of self-promotion. I would be interested to hear what others think about this concept.

• Beverly Mahone // Aug 17, 2008 at 9:33 am

  Twitter allows me to share my knowledge and expertise which, in turn, opens the door for potential clients.

• Lynn Terry // Aug 17, 2008 at 10:30 am

  Hi can i follow you on twitter? i have my own twitter w/ the same name. Thanks. (definitely I’m in!)

  Hi kabonfootprint,

  All you have to do is visit each person’s Twitter profile, and click the Follow button below their profile photo at the top left. My page is http://www.twitter.com/lynnterry (or @lynnterry).

  I just took a look at your profile and can see that you arent following anyone yet, and dont have any followers yet either. You have 9 updates - each of them links to individual blog posts.

  To really make the most of Twitter, you want to follow people in your niche, and start conversations - or reply to conversations. Starting a tweet with “New blog entry” is bad form. You want to use your blog topics to engage people in discussions instead.

• Lynn Terry // Aug 17, 2008 at 10:33 am

  I know that considering the question, “What do I have to share that will add value for my readers?” when composing tweets will certainly help me to better leverage the power of Twitter.

  It was suggested that a rule of thumb to follow is to give 7-10 items of valuable resources or connections for every 1 item of self-promotion. I would be interested to hear what others think about this concept.

  Both great tips, Amy - great addition to the discussion! I really like the idea of using a qualifying question and also a decent ratio of different types of involvement - conversation, networking, promotion, etc.

• Lynn Terry // Aug 17, 2008 at 10:51 am

  RE: chatting & personal conversation…

  This has been brought up a few times, so I think its important to clarify a bit on those points. While I dont personally like completely off topic tweets like I mentioned in the example above (with @redhotcopy), I usually just skip over them - unless that’s *all* they tweet about. Then I just unfollow.

  Otherwise, the majority of conversations are either directly business related, or used as a means to build character and get to know each other on a more personable level. Most people tweet a good mix of both, which is fine - you have a choice on which discussions you get involved with of course.

  As for me, I keep most conversations or discussions on topic to internet marketing or working from home. Sometimes we discuss products, methods, upcoming events & meetups, time management or scheduling, books we are reading, working at home with kids, etc - all of which are productive discussions.

  There is no other central location on the web that I can stay in tune with whats coming up, whats coming out, or whats going on where. It is definitely a huge asset in that regard.

• Carol Deckert // Aug 17, 2008 at 11:15 am

  Hi Lynn! I’m definitely “in” - while I am unable to attribute income from my Twitter activities, it certainly has helped me with developing new relationships. As a Networking Coach, obviously my target market is a little wider than others would be so Twitter gives me the opportunity to reach many with less!

  I too skip over some of the personal conversations but one thing I did find is that some very intriguing blog posts have been published on Twitter - blogs that I might not have ever found on my own but that I do enjoy reading and learning from.

  Thanks for another great post, Lynn!

  Happy Netweaving!
  Carol

• Michelle Vandepas // Aug 17, 2008 at 11:20 am

  Hi Lynne,

  I love Twitter. It is a huge distraction, and I spend many hours just reading tweets from others I have no interest in, but I admit I’m addicted.
  That said, I’ve made more friends, and business connections in a short few months than years of blogging has brought me.
  I Twitter personal and professional and business tweets. I like the mix of letting people know about the raccoons in my house or the bear in my yard or the newest tips I’ve discovered.

  Twitter? Im IN!
  @DivinePurposeMV

• Dan // Aug 17, 2008 at 11:27 am

  Lynn,

  The funniest example of this is in a little video entitled:

  “Twitter Frustrates Hitler As Followers Split”

  It shows the frustration of Hitler as he tries to get “followers” on Twitter, yet can only get THREE!

