You Tweet That, You Die…

That is what the Dominator  hears from me each and every day.  As our private lives become very naked to the online world through a simple 140 character message.

Twitter has become a knee jerk reaction for many people.  As they go about their daily business, suddenly inspiration strikes and the texting fingers start flying.  In some cases it can lead to a small little message being passed around the world, as the humor can be very human and personal.

So, what are the ramifications for those using Twitter for business.  In today’s social media landscape it can often be easy to get lost in having fun and forget that you are using social media for business.

Now, before you stop having fun, take a deep breath and just read on…a little bit further at least.

Twitter is a tool that can be very powerful if backed by a plan.  It can also be very dangerous if left unchecked.

Many times I think people face a computer screen and forget that they are communicating with actual people.  This is one of the reasons that I highly recommend becoming involved in local Tweetups, or gatherings designed for people who use Twitter in a localized area to meet in person.

There is more power in Twitter when you actually know who you are tweeting with.  This is also how to make your social media local.

It is great and all to start making friends with those from around the world, but you should always remember that you can also be tweeting with your neighbor, and sometimes that is more fun.

Now mind you, I am not recommending the coffee shop scene with three people huddled around three different computers, tweeting and texting each other as if the person is not sitting directly across from them!

Localizing Twitter

Many people that I encounter have a Twitter account and have yet to figure out what they are supposed to do with it.  They have ten followers and they are following eleven people, they tweet once a month, and they just can’t figure out why it isn’t working for them.

Honestly, I can’t blame them.  Twitter just doesn’t have much appeal with those stats.  However, if you follow the three steps that I have outlined below you will not only unlock the power of Twitter you will unlock power in social media that you might not have already seen.

Step One

Find a local hashtag, or a hashtag that is being used specifically by a group tweeting about a passion you have.  For the Grand Junction area the #gjco is the hashtag that you want to use.

If it is a special interest, such as wine, and here in the Grand Valley that is fairly popular, you might find the #wine hashtag helpful.

So what do you do if you want to create a local community and one just doesn’t quite exist?  Try localizing a hashtag, take #wine and turn it into #cowine.

Now, before you go dreaming up hashtags and crashing someone elses’ party do a quick search in the search box to make sure it isn’t being used already!

Step Two

Set up a saved search, so you will easily be able to keep an eye on your hashtag of choice, and watch it grow even without your own direct intervention.

It is easy to do from the direct Twitter interface, or whatever tool you are using for that matter.  Simply enter the complete hashtag you want to search for, in this case it would be #gjco.

Then click on the search button.  You will see all the results of that hashtag, if it is a new hashtag, you simply won’t see any results until you send out a welcome tweet.

At the top of the search results is a little plus sign with the words “Save This Search.”  Once you have clicked on those words the hashtag will appear under your search box with a label of “Saved Searches.”

Now, you can only have ten saved searches at the time of this writing when using Twitter directly from their website, although some of the tools will actually allow you to have more.

Step Three

Encourage people to join your online community that you have created.

Try finding people that are tweeting in your area of interest, that you can invite into your twitter circle.  If you are looking for people in Grand Junction, for example, doing a search for Grand Junction might pop up local people that you want to personally tweet an invitation to, asking them to use your hashtag in their tweets.

Now, keep in mind that this kind of search will also bring up people that are just traveling through, making a comment but don’t live here, and several other reasons.

Remember, you can also ask people that you talk with in your business connections made on a daily basis.  Ask your customers, your vendors, and your general business associates if they use Twitter.  Let them know what hashtag they can use to directly tweet with you.

If you find a few people that aren’t tweeting now is your opportunity to explain some of the benefits that you have seen and encourage them to join you.

Success is in the Tweet

As your new comnunity grows you will not only have the satisfaction of having more people to tweet with you will truly understand the power of localizing your Twitter experience.

A simple tweet can bring you unimaginable results and connections.  It is really the true power that is in Twitter.  Sure tweeting with the world is fun, but find your powerhouse when tweeting local.