One of the things that continually delights me about ‘doing business online’ is the rather more ‘abundant’ mindset which tends to go with it – compared with the ‘scarcity’ attitude so typical of ‘old school’, ‘bricks and mortar’ business where typically your competitors are ‘The Enemy’. I used to watch what they were up to with derision or ‘professional envy’. The thought behind that was something to do with there not being enough business to go round – hence ‘scarcity’. Doing business online however, is a totally different ball game. Your competitors can be very useful to you in all sorts of ways, the most basic being ‘watching and learning’.
Last week, I came across a guy on Twitter called TimboReid, who describes himself as “Dad. Marketing Ideas Guy. Podcaster. Blogger. Closet Rock Star.” I can’t remember now why I started to follow him, but follow him I did and it was what happened next that I want to share with you, because to my mind, it was a thing of business beauty…
Tim has set up an automated Direct Message which goes out immediately to anyone who follows him and has absolutely maximised the impact of that message. Here’s what his message looks like (using Power Twitter)
Now I have to admit, that my very first reaction to his first line was a bit “icky” – not sure why exactly, but given that we don’t yet know each other, and this message is automated, his respect for my decision to follow him comes across as a little insincere perhaps? Not sure – and it’s probably ‘my stuff’… anyway, the next sentence blew whatever that emotion was clean away… “Here’s what you can expect in return.” Wow – he’s immediately managing my expectations, setting a foundation for our relationship and to an extent, taking the lead. THAT is impressive. And then there’s the link… to his TwitWall…. now, I’m rather ashamed to say, that until I followed Tim, I had no idea TwitWall existed.
What’s a TwitWall? Here’s their explanation: http://twitwall.com/about/, but that really doesn’t get me excited… unlike how Tim’s using it, which to me is so simple and so effective that it’s genius… basically, he’s using it like an about page, an overview, a taster, an intro. As he says,
“It’s always a bit of a raffle when you follow someone on Twitter. The big question being…What kind of twoughts will that person tweet?!”
He goes on to explain what kind of tweets you’ll get from him – and what you won’t – and finishes off by throwing a question out there to start a conversation. He leaves the promotion of his new book Cha-Ching as a ‘last thing’ PS. which is totally congruent with his outlining statements. Check out Tim’s TwitWall
I know it’s not rocket science – it’s either plain old ‘common sense’ or social media marketing excellence depending on your enthusiasm for these things. One thing’s for sure, he has a new fan in me and I will be following his example – and now I’ve written this post, I shall have no shame in doing so!
RSS
Twitter
Facebook
Google+
LinkedIn
YouTube
Blip.fm
Claire…You’re an Angel. It felt kind of weird to wake up to a tweet saying that you’d been talking behind my back…and I don’t even know you! But what lovely words you penned. Whilst it was a ripping stroke of my ego, it also made me realise something. You see, I wrote the words on my Twitwall from my heart…not my head. I didn’t follow any structure, how-to book or someone else’s advice. And it’s obviously worked as I get many kind comments about my wall. As I say to many of my Clients…when it comes to writing marketing / business copy…simply do it as if you were writing to a friend. That way, you’ll end up with what I call ‘sticky words’…that stay with the reader long after they’ve finished reading. Thanks once again…PS Love your blog.
Cheers…Tim.
Hi Tim – my total pleasure – it was way too good a discovery to keep to myself.
I totally agree about writing from the heart, as if you were writing to a friend, and now you’ve shared that this was your Twitwall approach it perhaps explains why I picked up on your congruency.
I meet so many people who feel a bit exposed with social media, and their inclination is to be ultra cautious with everything they say, creating a sort of ‘professional persona’ if you like. In fact, to some extent, I was the same. But the moment, I started being more Claire (the good, the bad and the ugly) and less BlogAngel (she was quite measured), everything fell into place for me. It was as if I’d come home. I found my real voice and if I lose a few readers along the way because of it, then that’s absolutely fine.
It takes far too much energy to try and be something or someone you’re not. In these times where we’re all our own brand, authenticity is the key.
Thanks for your generous PS. and your tweets earlier today. Looking forward to engaging with you more on Twitter v soon.
Warmest
Claire
Thanks Claire, that’s pretty good insight and I fully agree. “Here’s what you can expect in return” is a powerful statement. The cool thing is that he wasn’t trying to make a power play but going from the heart. Either way would get my respect
I just started following Tim (been following you for a while) and I haven’t received the auto direct message yet but I’m sure it’s coming. I’m fairly new to Twitter so posts like this one are very helpful.
Hi Brian – great to see you back so soon
. I’m *supposed* to be blogging more frequently these days, and have a stack of Twitter related bits and bobs to share, so thank you for the encouragement – it’ll serve as a friendly kick up the bum to get a few posts away! 
Your own site looks absolutely chocful of useful stuff. I’ve only really had a quick look around, but might just treat myself to a longer stay tomorrow… Time to switch off now though.
Cx
I like the ‘what you can expect’ idea. Helps deal with the feeling of randomness that strikes sometimes when your getting ready to hit that follow button.
You are not the only one who missed twitter wall. I just learned it here on your post. I was wondering how those guys I followed on twitter send automated messages like those. Now I know it’s twitter wall. Thanks for the this useful information!
Hi Lito
Glad you found this post useful – although your comment suggests the info is a bit misleading… You say, “I was wondering how those guys I followed on twitter send automated messages like those.” Well, those have nothing to do with TwitWall…
There may well be other places you can do it, but I used Tweet Later (Now Social Oomph: http://is.gd/Bi1C ) to set up my Automated Direct Messages. You can do that using their basic level service which is free.
They also have a ‘professional’ level service which for a fee provides lots more whistles and bells many of which are ‘must-haves’ if you run or manage multiple twitter accounts. But before you head off and investigate, let me say this:
As with all things new, it’s not been without its glitches, and it’s not the prettiest interface either – there is bags of room for improvement. HOWEVER, I don’t think I could manage without it. I tried Split(t)weet but whilst that looks and feels much slicker, it simply doesn’t compare in terms of function/usefulness.
Let me know how you get on Lito
Cx
Me again. I’m a Libran, so balance is a big deal for me. Hence, I want to draw your attention to another post on this topic which I think you should read if you’re considering setting up an automated Direct Message to send to new followers in Twitter. Here you go: http://www.claireraikes.com/2009/05/sending-automated-direct-messages-to-new-followers-in-twitter/
)
The expectation thing is a really good reminder of what we “should” all be doing, right? And here’s an example of someone who turned the should into action.
I agree Beverley – but I must confess I’ve just suspended my own auto-DMs for reasons I’ve touched on in this post: http://www.claireraikes.com/2009/05/sending-automated-direct-messages-to-new-followers-in-twitter/
)
I will post in more detail about that decision soon.
Thanks for your comment.
C