Connecting Vs. Collecting - Tips On How To Use Twitter Authentically & Meaningfully

Social networking is a fantastic avenue to connect and form business relationships

. The key to being successful is learning how to use it authentically and to create meaningful connections. The platform I've spent the most time on is Twitter so I want to share with you some of the ways I've found to really connect through Twitter.

I believe the first step is to go into social networking with the right mindset. There is a difference between connecting and collecting when you're networking.

Understanding the difference between these two concepts will allow you to enjoy networking - both online and offline. Here's the difference...

Collecting Mindset:

"What am I going to GET?" and "What's in it for ME?"

Short-term approach vs. Long term value of connection

All about quantity (how many friends/followers can you get?)

Perceived as less personal

Focus is often on talking about you.

Connecting Mindset:

Focus is on "What am I going to GIVE?"

Focus on being of service first

All about quality (not quantity)

Long term value of the relationship and how it will evolve

So the goal on Twitter should be to connect and engage. It's not about having tons of followers but more importantly having relationships. The problem is it can become overwhelming to do.

Here's what I recommend:

1. Choose 10 people to "actively" follow. The 10 can be chosen as people who are:

Mentors

People you admire

Those you've recently connected with

Someone you met at an event

People in your industry

Local business owners

2. Use Hootsuite, Tweet Deck or Seesmic to manage this "column of people". These tools allow you to simplify your Twitter viewing experience.

3. Take the time to really follow their links. See what they're talking about and to whom their talking. Follow the links and the people and see where it leads you.

4. If they link to a blog, take the time to read it and if appropriate post on it. Then write the blog owner a tweet saying how much you enjoyed the blog and share what you learned.

5. Look for ways to provide connections and referrals.

6. Keep asking "how can I be of service and provide value?"

7. If you've really connected, take it offline. If they're in your local area arrange to meet for coffee. If they live far away, pick up the phone and give them a call. Don't hold back - people love it when you find them interesting!

Twitter at its best is about engaging and connecting meaningfully . Especially as entrepreneurs, who often work from home, I can't overemphasize how important it is to be maximizing these resources as a way to expand your community.

by: Kim DeYoung

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