The Great Twitter Debate Rages
I gotta be honest with you. I”m not sold on the “hype”.
And I’m not coming from a non informed position. I’ve had great friend and successful marketers lament about how great twitter is. How they’ve sent out one Tweet and generated many leads for a few seconds of effort.
I’ve bought about just about every products that’s come out on twitter to inform myself on how to use it, and how other’s are using it.
BTW: If you don’t know what twitter is, it’s kinda like this blog, except you can only type 140 characters for each message. It’s called “micro blogging”. You can sign up for an account in a few second, start following people, in an attempt to have them follow you back to increase your exposure online and open you up to new markets.
All that’s well and good, and it sells.
Anything easy money and that’s completely free to get involved in sells. So, it’s no surprise that everyone coming out with the “I’ve cracked the code to twitter marketing” products are coming out of the wood works.
They’re just being good marketers. Where ever there is great curiosity, buzz, it’s simple to understand and use, there are going to be people who HYPE it up, and sell you on it being the next best thing in the world, and they’re smart for doing it from a profit standpoint. People will buy.
The reason I haven’t said a ton about twitter and social media personally is my own personal way of thinking about business.
Me, I think in terms of leverage and stability, and although there is a great argument for leverage in the USE of twitter, I’m not sold on the long term viability of the thing.
Not that I don’t think it will be around, but I think back to Myspace, no one’s really using it anymore. Why? It got trashy, filled with spammers, and lost it’s value. Up came Facebook.
Twitter is even simpler. Who’s to say a bigger better Twitter might come along? What happens to all the time you spend on Twitter?
And specifically . . .
I’m not sold on it in the home business space. Anyone that’s got a Twitter account can attest to how much spam goes out. Many many people’s profiles are filled with nothing but buy this buy that and twitter’s cool with it.
It’s like safelists and traffic exchanges all over again = permission spam.
I’m not saying don’t use Twitter, I’m just saying don’t spend all your time trying to grow your business solely with Twitter.
There’s potential for success no doubt, but at this point I’ve only seen it in spurts or by people selling you how to use twitter to get followers.
Now, there are few great things I do like about twitter . . .
You can find good quality “lead” in a quasi targeted manner and you can develop some great good “micro” friendships there.
You can get in contact with busy professionals and have short conversations and set up appointments.
A few weeks ago, I was on the way to a private mastermind meeting and Perry Marshall (The Google Adwords Guy) was going to the same meeting I Tweeted him to see if he was gonna be there for some Bad Ass Texas BBQ at Kreutz’s (probably spelled wrong) and few minutes later he said “I’ll see ya there”
That’s what Twitter is good at. Creating and having “micro” conversations.
What I fear is people are wasting their time thinking Twitter is going to make them rich. A few leads, maybe a recruit or two, but a full scale business - No.
And it’s the time factor that’s most alarming to me.
Just last week I spoke with a home business marketer and I asked him what he was doing to promote his business. He said “he was on twitter and using traffic exchanges”
That’s just not a good use of time.
If you want to use free media to grow your business, start a blog, write articles, create videos, but twitter ain’t it (in my opinion)
Most of what I see in terms of information about how to use twitter is “scheme like” at best.
“Use this tool to auto follow people, use this other tool to auto post stuff, use this other tool to unfollow people, etc”
And that’s not business building. That’s scheming. And it’s really NOT a way to add value.
I have yet to see a guide say something like . . .
Since Twitter is micro blogging, why not search out other blogs in your niche who’s publishers have twitter accounts, follow them, check their blog for new content and when they put out a new article lead a value added comment, and then tweet the article and your comment.
Maybe even direct message the blogger to let him know about your comment and tweet about his article.
Do this consistently with 20 0r 30 bloggers, and what’s going to happen?
You’ll create real relationships . . .
Why not next start your own blog and every now and then DM the other bloggers to comment and tweet you back to their circles of influences about their comment on your blog.
Now you’re leveraging their credibility with their follower base. You’re adding value to them first, and then your asking for a little reciprocation.
What happens?
You’re circle of influences grows in a meaningful way and so does theirs. You create hundreds of links back to your sites via your comments on the other blogger’s blog and their tweets.
Over time you’ll make some friends who will comment and add value to your blog and create links back to your via twitter in their circle of influence.
