What Can 140 Characters Do For You?

One of the most viable lessons I'm learning about social media is that, IT IS WHAT YOU MAKE IT.  What do I mean?  I mean that, You only get out what you put in.

Do any of these look familiar?  Unless you've been living under a rock for the last 10 years you should recognize a few of them.  How do they effect us as users or businesses?

Looking at each of them I can comfortably say that I prefer some over others because of what I put into them.  It's not easy starting a presence on a new site, it can be down right discouraging at times.  Every time you log in to see the 20 people that are following you, have you in circles, or are linked to, it can cause frustration because we all have the most important information to share.  Right?

INSTANT GRATIFICATION does not happen on social media, it takes TIME.  When approaching a new platform one must figure out what the purpose of that platform is, the power it has, and how you will use it.

Perspective is everything.  I remember not too long ago when Google + arrived on the scene and everyone said that it was a "Ghost Town".  No one was on the site and it would soon die.  Could this be a result of people logging on and seeing 20 people in their circles with none of them posting anything?  I'm going to go with YESSSS.  The reality is that Google + happens to be one of the stronger platforms emerging today.

My "Ghost Town" is Twitter.

It is easy to sit back and simply ignore the platforms that your not involved in cause "Ignorance Is Bliss" and breaking into a new platform is DIFFICULT, but does that mean one of the largest platforms and strongest tools should be ignored?  ABSOLUTELY NOT!

How powerful is Twitter?  Well ask anyone who has lost their job cause of a stupid tweet.  Ask anyone that has been disqualified from Olympic competition for comments on the platform.  Ask anyone who has had to retract their tweets and issue public apologies.  These momentous feats can all be accomplished within 140 characters.  

One of the strongest aspects about Twitter is that it gives you/business/brand the ability to LISTEN to what people are saying about it (I have talked about the importance of listening and establishing strategy here).  But not only does it allow you to LISTEN, it gives you the ability to TALK TO them as well.

My first post ever talked about a few key areas to focus on with social media.  I strongly recommend those points as well as a couple others that you can specifically use for Twitter (these are relevant for other social platforms as well).

1. Lock up your handle - If someone gets ahold of your handle (user name) and uses it for porn, spam, or phishing your brand could be tarnished before you even knew what was going on.  This is relevant for companies that are already functioning as well as ones just getting started.

2. Listen first - This specifically applies to companies that are already in full swing.  It is important to know what people are already tweeting about you before you start posting.  You need to know what the temperature is before you jump in or you could get burned.

3. Be ready to support people - If there are any complaints or needs from customers/followers, you better be ready to help.  Services like Twitter empower people and give them the opportunity to voice their concerns, because Twitter can be such a direct link to the company people will often use this to try and address their concerns.

4. Follow others - It's FREE and a great way to spread your brand.  Quite often people will follow you back as long as you don't become annoying like some companies can.  Just remember how to post properly (in case you missed it).

5. Be ready for a crisis - People will be looking to Twitter and social first (even before the companies own website) to see a response as to why Lulu lemon pants are to thin or why the NHL is locked out.  Initial responses here can go a long way when disaster strikes.

6. Respond, retweet, and link - No one likes carrying on a one sided conversation.  And when you're trying to establish your brand on a platform you have to show people that you care.  If you're not willing to engage your followers, customers, or users then you will FAIL at ALL aspects of social media.

7. Staff it - This must become part of peoples job tasks.  Whether you're a one man show or a million dollar firm these responsibilities must be assigned to a few people to make sure it is not over looked.  The best results will come from people that care about the business.  Hiring the kid out of high school may not be your best bet as they will become the representation of the business to many.

8. Check with legal and regulatory staff - Clearly this is for businesses that have these resources, because Tweets are public speech it is important to make sure lines aren't being crossed as I mentioned earlier jobs can be lost, apologies may be needed, and sometimes severe consequences can result in poorly released statements.  USE YOUR FILTER!!!!!

9. Having gathered a following don't waste it - People and businesses will work hard on developing significant followings and it is a shame when they're not utilized.  People followed you because there was something that attracted them there.  Businesses spend billions of dollars trying to attract people and if you are able to obtain this and fail to use it all of your efforts are for nothing.  Being able to ride a wave of momentum in social media can be worth MILLIONS.  Think of each follower as a person happy to help you spread your message.


Like I said earlier Twitter is my "Ghost Town" and I'm hoping to change that.  My personal handle is @Vanhub and I would love to engage with people over there.  I will post similarly to my Google + account with business, sports, the outdoors, and posts that hopefully put a smile on your face.



ANY comments, followers or shares are ALWAYS welcomed.


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