What has social media done for you lately?
A few months ago I was searching the Internet world for better (FREE) ways to promote my business. The terms social media and Twitter kept coming up. I had no clue what Twitter was and had been resisting Facebook as something for the youngin’s, and at that time not really appropriate for business use. Since Twitter met all my requirements for business promotion (FREE) I set up my Twitter account, and jumped into the fast moving, 140 character limit of the micro blogging world. I must admit at first I had no idea what I was doing. I was trying to get a video of the WIRED Zip Line Challenge Course to go viral. Every tweet (the 140 or less character line of updates) was what most people would consider spam. I was just sending out my youtube link trying to amass some viewers. I read a lot about Twitter in the news and got tips from my fellow Tweeters. I learned how to search for local people to connect with. My fellow tweeters kept talking about how Twitter was like a big cocktail party. One goes to a cocktail party to mix and mingle. In that process you will meet new and interesting people, and if the subject of business comes up you might just have a chance to hand out a business card or toot your own horn. If self promotion is all you tweet you'll quickly be labeled as a spammer on Twitter and you will lose followers. Just as in the real life cocktail party scenario... if all you do is pass out business cards you are going to find yourself standing alone in a corner. The following blog is a smattering of what Twitter has done for me on a personal level as well as how it's helped to promote my business.
One of my first Twitter followers who actually Tweeted out the link to the WIRED website was another Texan and local guy named Dane Miller. Dane is the owner of Azure a Dallas based marketing and web design firm. His Twitter profile claims he "serves up innovation southern-style, with a side of hot biscuits and gravy." What native Texan could resist that? Not this one that's for sure. After bantering back and forth with Dane for a few weeks I got a feel for him as a person, and a level of trust was built. The WIRED team contracted with Azure to design our business card and re do our website. His team at Azure has done a phenomenal job for us. We couldn't be happier. The immediate increase in business is a direct result of the creative and professional efforts of the Azure team. It wouldn't have happened without Twitter. You can follow Dane on Twitter at @AzureMarcommTX
Another thing Twitter has done for me is provide me with links to lots of great blogs. I'd never really been a blog reader prior to signing up with Twitter. Suddenly I found myself being immersed into the lives and daily happenings of complete strangers. I read travel blogs, mommy blogs, food blogs, political blogs, and blogs filled with random things. Pure entertainment! Twitter was opening up a whole new world for me. One of my next followers was @LeaLashley who just happens to be the writer for the Dallas Day Trips through Examiner.com. I took a chance and invited Lea and a few guests out to the WIRED Zip Line Challenge. I was thrilled that she e-mailed me back immediately and said she'd call to make a reservation the next day. Lea's story about WIRED can be read here I've bookmarked Lea's blog and check it often as she's always writing about fun and adventurous things to do near the DFW metro area. Again, I wouldn't have made the connection without Twitter.
My previous blog post is also another Texan I've met through Twitter. (are you seeing a pattern here?) Allie and I had tweeted back and forth for several weeks and I'd become an avid reader of her blog. After reading her story I felt I knew her, and I just had to invite her and her husband Shen out to WIRED. See the post below and please go visit her blog Fresh Confessions of a Screwed Up Texan. While you are at it be sure to try her watermelon pie recipe, it's a winner!
My next interesting Twitter connection came through a mutual Twitter friend. I'm not quite sure how she found me or how I found her. The next thing I knew is that I had Kelli Ansley following me. Kelli just happens to be
Kelli,CJ, and her Mom and Dad all made it though the WIRED Zip Line Challenge and earned their WIRED wings!
Kelli's platform is the prevention of childhood obesity and she works with organizations to help educate children on the importance of developing healthy eating habits. Kelli was a great sport who took the time to pose for lots of pictures. Our guides really enjoyed getting a chance to meet her, she's a lovely woman both inside and out. The WIRED team will be cheering for her during the Miss Texas International competition this coming March in San Antonio. The WIRED team looks forward to working with Kelli in the near future on a charity project. The question Twitter asks is "What are you doing?" The question I'm asking is what are you doing with Twitter and are you following me? @ziptheusa
I never imagined me as the kind of person who would meet others in real life that I've only known online. A year ago I would not have. However, twitter has given me a new perspective into others and let me see a different side of them. Whenever in doubt I bring a friend or my hubs.
ReplyDeleteMeeting you at WIRED was one of the funnest experiences I have had--no the best experience I've had. Thank you for the opportunity.
It was nice meeting Miss Dallas too and now if only I can meet Mr. WIRED I'll be all set! Dane...