  Here are some of the recent comments:

  I haven’t laughed like this in a loooong time. Thank you for the video. It’s funnier than funny! –Ben

  That is brilliant. Not to mention so funny I nearly choked on my drink while watching it. –Tom

  Hilarious & genius!!!! –Bob

  This is hilarious…really clever. Thank you, we need humor in our lives. –Marlene

  It’s on YouTube or at my blog:

  http://danhollings.posterous.com/twitter-frustrates-hitler-as-f

• Lael Johnson // Aug 17, 2008 at 11:38 am

  Hi Lynn,
  I love the ongoing conversation on this topic! I, too, enjoy learning from all aspects of Twitter, tweeting, etc. I am looking for people who are interested in journaling, blogging, creativity, coaching (for self-improvement), writing, jewelry-making and that’s just partial list of my favorite topics.

  Thanks again Lynn.

  Lael Johnson
  @coach_gold

• Alan Petersen // Aug 17, 2008 at 11:59 am

  My main concern with Twitter was the time suck factor. I first heard of Twitter last year from Leo Laporte’s TWIT podcast but I also didn’t get it at first.

  It was Lynn who showed me the Twitter light. And I’m glad she did. It’s a great tool for networking. I’ve met new contacts right on twitter. Where else can I contact big names and they actually twit back!

  And yes it can be just for fun. The way it comes off from Ken is if he can’t make a buck off of it he’s not interested. You can have both ways with twitter.

  Now if Twitter could figure out how to handle it popularity so I don’t have to see that stupid fail whale again!

• Lynn Terry // Aug 17, 2008 at 12:01 pm

  Very funny Dan - great viral promo!

  Lael - you can use the Twitter search feature to find conversations on those topics, and then get involved - follow some of the movers & shakers, or gain exposure through joining discussions.

  There is so much potential with Twitter!

• Lynn Terry // Aug 17, 2008 at 12:05 pm

  No doubt on that fail whale, Alan -

  You’re right though that Twitter is one of the only places (currently) that you can easily contact pretty much anyone - regardless of their “status”. It used to be difficult (if not impossible) for the “little guy” to reach the “big guys”. Twitter bridged that gap…

• Lynn Terry // Aug 17, 2008 at 12:09 pm

  Great Twitter story to share from today…

  One of my friends on Twitter noticed that someone is copying my content. Sent me the link to the offending blog, the link to their host & registrar, and this link to stock DMCA letters: http://www.plagiarismtoday.com/stock-letters/

  Talk about a helping hand & a major time saver! Twitter continues to be incredibly resourceful…

• Lynn Terry // Aug 17, 2008 at 12:12 pm

  @Carol - I just took a look at your Twitter profile and noticed you have over 1200 followers already. A testament to your networking ability, no doubt! Congrats

  I love your networking tips. Only suggestion is to add more to your Bio about what you can do for people. And more of those great networking tips, of course!

• Patrick // Aug 17, 2008 at 12:54 pm

  Hey, that story sounds familar! Glad to help.

• Lynn Terry // Aug 17, 2008 at 1:04 pm

  Thanks a million, Patrick!

• Dominique // Aug 17, 2008 at 1:34 pm

  I have done a complete overhaul of my blog and I included twitter when I did so. I don’t have a large following but I find that when I send a tweet, people follow it to my blog.

  In addition, I love the simplicity of it.

• Lael Johnson // Aug 17, 2008 at 2:52 pm

  Hi Lynn,

  Thanks for your input. I have already done some searches already, but wanted to include an invite here too.

  Best wishes,

  Lael Johnson
  @coach_gold

• Phil Tanny // Aug 17, 2008 at 7:46 pm

  Why are we having this conversation here, instead of on Twitter?

• Hamdani Amin // Aug 18, 2008 at 1:39 am

  I am still learning how to use it. But already see the potential of tweet.

• robsellen // Aug 18, 2008 at 7:17 am

  Bunch of “twits”

  I think it IS useful if used in the right way.
  I admit at first I was just as lost as most people but in reality once you DO “get it” the potential seems clear.

  A great way to announce updates etc in real time, and for time sensitive moments it could be a great asset.
  Twitters could be the first to find out new information.

