With social media entering the mainstream business arena, Emma Mason gives a few tips for those considering twitter as a business tool.
Save time with an app @Cover_Mag
I send at least five tweets a day, but there is no need to be glued to twitter constantly. You can use your time smartly with an application such as Hootsuite that allows you to stagger the publication of your tweets.
This means you can sit down for half an hour or so, perhaps on a Sunday night, and type out a range of tweets to be sent out over the next week. Some might include a particular message that you want to get out about your business that week, such as the launch of a new service. Of course, it’s vital that you send plenty of ad hoc tweets as well, because the best networking and business opportunities come from these.
Learn twitter etiquette @Cover_Mag
There are certain twitter rules that it can pay to be aware of. But don’t worry, they are not complicated. The main ones are to be polite and to remember that the world is potentially watching your tweets. If you want to send something privately, send a direct message to that person, or just email or call them.
Put your real name on your profile @Cover_Mag
Many people have a twitter profile in their company’s name, but it’s important to have your real name on there too, especially if it’s a firm with many staff. After all, you want to be easy to contact if someone has a question or, more importantly, a business opportunity.
That should help get you started, but remember, it takes time to see tangible results.