See that makes sense to me.
Not auto follow, auto unfollow, and blast your ad.
Bottom line is, I’m not totally sold on twitter, and I know I’m about to hear from more than a few people who think that I’m wrong, so . . .
My advice is simple, if you do use twitter as a lead generation method, just think of how you can add true and sustainable value first.
Ohh, by the way let’s get a “micro” debate going on all this: http://twitter.com/daegan_smith
Bottom line is, always think in terms of leverage and stability and your business will grow. It’s really that simple.
If you’re unsure how to formulate a plan to build a business in leverage that becomes highly profitable and stable over time here’s how I do it every time.
The first time I figured this out, I not only created an income stream that’s still flowing strong today, but it got me out of my job, afforded me the opportunity to take my younger brother on a trip to Japan as a high school graduation gift to him, and now because I don’t work I get to go hang out at my grandparents house anytime I want.
Nothing fancy, just a stable and free lifestyle following a simple plan. Isn’t that really what all this mumbo jumbo’s about anyways?
To the top,
Daegan
“The King Of Never Calling A Single Lead”
P.S. Are you for or against Twitter as a lead generation tool for home business growth? Don’t be shy, let me know what’s on your mind.
Tags: daegan smith, Perry Marshall, Tweet, Twitter
Hey daegan i totally understand what you are saying.
most products about twitter are scheme like.
however (im not trying to promote my course, ill give you a free copy!) but i create a comprehensive course on how to utalise Twitter in the same way you just mentioned in your post. its 78 pages and a step by step video course of pure content and marketing tactics on how to dominate your market on Twitter.
if you want the ebook and video course for free Daegan please email me and i will send you a copy.
‘to the top’!
Jani G
I totally agree with you Daegan !
You hit the nail right on the head .
Take care my friend !
As usual, good points made regarding
the Twitter Excitement.
It is just another TOOL to be effectively used by
professional.
I my case it has proved Very valuable as
a source of New “very Targeted” Prospects
and has generated Very substantial Off-line Income,
and has allowed relationships to build with 9 New Consulting Clients.
I spend total
less than 1 hour day (not at onec) on Twitter
ROI has bee very High Three figure Per Hour Income
I could not have said it better myself. I was on Twitter for one week and after I could not tell if i was talking to robots or real people I went back to other “Methodical Methods”. I love Facebook http://www.facebook.com/home.php?#/pages/The-EntrepreNetworker/70970134818 and have a growing base i keep true relationships with. Well see what happens, see YALL on the twitter debate.
http://www.twitter.com/phillip_falesha
I do not have an opinion yet but I appreciate the education…thanks.
Great Post! twitter is a great way to connect with people but to build your business completely is definitely not the way to go. Twitter is a great way to network with other bloggers and business builders and potential partners. Your right about the whole myspace thing to… Twitter will soon be a dying website instead of a growing website. It’s growing now so it should be taken advantage of… But you shouldn’t spend more than 10% of your time there trying to “Build your biz”
Thanks for the valuable content…
Dbk
What you said here is key- “It got trashy, filled with spammers, and lost it’s value.” When an increasing number see something in terms of only what they can take from it, the whole environment suffers. (There are lots of other examples of this, but suffice it to say we can make our local communities and online communities better by what we offer, or degrade by being only a taker.)
I’ve heard about Twitter for some time now, but so far have held off, and will probably continue to do so though I’m sure it’s been great for some. It’s worth remembering that anything “free” is not free in terms of time and attention- our most valuable asset. I assert the higher question to ask is “Is this the BEST use of my time right now?” And maybe better yet, “Is this the best use of my time as it affects myself and others?” Great subject and points to bring up Daegan. myarticlenetworks.com
Hi Dagan,
Your points are very well taken. I just couldn’t get into the idea of following people for the sake of obtaining a lead or prospect. It’s like a mortician being an ambulance chaser. Don’t really care about the family but the money.
I use twitter as a means of sharing useful information not trying to “fake till you make it”.
I just want to be a “good team player” in the game called life. If i can help one person avoid one mlm or internet scam…i’ve had a great day!
James
Twitter is a good way to make contact with prospects and increase your exposure, but- as Daegan says - not something to spend all day on.
