Making twitter work for you

Probably the best description I've heard about Twitter is that its the real time search engine that you didn’t realise that you needed.

It’s a great way to discover new content and stay informed of developments in your field, connect with new people and even if they don’t follow you still learn from their tweets.

To make tweeting work for you try following these simple tips:

Add value where you can

Join a conversation if you have some information or an opinion that will expand an argument.

Tweet links to great articles you’ve discovered

I find the links tweeted by the people I follow one of the biggest pluses with Twitter as I discover articles and facts that I would never have found myself. Aim to share the material you find that will be of some value to your followers.

Tweet profound things

Hey don’t be scared by this you don’t need to turn into Socrates overnight. But tweeting an original comment, observation or fact might get republished by your followers (retweeted), and this helps to build your influence and hopefully number of followers.

Give a little of yourself

You don’t need to tell the world what you had for breakfast but it's social media and that means people like to get to know a bit about you. Saying your going to a concert, pub or taking a holiday helps your followers form an opinion about who you are. Some moderation on personal stuff is the best policy unless you think you are a celeb and feel the world needs to know your every thought and movement.

Think about the time you tweet

If most of your audience is in bed then they are not going to read your tweets. I find the best time to tweet is in the morning when people are on their way to work, or the evening when they are at home. It’s not a good idea to send out a batch of tweets in a short period of time. Try to stagger your tweeting so you are not spamming people.

Remember the golden rule - as with all efforts in social media - is to try to add value. If you succeed in doing this then your influence and reach can only grow.

And don't forget you can follow me on twitter here.

Happy tweeting.

Posted via email from fakingIt

My 5 reasons to blog

I was in the pub and having a conversation about blogging and was asked: well what’s the point; writing is work, the audience is often small and how do you have the time do it when you have a full time job and an active social life to contend with.

These are the five reasons that I gave as an answer to my cynical friend.

1. Writing it down brings clarity

I am learning stuff on a daily basis and I find that if I write a quick blog post it clarifies my thoughts and this is useful when I come to make presentations or write articles in my work.

2. Hell I have something to say

A blog is a good place to spread opinion and be heard.  It offers an opportunity to connect with others in my field and learn from each other.  If we don’t agree then let’s argue it out in the comments and everyone benefits.

3. Future career opportunities

I don’t think for a minute that I am ever going to retire having made my fortune as a blogger. But establishing a blog that has regularly postings gives me a place to point future employers.  It shows I am thinking about the issues and challenges around my area of work and trying to connect with others in my field.  All plus points when it comes to interview time.

4. The love you take is equal to the love you make

I feel that only by giving something can I legitimately expect to receive something. I need my finger on the pulse of what's happening and I think while I learn from others it is only right that I give something back so they can learn from me.

5. It’s Fun

Social media shouldn’t be a drag and I find writing a quick blog post and then looking at the stats and replying to comments far more rewarding than watching yet another episode of Big Brother.

These are the reason why I plug away and like anything the more effort you put in the more you get back.

The hardest part is making the initial decision to pull yourself off the sofa, switch off the telly and start.  Once you have done this it just gets easier and easier.

So do let me know the reasons why you blog or are thinking about it.

Posted via email from fakingIt