  I doubt twitter will go anywhere anytime soon.

  Rob @robsellen if you twits want to follow another twit.

• Charly // Aug 18, 2008 at 7:23 am

  Hi Lynn,

  I am definitely in. I find it hard to hard to ‘keep up to date’ but using twitter at least gives me a feeling of connection.

  I run free ‘How To’ Seminars every fortnight and without fail, I will have 2 or 3 signups because of my ‘tweets’ and follow up by those who can’t make the free session asking for the recording. I have definitely grown my subscriber as a result.

  I have also been able to schedule 1:1 coaching sessions with clients through the dm function and been able to promote my services indirectly by being involved in discussions that would have completely passed me by.

  I work on my own at home, and sometimes desperately miss the ‘Adult Interactions’, the dogs just don’t give me enough of a discussion! Twitter allows me to communicate at all hours of the day!

  Go Twitter! http://twitter.com/charlyjl

• Matt Trostle // Aug 18, 2008 at 8:12 am

  I, like a lot of people sounds like, didn’t understand the whole idea either and was slow to adopt. I mean I can hardly keep up with stuff already! lol Then I got an email from Joe Vitale asking to follow him on Twitter.

  His email said something that really clicked with me about the whole thing.

  He admitted not “getting it” either then he goes on to say something like, you can follow people you really admire on a daily basis.

  I wish I could find the email so I could tell you exactly what he said. Must have deleted it, darn it.

• John Dilbeck // Aug 18, 2008 at 8:19 am

  Hi Lynn,

  I joined Twitter back when I first saw Dave Winer mention his profile there.

  Then I did nothing with it for a long time. When I started looking at it, I was turned off by all the personal tweets and some of the most inane comments I’ve ever read.

  But, then, one day, it suddenly made sense. I started unfollowing the people who were posting things I didn’t want to read and following the people who were talking about what I was interested in, including you.

  Now, I’m definitely in. I still need to do more tweeting about affiliate marketing, but I’m learning.

  You’ve made some great points in the blog post and especially in some of your comments. I’m subscribing to the comments to see how the discussion goes.

  I’m getting lots of new readers on my sites, blogs, and lenses from Twitter and I think that’s great.

  If anyone’s interested I’m at http://twitter.com/johndilbeck

  Oh, yeah, I found out about this blog post from a tweet by @charlyjl .

  I use Twitterific and only check the tweets when I’m waiting for something, so it doesn’t really use up much of my time and I learn a great deal and meet some great people as a result.

  Act on your dream!

  JD

• Joan Adams // Aug 18, 2008 at 8:29 am

  hello! I am also here because of a tweet by @charlyjl
  I love twitter because it allows me daily contact with my dearest internet friends and encouragers — and also allows me to meet new folks, keep up with what is going on in the internet world, and sends qualified traffic to my sites and Squidoo lenses! I cannot imagine a day without Twitter!

  follow me at http://twitter.com/moonvine

• Lynn Terry asks if you’re in or out with Twitter | 21st Century Affiliate Marketing // Aug 18, 2008 at 8:31 am

  [...] Lynn Terry has a great discussion going on her blog post and comments at Twitter: Are you IN or OUT? [...]

• Cindi ~ Moomettesgram // Aug 18, 2008 at 8:36 am

  As a Baby Boomer who’s building my online ebiz ventures and VA website, I feel I have to keep up with the latest Web 2.0 technology to stay ahead of the curve. I’ve embraced Twitter as a marketing tool and received tremendous exposure from it. Occasionally I use it as a social tool. In my opinion, Baby Boomers especially have to embrace the latest web tools and get out of the mindset of “if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it” marketing.

• Kat McCarthy // Aug 18, 2008 at 9:58 am

  I didn’t get twitter at first and so I didn’t even sign up. Suddenly, for no apparent reason I was inspired to sign up around the end of July and within a few hours I got the value.

