As some of you already know, I use Twitter; the micro-blogging tool, to keep in touch with some friends, clients and contacts. I have three thousand followers and really enjoy interacting with them; they are a BRILLIANT bunch of people! However, I know that many of them find it hard to get new followers, so I decided to do something to help!
My idea
I wanted to develop a list of my followers, who were all interested in networking – so people could build their Twitter follow lists. I sent my followers a Twitter message (called a Tweet), asking them to send me their name and their username, if they wanted to go on this list.
Only around 70 of the 120 or so replies I got were actually usable. The remainder were sent without a name, or were emailed to me via the blog, without a Twitter user name! Obviously, because so few of the messages were usable, it became way too time consuming for me to continue and the list has been closed.
Two important lessons I want to share with you
Firstly, Twitter is a wonderful tool, but it is limited. It only allows you to post 140 character long messages. This means it’s great for getting short, direct messages out, but lousy for explaining things. I’m sorry for not being clear enough with my request – But that’s NOT the reason I’m writing this!
There was a second, far more valuable lesson here!
Around a dozen of the messages I received were borderline abusive or very abrupt. So, as a marketing man, I wanted to know how that kind of online networking attitude was working for these people. Here’s what I found….
I decided to take a look at their websites or blogs, using a few of the well-known online research tools – just to get a very general idea of how many people they were attracting to their sites. Not one was registering even average traffic numbers. Then I took a look at the blogs of those who had blogs, and saw very few comments or signs of reader activity. Finally, I noticed that none of them had more than a handful of followers on Twitter either.
Whether building a network of clients online or offline, it seems the same rules apply:
People are attracted to attractive people
- and they are repelled by repellent people.
.
When I talk about being an attractive person here, I don’t mean physically attractive – I mean attractive in relation to one’s personality and actions. Even ugly, bald guys like me can be attractive as people ya know!
The way we interact with people online is REALLY important. If we try to help people, speak well of people and focus on delivering quality to people – we will attract the help and co-operation of others. However, if we speak ill of people, are abrupt with people or focus too much on ourselves – we will attract very little positive response.
What have YOUR experiences been with online networking?
Do you have any tips you would like to share with your fellow readers? If so, please leave a comment below.
I saw one of those abrasive comments you got ans was amazed. You were helping people for free, its just crazy.
Keep up the work Jimbo and thanks for giving.
Nice post. I love that you turn negatives into a positive lesson and then share it. Says a lot about your attitude.
I get the odd nasty comment on twitter but ignore them. those people get deleted from my follow list anyhow.
Hello Dale,
Thanks for the comment.
Hello Kyle,
The last part of your comment was interesting. I think that’s what most people do when faced with a negative person.
Hello Oliver,
The abrupt ones were just plain nasty. Thanks for the comment!
Wow! Sad that so many were abusive …
But you nailed it. Although I’m not a fan of “the Law of Attraction” per se, there is a ton to be said about who attracts whom on Twitter/ANY Social Media.
Hello Laura,
Thanks for the comment.
You suggested I should just ask people to follow all my followers. The idea was to help people in business, who wanted to network, to network.
Firstly, not all of my followers are businesspeople or want to make business connections.
Secondly, I wanted a list, which my followers could use to see which of my other followers were most keen to network and develop business contacts. This would help the most networking focused people to hook-up.
Just sending a message to everyone to say ‘follow everyone’ would have achieved nothing – in my opinion.
You think it would be ok for me to write a review of 3,100 people? There is already a profile of everyone on Twitter, on their profile page – What you have suggested in your comment would have taken an age to complete.
Finally, you said that you are disappointed that people do not answer your questions on Twitter. I don’t know if this is applicable to you or your questions Laura, but many of question I get asked are impossible to answer in 140 characters. Also, I just checked your profile and with the number of followers you have, it’s possible there are not enough people ‘seeing’ what you ask.
If you have a question in future Laura and you think I can help, send it to me @jimconnolly and if I can help you – I will. I answer 100% of my Tweets – though I run an international marketing business and am often away from quite a bit.
