Weekly Success Tip

Twitter Power 3

We've spent the last two weeks chatting about Twitter, the social networking phenomenon that has taken the world by storm. By now you should have a fair understanding of what it is and how it works, so the obvious next step is to discuss the best ways to utilise it in your business.

The first, and one of the most important, things to consider is your user name. This is not a frivolous decision and it should not be taken lightly - it is, quite literally, the first point of contact you have with your Twitter followers so you need to put some thought into it. The best user names are those that are short, relevant and convey some sense of your personality and what you are able to offer.

Witty and clever are also great things to aim for, though not at the expense of all the things I've just mentioned – you're far better off with a simple name that everybody understands than an obscure joke that nobody gets. The same goes for your bio line, which is the 160-character space you get to describe yourself in the top corner of the screen.

This needs to be fun and engaging, as it's the bait that's going to determine whether or not you're able to hook in Twitter followers. It doesn't literally need to be biographical; it can be a quote, an interesting message or even a joke – as long as it's something that can grab the visitor's attention and pull them into becoming a follower.

You also need to be aware that there's a strong visual element to Twitter, so your photograph and background also have to be carefully chosen.

It's an unfortunate fact – though true nonetheless – that the vast majority of people make their mind up based on the very first impression. And when I say “very first”, I mean within the first few micro-seconds. It's not going to matter that you're dispensing tiny pearls of profound wisdom if visitors take one quick glance at your page, yawn and then click away. Therefore, you have to be as engaging as possible, right from the moment they lay eyes on your page. All of which brings us to your actual tweeting.

There are many websites out there offering countless tips on the best way to go about using Twitter but as far as I'm concerned there are just two fundamental rules you should follow at all times.

• The first is to tweet early and often, so you remain in close contact with those people who have decided it's worth their effort to follow you.
  
• The second is to be totally honest and transparent when you post your tweets. Speak in your own sincere voice – talking about work, family or whatever happens to be on your mind – and the people who follow you will respond to it.

The basic Twitter philosophy I want to convey to you is so corny I can't believe I'm going to say it but it's true nonetheless: you should simply be yourself. And have fun.

Of all the steps you take on the path to success, this can be one of the most enjoyable, so treat it like more of a past-time than actual work.

See you in Twitterland!

ACTION STEP:

An easy one this week – just get out there and start tweeting!

And keep an eye out for me! My twitter name is: www.twitter.com/stuartzadel