  The first thing is, twitter is helping me to be accountable to myself. Everytime I look at the screen I am asked: What am I doing right now? The answer to that question was not as satisfactory to me as I would have liked for the first week. LOL So twitter is helping me to refocus many times per day! Yay!!

  I wish everyone I need to communicate with regularly were using twitter. Twitter allows me to have some idea of what folks are up to on which projects without having to intrude on their time directly.

  Then of course, there is all of that yummy learning from so many people I admire. And yes, a chance to interact with them, at least those that are responsive to their followers.

  Some people might find it cumbersome because of all of the posts (assuming you follow a lot of people) but I am finding that it is honing my scanning abilities. I can scan the days posts and respond to what I need to in 10 - 15 minutes. And there are a whole lot of emails I can avoid sending as a result.

  Twitter rocks!!
  Kat

• Katherine Reschke // Aug 18, 2008 at 10:26 am

  I am definitely in but have found it really is vital to have very clear and measurable objectives first.

• Phil Tanny // Aug 18, 2008 at 10:52 am

  Katherine, well done.

  Your post is short enough to fit on Twitter, is rich in useful content, and inspired me to click through to your blog, which I’m exploring now.

  You’ve proven concise value packed business building writing is possible.

  Ok, it’s possible.

  Perhaps the question for Twitter is, how probable is it?

  How many folks can both deliver value AND deliver it concisely? What will the signal to noise ratio be?

• olguy // Aug 18, 2008 at 11:07 am

  Hi Lynn,
  Thanks for a great post on Twitter.
  Want to include it as an asset on my WP Blog, but my style sheet is in the hospital right now.
  Question: Will Twitter work on a site that is more or less static? I have BANS site where most of the CONTENT doesn’t change very much; just the product listings change routinely.

  Or, as you say, am I just not “getting it?”

• Lynn Terry // Aug 18, 2008 at 11:45 am

  Why are we having this conversation here, instead of on Twitter?

  Actually, this discussion started on Twitter

  But to answer your question: because we are discussing the topic in more than 140 characters

• Lynn Terry // Aug 18, 2008 at 11:53 am

  Everytime I look at the screen I am asked: What am I doing right now? The answer to that question was not as satisfactory to me as I would have liked for the first week. LOL So twitter is helping me to refocus many times per day!

  Hey Kat,

  Very interesting - Twitter as an accountability tool? I hadnt looked at it that way, but you have a point! I confess there have been a number of times I’ve realized I didnt have an “update” to share - and it made me question why… lol. Good one!

• Knatchwa // Aug 18, 2008 at 11:55 am

  I am a recent addition to the twitter space, and it has been quite interesting, I cannot speak as a long time tweeter but am glad to have come across the site. There has been some great views shared here and that says alot.

  Though usually I say ride on for now I will say Tweet On @Knatchwa

• Lynn Terry // Aug 18, 2008 at 11:57 am

  Question: Will Twitter work on a site that is more or less static? I have BANS site where most of the CONTENT doesn’t change very much; just the product listings change routinely.

  Hi Olguy,
  A couple of questions: Who is your ideal website visitor? Who are the publishers, or movers & shakers in your industry? Who is most likely to link to your site? Consider each of those questions separately, and start searching/following on Twitter.

  As for updates, you may find a particularly interesting auction that you want to tweet about, whether it be a unique item or an incredible deal. You might also consider starting a Hawaii Vacation Blog as an addition to your venture, and branching out that way.

• Phil Tanny // Aug 18, 2008 at 12:03 pm

  Ha, good reply Lynn. I counted the characters in your reply in my text editor.

  141 characters!

  (I win, at only 137 characters!)

• olguy // Aug 18, 2008 at 12:07 pm

  Thanks, Lynn,
  Dang, you’re asking me to do all the hard stuff, like THINK.
  Yeah, I do have a Hawaii travel blog; that’s the one in the recovery ward. When I get it home and out of the evil clutches of WP gremlins, I’m going to Twitter away.