All you asked was for a DM with the word “yes” in it right?
(I want to make sure my response wasn’t abrupt or unusable. I was just following directions.)
;D
Very timely reminder Jim. Sometimes industry analysts (that would be me) think that rudeness makes them seem more of a sought after expert. Much better to be polite and attentive. Or, as you say, attractive.
Thanks,
-Stiennon
Hello Stiennon,
Thanks for your comment and expert observations. That makes sense!
Hi Jim, I just started following you not long ago. Why didn’t you just tell people to request to follow your followers? I would think it would be okay to write a recommendation, even though I guess time consuming.
I decide who to follow by looking at the site listed in their bio along with their recent twitters and what they write in their bio.
I quit following people if they don’t have anything interesting to say (after a few weeks).
By the way, I am ldsmedia on twitter. I am often disappointed that I can’t get any one to answer my questions on Twitter.
Hi Jim,
I constantly weeding out people who use Twitter to complain. I don’t need it.
I’ve also found some use in http://useqwitter.com/, as it notifies me when someone quits following me.
Best,
Coop
Hello Coop,
Thanks for the comment.
I don’t personally weed out people from my follow list – as a marketer, it’s useful for me to see what a wider spread of people are saying or thinking.
I’m not a big fan of Quitter myself – but it is quite popular.
Thanks for the suggestions!
Jim,
I just saw this posted about you.
It certainly makes your point about getting back what you give out:
http://tinyurl.com/5nwhqm
Hello Kyle,
It’s always wonderful when someone says something great about you.
Of course, that link will now be seen by about 50,000 people this morning – which makes an interesting point….
Lisa’s blog is going to benefit as much from writing that post about me as I will. In other words, what Lisa has done here is a perfect example of online networking! Thanks for the comment.
Here’s the full link Kyle mentioned
It’s a shame that there are so many people who feel the need to vent their anger and frustration by being rude. The good news is that there are also more and more people like you who shine the light on what is good.
Hello Ethan,
Thanks for the comment. You make some very good points. I would like to comment regarding one of them:
I work today with two companies, who use my marketing services directly because of their ‘connection’ with me via Twitter. Equally, this blog itself was designed for me, by a blog expert I found whilst using Twitter.
There ARE massive opportunities to make contacts and realise ‘$$$’ opportunities as you call them – providing you focus on building relationships with people and NOT selling to people! It’s not about Twitter, blogs, facebook or anything else – it’s ALWAYS about people.
The technology is just a delivery method – get to know the people you communicate with and learn how you can help one-another. That’s what I do and it works extremely well. People who use social media / blogs simply to advertise their services or sell to people are missing the point and a stack of opportunities too!
Hello Susan,
Thanks for the comment and your kind words. It’s greatly appreciated.
Jim,
I agree that Twitter has been a wonderful tool for me. I’ve made connections that I would have never made before, and the level of interaction has been unprecedented in any social media activity I’ve engaged in before, including blogging, Digg, and Facebook.
What I will say, however, is that I am somewhat skeptical of where all the Twittering will lead me. I may be interacting and networking with people, for instance, but will this lead me to new jobs/business opportunities? Will the people I interact with on Twitter actually get to know me as a person? Will I them? I still think the ultimate outcome of the opportunities provided by Twitter (read: $$$) are still undetermined, and like all social media, I find it hard to see where the big jump for potential to action will actually occur.
Hello Deb,
Thanks for getting in touch.
I agree; Chris Brogan is a very interesting and helpful guy.
I’m glad you have also found my feedback useful – that’s what it’s all about Deb!
Hi Jim,
First of all – are not an ugly bald man! You are pretty good looking and we all no bald is beautiful (I have a bald husband).
Second – I really like how you spun the negative into a positive.
I’m relatively new to Twitter and learning my way around. I love it and have made new connections with people like you and Chris Brogan – both of you have been beyond helpful to me.
I’ve also met some weird and off the charts people. I figure if being rude is working for them, then I can be the wall they need to bounce off of. Eventually, I just delete them.
