Does Twitter Make Sense 2U?

Unless you have been living under a rock (never a good thing for an entrepreneur to do, by the way), you have at least heard about Twitter and maybe even understand what it's all about.

However, if you are like most business owners who don't already work in the world of internet marketing, you have probably wondered why everyone is making such a fuss over something with a ridiculous name.
Here is the straight scoop. . . .For small business owners, Twitter is about (in this order):

1. Building relationships (establishing the know/like/trust factor at light speed)
   
   
2. Sharing valuable information (and indirectly displaying your expertise)
   
   
3. Doing market research (paying attention to what others are saying and asking questions)



4. Inviting vs. selling (opening the door to having prospects continue a relationship with you outside of Twitter)
   

As you can see, these four components might not seem to relate directly to dollars for your business. But it's actually just like a turbo charged version of in person or traditional networking.

Make your messages so appealing, useful, and engaging that you are the one constantly popping up on the radar of your ideal client. Once he/she has an awareness of you, the next step is to get him to relate to you outside of Twitter.

How? Put your web address in your Twitter profile, tweet about a special event you are hosting, share links to useful articles on your site. Structure your site so visitors can opt in to your mailing list in exchange for an irresistible freebie.

Once you have a prospect on your list, you now have his/her permission to continue building that relationship via email marketing as well as promoting any products or services you offer which translates directly into making that cash register ring. (Check out my hand drawn chart to see this system illustrated if you are of a more visual learner.)

Still not on board with Twitter? You might have to see it in action. . .I share all my best tips, news, and announcements via Twitter. Feel free to use me as a case study by "following" me at: Twitter.com/KimNishida.