I’ve been writing a lot about Twitter lately. I’ve developed some strong opinions and a revelation that it’s not about what is happening on Twitter. Twitter is about what’s happening.

For example, this mornings California earth quake was reported and traveled across the world via Twitter within seconds of its beginning. Even with today’s technology the local NBC affiliate took four minutes for the first update and it took almost ten minutes for the quake news to hit the AP wire.

I believe sharing what is happening is how this powerful tool is best applied. Individuals and organizations can post events, ideas, or information to people that follow them. It can be as simple as I didn’t like the new diet product I had for lunch, there is a new art show opening on the 20^th, a release of a new product, updated information from the local government or sports team.

I’ve enjoyed the fact that some fire and police departments are updating the community via Twitter as well as local sports teams and media outlets

Twitter is a quick 140-character platform to share information and report on events of all types to people who care (Your followers).

It is not an Instant message platform, in my opinion. Actually, following people who use Twitter for IMing (Instant messaging) is rather frustrating. If you are not following all parties engaged in a conversation,  you’ll receive the punch lines with no joke attached or streams of nonsensical clutter that often buries content that may be of interest to you.

I’m not suggesting Twitter should be a one-way conversation. Unlike radio, television or newspapers you can easily make a comment to the host you’re following. The power of Twitter is that the reporter of what is happening can also answer questions, update or follow up quickly.

A twitter post needs to be more thoughtful than an instant message because you have a following. Whether you have a large or small following a twitter post is like being on stage with an interested audience.  It doesn’t work when a speaker or presenter picks an audience member, that doesn’t have microphone, to dialog with for an hour. A few people sitting near by may be able to enjoy the conversation, but most will not.

As an artist or creative person, Twitter can serve as a great platform to share updates on what is happening in your world. Report a link pointing toward exceptional artwork or a blog post you’ve found interesting. Share your personal progress, invitations, show openings, new products or ideas.

Twitter can also be used to ask questions, provide feedback or even poll your followers. Using the direct messaging system on twitter is a good solution for more personal communications. But, again, I maintain Twitter was not designed to be personal. But, if you enjoy messaging via Twitter, a Twitter messaging system is available through your cell phone.

Actually, Twitter really shines when used through a portable device. The “track” feature allows you to follow a word or phrase much to the same advantage Google alerts offers. If you don’t have Twitter connected via a wireless accessory you may use the search feature at http://search.twitter.com (A recent API acquired in July by Twitter) to find specific information within the Twittersphere.

I understand that for many Twitter is about the conversation, but, in my opinion Twitter is more about presenting, sharing and reporting with the opportunity for follow up, but not chatting. Chatting is much better served using other platforms such as Yahoo, AIM or even Facebook.

Think about how you can use Twitter. What are you doing? What is happening now? What quality information can you share with the people that follow you? The people that care.

Rosh

Many years ago I was working in a furniture store to support my young photography business.  An old retired salesman came in as a customer and was kind enough to share his wisdom. 

He came back to the store a few times.  I honestly don’t remember most of the conversations, but one sentence rings in my head like it was yesterday.  “It’s what I call the ol’ follow up”.  It sounds innocent enough, but the words  “I’m following up” became a major part of my vocabulary from that day forward.

Sometimes you are not sure what to say to a customer in a call back situation.  You don’t want to bother your prospect, sound desperate or be too aggressive.  But, if you pick up the phone with the mind-set that you are calling for the benefit of your client, you will be more at ease.

“I’m following up” is disarming to a prospect or client because the motive is based on customer support.  You want to make sure they have all the information they need.  Ask if they have any questions or concerns.  (Never use the word “problems”).  Keep it positive and light.  If more information is needed the conversation will progress.

Build a list of follow up ideas.  Making sure the estimate or invoice is correct, delivery was on time or that the client is happy with the purchase are valuable support follow-ups. Also, new portfolio work, product add-ons and services are great income building follow-up ideas to consider. The goal is to build the best relationship possible.  You want your prospects and customers to be comfortable with you and to be top of mind.

It doesn’t matter if you had a conversation a day or a year ago.  The ol’ follow up is a a great way to keep in touch.

My daughter Laura Jean broke a string on her new electric guitar, and so resolving this was the crisis de jour.

We have all her instruments serviced by a local shop, Weninger Guitar Works. Mark Weninger, the owner, is such an old world craftsman, but he’s also modest to a fault. (If you play guitar and are in Michigan, Ontario or Ohio; this man should be working on your guitar.)

She was commenting to him about her concerns about playing with people other then those in her group, Famous For Something. She felt disloyal and not supportive to her bandmates. Mark showed the most enthusiasm I’ve seen from him in six months. He told her that it’s important for her to play with other musicians, and not just her group. It’s one thing to be the best guitarist in your group; but to play with others is to learn from them and see how good you are … and what you need to learn.

She may not of heard his wisdom, but I did. I’ve been asking myself since, “Who am I jammin’ with?” I mean who are the better players/writers/thinkers that I am surrounding myself with in order to stretch and grow? Who do I read, speak to or interact with who just owns the language and logic, and makes me go further in my development?

Of course, Rosh is like Lyle Mays to my Pat Metheny …. or is he Roger Daltrey to my Pete Townsend? (I suggest you use AllMusic.com if you know none of these names.) I love working with Sandy Barris of Business Marketing Services and Linda Anger of The Write Concept. My clients Fritz Spademan from the Money Finders, Inc. and Michael Wickett of Wickett Corporate Training also make me think and grow. But my goal is to Jam with as many great thinkers, writers and do’ers as I can.

Of course, if you want to meet for conversation and coffee …. let me know. I’ve even driven to Chicago for a cup of good joe! But bring your A game, if I’m going to jam with you!

– Dean La Douceur