Thanks!
Hello Pierre,
Thanks for the comment. You make an excellent point.
The attention here is only being given, in order to help those who want to do things the right way.
Hey Jim,
I’m glad you see it otherwise. And you’re probably right. I just think there’s not enough emphasis on actual human contact in social media, which ultimately makes it somewhat paradoxically anti-social. I have yet to go to a tweetup or any event where the jump from social media to actual ROI can be made–I think the how-to guides for social media have largely overlooked making that jump. As a result, it seems kinda hopeless from the outside.
Unattractive networking people don’t deserve the attention they are getting here. Let’s all move on. Forget and delete them. Their loss.
You’re absolutely correct, Jim, and I’ve often wondered how these people feel they can act this way and still hope to do business with others. There’s a point at which everyone needs to learn that courtesy goes a lot further than crudeness, or what they like to term “blunt honesty”. Great post.
Hello Mitch,
Thanks for the comment, as usual you make a very good point.
There’s an old saying that goes like this; “You catch more flies with honey – than with vinegar.”
All the best!
Hi Jim,
Thanks for your insight! You are quickly becoming one of my favorite blogs to read. Having responded to your call, without the right details I may add, I find that keeping current with Twitter has its challenges. I 100% agree that this is all about Law of Attraction, one of my favorite personal topics. I did find you through one of my first Twitter friends, @LisaHoffman, who wrote a beauty of a blog post about you! Kudos to you on that, you are so generous and a good model to follow. That Lisa is something else
). But you are right, good people are attracted to good people. I’m trying to find the balance of sharing valuable info with keeping pace with conversations and doing actual work to keep the boss happy. Thanks for all you do.
I just started following you on twitter and already have learned a LOT. People have lost the art of good customer service which should extend beyond face-to-face encounters. Whether someone is paying you or just interacting, whether they are on the phone, behind the wheel, or online, the benefits of being kind are returned ten-fold. Thanks for the great info!
Hello Iris,
Thanks for your comment and for following me on Twitter.
Customer service is extremely important and yes, it starts WAY before anyone spends any money.
Thanks!
Jim,
I recently began following you on Twitter and have been very impressed and grateful for the quality and content you are providing for free. There are many of us who can benefit from your expertise. Thank you for being so willing to share. Those negative people have no idea what they are missing out on! Cheers!
Virginia
Hello Virginia,
Thanks for the comment – i’m glad you have found the ideas here useful.
TIP:
Read the comments from the readers – there’s some VERY smart people commenting here!
Hello Juliann,
I am glad you find the blog useful and that you have taken time to contribute.
Comments are REALLY important, they are what make a blog so valuable. The ability to get so many different perspectives; not just the person ‘behind’ the post.
Yes, Lisa was very kind in her post about me:
Keep in touch!
Wow, I’m shocked to hear how people acted when you were only trying to help. I thought your idea was great but I guess some didn’t feel the same way.
I truly believe that ‘like attracts like’. For myself, I only want to surround myself with positive people. There are enough negative nellies in the world without me inviting them into my circle.
Thanks for posting Jim!
-Kelley
Hello Kelley,
Thanks for the comment. I agree; like attracts like!
Hi Jim,
What a great post. I have to confess to being a Twitter virgin and I’m staying that way for the moment because I don’t need another excuse to be distracted from the day job!
What you say about being positive and giving a good vibe is so true though – the Buddhist idea of good and bad karma for the actions you take today coming back to you later on are very clear to see.
I shall continue to watch Twitter and perhaps one day may dip my toe in the water. Until then, blogs are enough for me
Cheers,
Lee
Hello Lee,
Glad you enjoyed the post. Thanks for stopping by the blog and taking time to comment.
