Twitter and Business Intelligence
People who follow me on Twitter will know much more about me than I’ve ever shared in my business relationships. You can decide whether that’s a good thing, but I have always believed that people do business with people; not with companies, or with brands, or with employees. Ask anyone in sales, business development, marketing or product management: knowing more about the people you’re doing business with is invaluable.
Tuesday’s example: I wanted to talk with someone about some upcoming news. In checking her Twitter feed, I found out she was preparing for a live, online event. I popped over to the live event to catch her wisdom, and found they were having trouble with the audio feed in trying to “join her” to the event. I certainly didn’t want to interrupt her day at that potentially stressful point, did I? Nope.
Wednesday’s example: I needed to get in touch with one of my key influencers on a project. I had sent them an email, and hadn’t heard back within the “normal” time in which he’d usually respond. I checked his Twitter feed, and found they had just landed in SFO for three days in order to attend a conference. I knew immediately that I’d need to find another resource for my project.
I have examples every week like this. Multiply them by the personal delights:
- Getting an offer of fresh arugula from @thisKat’s garden
- Being able to broadcast Stacy Hewett found my wallet in Old Town, and having @TopLingo in LA pass on the goodness
- Finding a presentation by @Turoczy put online that I could enjoy even though I couldn’t make it to the @OEN event (that’s both business and personal, admittedly… but it saved me time)
I hear all the time, “I just don’t understand Twitter…” Perhaps this will convince another person or two to try it out for themselves - both for business and personal use.
Remember though, you’ve got to give to get. Being active and interesting in Twitter is about more than “I’m eating oatmeal…” It’s a glimpse into your life, yes. But it’s also an explanation of your interests, where you’re going, where you’ve been, and how you’re enchanted/engaged in the moment.
Janet, I love how you have humanized Twitter and the value that one gets out of it. By watching someone’s presence, you can learn alot and answer questions that traditional communication tools cannot.
Twitter is great for business relationships. I love how it gives me a look into people’s life. I have learned more about you personally on Twitter than I have in any of our conversations about business.
Great post. I couldn’t agree more and will bookmark your post for the next skeptic who questions my twittering. I also find so much inspiration in the twitter community.
It’s interesting to see how your real life transects twitter. My real-life friends and colleagues scratch their heads when I mention twitter.
I’ve found twitter to be useful for finding new friends, clients and colleagues. There are so many kindred spirits using this technology! Since twitter represents such a small percentage of people overall, it makes me feel like the world must be full of people that I’d like to know.
Janet
“Remember though, you’ve got to give to get.” You are so right on here…I admit the first week with Twitter was confusing for me. However, after only 1 month it has led to a pretty amazing business opportunity for me. So, I’m a fan.
Keep on Twittering!
Amen, folks. I think the more people are exposed (with a little guidance), the more people will realize the reconnections (Bridget), new business (Jennifer), personal understanding (Matt), inspiration (Tyler) and G2 (Warren) available there.
Thank you each for adding to the conversation!
Sure twittering is intriguing and somewhat useful in the way Janet describes, but I don’t know how you folks have time to sift through all the crap that passes by twitter without getting constantly distracted.
I go into Twitter when I have a little time, then I go out and work. Or I go in when I have a specific need (e.g. to track someone down, to ask a question, etc.).
Would love to hear how others manage their time, because you’re right, Craig, it can be a time suck! But managed properly, it really works for me.
Janet,
Your concrete examples are a great way to help those of us who aren’t yet twittering to see the light…
thank you!
You have done a great job highlighting concrete examples of business benefits for using Twitter.