  Thanks again.

• @Knatchwa // Aug 18, 2008 at 12:11 pm

  An interesting way to establish a conversation I will have to take that into consideration. Anyways certainly thanks for sharing.

• pay per install guide // Aug 18, 2008 at 1:00 pm

  Is twitter involve a lot of chatting similar to msn?

• Mitch // Aug 18, 2008 at 1:23 pm

  I’m in, though I have to say that I wasn’t so sure a few months ago. I wrote two blog posts about it and how it was not only slow, but kept shutting down. Over the last couple of weeks, it seems to be behaving; I hope I didn’t just jinx it.

• Lynn Terry // Aug 18, 2008 at 1:36 pm

  I agree - that downtime was frustrating, especially after beginning to use it on a daily basis. Start-up growing pains, no doubt. I’m glad its working great now too! lol

  Is twitter involve a lot of chatting similar to msn?

  There are a lot of group discussions going on at any given time, so it can be considered similar to chatting. But the conversations are generally on micro-topics and shared between select groups of friends or business peers.

• rob sellen // Aug 18, 2008 at 3:34 pm

  I am sure I posted here?

• rob sellen // Aug 18, 2008 at 3:38 pm

  Sorry Lynn, I spotted it above…. Shows how fast you are getting replies on here and it’s great to see.

  I see everyone else see’s what I see here….quality.

  THIS was the first blog I checked out when I got reconnected.
  And I have 100’s in my bookmarks!

  See you on twitter .

  Rob

• Amy Miyamoto // Aug 18, 2008 at 5:38 pm

  John Dilbeck - Thanks for the mention of Twitterific…I look forward to exploring this.

  Kat McCarthy - I ,too, love the idea of using the Twitter default question as an accountability tool…had not thought of this, yet it makes sense.

  Lynn Terry - Thank you for the reminder about http://search.twitter.com . I was aware of it, yet have not begun to leverage it to its fullest potential.

  Phil Tanny - I love your observation about how Twitter forces us to be concise yet still strive to maximize value. I have noticed this has carried over to my emails and other writing. As someone who is prone to long-winded first drafts, I find myself more discerning with what to include and what to cut out. Interesting AND positive side effect I have found.

  Great discussion!

• Denise // Aug 18, 2008 at 5:46 pm

  Hi Lynn,

  Great topic, I’m in! Using twitter has given my blog more exposure. I’m working on a book and it’s helping me introduce myself to others more “naturally”.

  I also enjoy the professional and personal relationship building aspect. In order to get the most out of twitter, you have to look at it strategically.

• Lynn Terry // Aug 18, 2008 at 6:53 pm

  I agree, Denise - strategically, and with a specific objective in mind (that suits your unique business model).

  Amy - I agree with that, and have heard several others mention the same. It is shining through in blog posts, emails, and other forms of communication - that whole “less is more” get-to-the-point thang

• Stuey // Aug 19, 2008 at 9:23 am

  Never really got it. It’s just for egomaniacs isn’t it?

• Merle // Aug 19, 2008 at 12:34 pm

  I admit I watched Twitter for quite awhile before joining in. I’m using it as a tool to send out tips and interesting tools to my subscribers. It’s a fun way to stay up on the latest from my favorite affiliate marketers as well.

• TigerTom // Aug 19, 2008 at 5:43 pm

  I didn’t ‘get’ twitter until I heard about some chap that got rescued because he could get to a cellphone and post a ‘help me’ message. Some kind of political arrest.

  I dare say, however, in the future the problem won’t be being known, it’ll be privacy; to be blissfully unavailable.

  PS: 75 posts before mine. Cripes!

• Lynn Terry // Aug 19, 2008 at 8:15 pm

  Blissfully unavailable *sigh*… that may very well be true, Tom -lol. Believe it or not, I am a very private person and cherish my “me time”. There are times I simply have to “unplug”

• Lynn Terry // Aug 19, 2008 at 8:16 pm

  Never really got it. It’s just for egomaniacs isn’t it?