Hi Jim,
Us follickly-challenged guys need to stick together! Thanks for making me feel welcome,
Lee
you ask for shared comments. i am new to – well, just about everything. i have always been ahead in technologies, been blogging and twittering for some time, same for other SM and social networks. I think i am covered across all the social sites that are worth exploring.
alas, when i first came to twitter took me sometime to get my arms around it, understand the value, the best way to work with it, etc.
so, here is my only piece of advice to someone just starting (actually two in one):
listen to tweets before you jump in and never hesitate to ask for help
lots of nice people out there… any one would love to help you. and, trust me, once to start looking for people to follow – you can go crazy very rapidly. make sure you set aside some time to do it right…
ok, more like three things… and i can probably keep going, so i am going to stop now.
(ps – also, make sure you have a purpose for tweeter, facebook, linkedin, etc. before you start… and make sure you have value to add. promise. no more.)
Hello Esteban,
Thanks for your 2,3… whatever suggestions. The more the better!
You are so right — in all areas of life, Jim. We get what we put into relationships, online and off.
Support others and work hard and chances are, you will feel better about yourself and those around you. It will show, regardless of where you do your networking!
Hi Jim,
I missed your tweet and am sorry I missed the opportunity you were so kind to share.
When I first was active on Twitter (January), I limited the number of following so I could read every post. Then, I decided that it was respectful to follow back. Today, I can’t read every post. I join in for coffee breaks and check DMs and @s to me and scan a few pages. I always find something interesting and reply to those tweets.
My point for Linda, you won’t get an answer from many of your followers because they just didn’t see the tweet, unless you directly sent the question to them. You need massive amounts of followers to get answers. And then, you may not get what you expect. I have been treated so kindly by my Twitter friends and also been treated badly by some meanies, which makes no sense to me.
Peace to all,
Jeanette
Hello Gail,
Thanks for your comment. I like the approach you have to relationships!
Hello JeanetteJoy,
You make an interesting point about Twitter.
Once you are following more than 500 people, it can be challenging to see everything that’s sent.
I use the @replies tab most of the time, so that whenever something is sent to @jimconnolly I get to see it.
Jim Connoly is also one of the few people who always finds time to respond to a tweet. Just an observation.
Social media, when used correctly as Jim suggests can be a very powerful marketing tool.
I am researching it currently and there are a lot of people getting amazing results.
Props for sharing this Jim.
A simple observation clarifies the power of Jims post.
The post and indeed his blog, are attractive. The blog gives away volumes of free information, without being filled with affiliate links or sales pitches.
According to my screen, I am the 45th person to comment here.
This suggests hes attracting a lot of targeted traffic WITHOUT a sales pitch.
Interesting?
Thanks Jim X
Kyle,
Thanks – I always try!
Shannon,
In my experience, people LOVE to buy things, but they HATE being ‘sold to!’
Paul,
Thanks for the kind words.
at last a marketing guy thats not churning out the same old trash. A marketing genius! First marketing site ive seen in ages thats got original content. Why aint jay abraham sued seth godin yet? Been ripping him off for years and renaming it.
When you help others succeed, you will also succeed. A principle of: when you water, you will also be watered. Character is what others come to know of you. It’s just as important online as offline. Who wants to follow negativity, we’re all here to learn and learn from those willing to give of time/energy. Thanks for the great posts/links, I’ve been learning some great things from your blogs!
Hi Jim I totally agree with you on the issue of helping others. I have been helping others for years and my online marketing business has grown and grown, I practically invented search engine marketing and have been so busy I have not got around to doing enough blogging.
But recently I have found my feet and picked up the bug and really started up again – for myself – meantime we have been doin it for clients – but it was like coblers shoes!
Come over, tell me what you think…
I came across your blog from a tweet and I end up keep on reading your other articles here:)
Being online -using the internet- it’s just a ‘tool’ in getting connected with people, thus similar when we’re networking in the real world, apply the same rules: sincere, offers help & solution to solve people’s problem, having fun & enjoy meeting & interact with people:) I’ve been enjoying myself making friendships around the globe using Facebook & it really opens up my mind to a different & bigger ‘world’. It’s truly enlightening when we can share with others & learn, as to grow together, although only by online. Internet is only a tool to help us, the most important thing is, how we present our true-self with the world.
Thanks Jim, I enjoy reading your blog here & keep up the great work!
All the best,
Eri