Many brands wonder how they should behave on Twitter: What should we say? Can we add Twitter in our communication mix? Often heard questions, no?
To facilitate the discussion, I like to compare Twitter with a bar full of people. People are talking to each other, subjects are diverse, topics may change in a second and the big news travels around the bar in no time. Sometimes you're with your friends talking and some nights you decide to stay home, missing out on all the juicy stories of that night. As a brand, best is to join in and be part of the regulars in the bar. Make some friends, listen to their stories and tell them something about yourself. Help them when needed and don't forget to buy them a beer when it's your turn to pay.
You know what I always hate in a bar? Those guys walking around who want to sell me stuff (like flowers) when I'm talking with my friends. Nobody likes to be disturbed by sales people when you're in a bar, same goes for Twitter. Next to that, it is almost impossible to become one of 'the guys in the bar', if you only show up every three months. Especially if you start to shout your latest news as soon as you walk into the pub. Same again for brands: if you only show up if you have something to say and you're already gone by the time someone notices you or asks a question, people won't connect with you.
Finally, the time I spend in bars during my student years are starting to pay off: life in a bar and life in Twitter: it comes pretty close.
AnniePettit said:
Another thing I dislike is those folks who like to share a lot of information but never actually open a conversation with individual people. It's far easier to be present and be sharing but it's far more meaningful to actually have a conversation and let people get to know you.
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Sat, 2010-08-28 12:02 — Annie PettitMichael Brisciana said:
Steven - -
Thanks for the excellent suggestions. Maybe a comparison to the denizens of the classic tv show, Cheers, fits well with your "bar" analogy . . . As I recall, Fraser (Kelsey Grammer) was originally made fun of as a pompous gas bag who would float in and make somewhat arrogant and insulting "drive-by" suggestions to the regulars (Cliff, Norm, etc.). Only after years of showing up and getting a feel for the "pulse" of the bar did he become "one of the guys." Seems akin to what you're suggesting about "joining in."
Thanks again!
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Sat, 2010-08-28 10:53 — Michael BriscianaCraig Lindberg said:
Steven,
You make an excellent case. I can almost see the typical B2B exec's head practically exploding from the confliction. Old habits die hard and so will many B2B companies because they're old outbound practices are so ingrained they may as well be wearing blinders. I'm optimistic the big corporate B2B inbound "ship" is coming about albeit slowly. Small, young B2B companies are the major benefactors of this seismic change in marketing because they adapt and adopt more quickly.
And who said nothing good would come of the time spent in bars? :-)
Thanks!
Craig
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Fri, 2010-08-27 11:08 — Craig LindbergPraneet Kailey (Twitter: @PKailey) said:
I find this analogy quite apt....Fun way of looking at the dynamics of Tweeting: ths do's and the dont's!
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Thu, 2010-08-26 15:13 — Praneet Kailey (Twitter: @PKailey)Post new comment