  LOL Stuey

  Not at all…

• Lisa Lomas // Aug 19, 2008 at 8:34 pm

  Twitter, I just love it. Great for all sorts of things and I love the new tool Twhirl. Just dandy.

• 40 Twitter Tips in 140 Characters or Less // Aug 19, 2008 at 11:07 pm

  [...] If you missed the original post, see Twitter: Are you IN or OUT? I shared some of my own personal tips for using Twitter for networking & exposure. I also [...]

• Dr.Mani // Aug 20, 2008 at 10:38 am

  81 replies - I wondered if I should even bother posting!

  Nice blog, Lynn. I wrote one some weeks ago:

  http://Guydz.com/moneypowerwisdom/oh-twitter/

  All success
  Dr.Mani

• Lynn Terry // Aug 20, 2008 at 10:39 am

  I’m glad you did I read every single one!

  Off to check out your post - thanks for the link

• CreativeGoddess // Aug 21, 2008 at 9:10 am

  I had enrolled in Twitter last year but didn’t do much about it. Then I read where the blogger in Egypt got arrested and used it to alert his buddies -hence my renewed interest.

  Meanwhile, it’s a good way to get the microblogging Q&A going with compatriots in my industry. Still having trouble getting my customers to follow, tho.

  @ecstewart

• Peggy Dolane // Aug 23, 2008 at 11:56 am

  This comment is PROOF that Twitter works. That’s where I found you, now I’m following you. Hope you’ll follow me @freerangemom.

  Also check out “5 Things about Twitter, branding and relationships” http://freerangemom.blogspot.com/2008/08/5-things-you-need-to-know-about.html

• Home Biss // Aug 23, 2008 at 11:59 am

  Let’s not go gaga about Twitter. Twitter is okay but it can be better.

  Now, let us be honest with ourselves. How many people actually interact with others at Twitter?

  Take a closer look around, many used Twitter to post links. Twitter has become more like a pingback mechanism for some people and I hates that.

  All hail Twitter… The best one-way traffic in town.

  Tweet.. Tweet.. Follow Me

• Steven Wilson // Aug 24, 2008 at 1:38 pm

  Like most here I joined twitter not really understanding what it was all about.I have been using it more now,but really do not have many followers.I will stick it out for the long haul though seeing so many talking it up.

• Lynn Terry // Aug 26, 2008 at 6:02 pm

  Steven - your blog is a perfect match for topics discussed DAILY on Twitter. Start by following bloggers & industry leaders that you admire, and joining conversations already in progress.

  Many of the topics you blog about would make for great discussions on Twitter, so just get the ball rolling!

• Lynn Terry // Aug 26, 2008 at 6:05 pm

  How many people actually interact with others at Twitter? … All hail Twitter… The best one-way traffic in town….

  And coming from someone named “Home” - or that is keyword spamming my blog

  I’m not worried about what “everyone else” is doing on Twitter. I focus on how I can use it to communicate with people, and on consuming the information I want (very specifically). Definitely 2-way communication for me…

• Phil Tanny // Aug 26, 2008 at 6:22 pm

  Lynn, I haven’t taken the trail to Twitter just yet, but your enthusiasm for social networking is finally hitting home here.

  I think I’m going to have to argue with you more often it’s quite educational.

  Now if I can just get tweeting before Ken Evoy, then *he’ll* be the last one to get it, not me.

  Anyway, thanks for the patient prodding, we of the GeezerNation thank you.

• Lynn Terry // Aug 26, 2008 at 7:34 pm

  LOL Phil - “argue” away!

  Just so long as you do it in 140 characters or less

• Phil Tanny // Aug 26, 2008 at 7:39 pm

  That’s funny, cause some of the people I argue with have asked me to do it in zero characters or less. You’re being quite generous! 139!

• Jim // Nov 6, 2008 at 1:49 am

  you’ve inspired me to start Twittering!!

  Now off to figure it all out…

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