On Tuesday 4-21-09 there will be a FREE webinar on Twitter by Rod Larrivee - check it out - <a href=”http://tinyurl.com/T-Webinar”
David
Hi Daegan,
I am compelled to comment on this subject. You are the first person I’ve seen to really tell it like it is and I agree with you wholeheartedly. Your comments are like a breath of fresh air! You have hit the nail right on the head with simple common sense, so simple, most people won’t see it.
Now, I’m not exactly against Twitter as a lead generation tool for business. It is a great way to connect with people and get some great advice, but in my humble opinion, it is so over-inflated that I think too many are side tracked by twittering 24/7 and ignoring the real basics of building their businesses. I speak of those who aren’t making enough money to Twitter all day long.
With all the “Twitter hype,” you would think more people would see the red flag and get a clue!
It seems to have turned into nothing more than a popularity contest. Now the news media is taking over the site. Just yesterday the news media announced that Oprah is considering opening a Twitter account and they were afraid if she did, it would crash the site! Is this mania or what?
I, for one, am very blessed and thankful that you have brought this perspective to light so others can re-think their priorities in building a business. Thank you so much for your thoughts!
Sincerely,
Rosie Yates
I agree with Daegan in that it is only ONE way to encourage relationships and I love the blog/articles routes. I see that there’s a new article site just launched (can’t remember name for the moment) that re-jigs one article and sends it out to loads of article sites at once thereby increasing exposure. But there’s a monthly cost involved. Any thoughts anyone?
Daegan, spot on! I see Twitter as another tool to compliment my blog and other social media strategies to build relationships. Definitely not the be all and end all. Must admit, I’ve been very dissapointed connecting with Network Marketers who spam the same message literally 5 - 10 times a day. No Value, simply affiliate links and one line elevator pitches. If you’re not going to use it to connect with people, there’s really no point!
George
Daegan, I couldn’t agree with you more! Twitter is wonderful in so many ways. I love the fact that you need to make your message concise and there aren’t lots of hidden rules and regulations. However, the current trends in Twitter are very alarming. If the spam continues to proliferate and people just focus on how many followers they can get, not how much value they can provide, then people will leave twitter in droves.
I actually plan to start writing some articles in my blog with real live examples of what not to do in twitter and social media sites based on the blatant spam messages I’ve seen lately.
Thanks for calling it like it is Daegan, you rock!
Market With Integrity and Value,
Karen
I totally agree…now all the “celebs” and what not are taking it over. I can’t even turn on the TV without hearing about people “racing” to see who can get the most followers….and its for those who don’t really “need” a following for income. I too feel it will soon go the way of MySpace…
Ed Dale has also expressed similar sentiments about Twitter.
I used to enjoy twitter when I was able to find my friends. Now it is so swamped in useless urls that I avoid twitter.
Most if not all urls are cloaked so you don’t even know where the site is or what it is about. I’ve had enough trouble with difficult infections on my computer coming from ads or aweber sites that I just avoid clicking a url if it doesn’t tell me at least the name of the site. If I don’t know where I’m going, I’m not going. It’s very annoying to see this change in a site I used to enjoy for some of the off the wall comments people make.
I don’t see how twitter can be a business enhancement, it’s too annoying now. I do like your idea, Daegan about finding a few bloggers or article writers and following them, getting to know them in the micro moments of twittering, letting them know you enjoy their blogs, getting updates, passing on your blogs. But for general advertising, I don’t see it. Too esay to get overlooked in the micro speed of twitter, too annoying to search through a zillion cloaked urls for anything of interest. I just avoid it now, and that bothers me, since I used to enjoy twitter for what it was made for-quick little daily updates for friends.
Elizabeth
Hey Daegan!
I am not at the stage to judge Twitter yet! You see things are continually changing and if someone can find value in it i think it’s great! I follow people i respect and look up to so for me it can be a useful way to check out what’s going on however it might also represent a platform for program pushing junkies so i depends on how it is managed after a while!:)
All the best and thanks for your straight up talk!
Cheers
Greg D
I’m in agreement with Daegan on this one.
“I’ve been hearing Twitter, Twitter, Twitter!! You’ve got to be on Twitter!”
And all I can say is why? I’ve been marketing online for awhile now and all this buzz about social media is just getting annoying. Now, I’m not against using social media but it should be used in addition to what you are already doing and not just your main way of building your business, when it somes to marketing online.
Instead ask yourself, “How does social media fit into my marketing?”, or “How can I utilize social media with my current marketing efforts?, or “Does it even fit at all?”.
Just becuz everyone else is saying that its the way to go, doesn’t mean its a best fit for you. I myself have refrained from getting into all the social media stuff, despite the fact being repeatedly hounded that I’m losing out for not doing it. But it’s by choice and being involved in the social media realm, just isn’t me.
Social media is great for making connections, building relationships and being part of a community. So, use it as such. What I hate most is all the people ruining it for the rest of us, making it less effective and less enjoyable.
Be authentic, be transparent and tell the truth. Is a mantra I go by with my business.
Well, that’s my 2 cents. Thanks Daegan for the awesome article.
It occurs to me that if Daegan is right about this becoming the “new spam” then pretty soon Social Networking will cease to be nearly as popular as it is right now. Your friends will NEVER answer you about anything if all they think you are after is building a business.
I don’t know that much about Twitter. Daegan’s example of using it to reach Perry confused me…did he not have his cell #? Wouldn’t a simple text have done the trick? Is that used because he didn’t have a cell # but knew he could get him with Twitter?
There is an awful lot of clutter out there. Clarity, it seems to me, is called for…..
Enjoyed your take Daegan, and have to agree.
Daegen,
I haven’t been registered on twitter but a short time. If one can’t leave a message of over 140 characters, that’s not enough to build leads sufficient to man your business. This is more of building a relationship first and get a few leads.
Ned Jorgensen
615-715-2897
Hey Deagan,
You hit the nail on the head about not being able to build your business strictly by the twitter. Leads come through relationships and you can build relationships on twitter and get a few leads, but one has to diversify his lead potential, I believe. Thanks for your thoughts.
Ned Jorgensen
615-715-2897
I’ll reserve my comments about Twitter for later. I signed up last week but I have not got around to using it yet.Now that Daegan has written an article about it I’ll be taking a closer look at it, even start putting it to good use. I wish though that I have Daegan’s facility with words.
Daegan, your article could not have been any more truthful. A couple of months ago, I
was trying any and everything to learn about internet marketing. I was lured into the
Twitter thing, visited a few times…”spam” found its way to my mailbox! I already knew
not to rely on blogs, social media, etc. for my sites traffic…learned from prior studies.
What I do with Twitter now is just this: “Hello, how ya doin?” kind of thing, and only about
once a month. No time, just like you said, must use my time wisely.
this is the right about Twitter but if you are using it ,without creating any relation it can be simply waste of time
Haven’t had enough experience with it yet so thanks for the heads up. I would never doubt something coming from “The King. He’s always” been right on and helpful. Thanks for the warning!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Sy Morse!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Hey Deagan, Ok, first let me say that newbie entrepreneur’s out their on twitter our spamming links and some are missing the concept of twitter as a virtual time communication tool. Your totally correct that it is just a communication tool. However, it’s powerful if used correctly. I’m also sad to see Google entering the picture. I hope I never see advertisements scrolling across twitterland. The new addition of connecting with Facebook is wonderful. However, tweeter’s should see twitter has a Front Door. If a sales person came knocking at your door with total solicitation they would probably get the No Thanks … I’m not interested reply. People it’s no different using Twitter. However, twitter is powerful in building relationships if and only if you add value and relate to people’s interest … it’s about building that common bond again … they will follow. I’ve build extremely wonderful relationships in our community tweeting about local events, connecting with news and radio stations, local business owners and community newspapers. My tip using twitter is to “Brand Yourself” as a business professional with servant leadership in helping others. Intrigue your followers to discover more about you. Believe me they will ask and want to know more and how. Remember, Twitter is just a communication tool. Don’t spam or cheat my utilizing twitter getter or your just cheating yourself. I don’t use twitter for self promotion. I utilize it introducing people to me, my business opportunity helping my team members grow in their business. Pay it forward and you will be richly reward by helping others before yourself. Network marketing is a people to people business with a common goal. You won’t get there by yourself it takes a team to reach the field goal.
Sup Daegan,
Your post is on point. Putting too
much time into twitter is just a distraction from
what you REALLY need to do to build your business.
It’s all about building that solid foundation.
Use twitter as a supplement to all that and you’re
good.
-Hassan
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