3 Tips For Using Twitter To Create Relationships

By now you are likely in one of two camps when it comes to Twitter:

• You either are on board and trying to build a following or you are sticking your head in the sand, deciding that it is simply a fad which will pass; or
• You likely have seen Twitter in the news more and more as such celebrities as Aston Kutcher and Oprah get involved. Even large companies like CNN are jumping on board. The reason is simple — they realize that the power of Twitter is in it’s ability to not only let you communicate instantly and frequently with your audience but in it’s ability to let them communicate back to you as well.

This kind of instantaneous communication and feedback is something that has never been available before now.  So in thinking about this, I have come up with 3 immutable laws…well tips really, for using Twitter to create relationships

1. Don’t Be That Guy

You know..’that guy’. The guy at the party who is more interested in giving his business card out to whoever will take it than he is in genuinely getting to know you?  Don’t be that guy. Also, don’t be the guy who drinks too much and wears a lampshade on his head to impress his friends!

Here’s the rule – don’t do anything on Twitter that you would not do at a party.

2. Take Time Out – Daily

Building relationships on Twitter is like building a relationship in real life. You need to put time in frequently; preferably daily. These are real relationships with real people and if you want them to grow to know, like and trust you then you have to put some effort in.  It doesn’t mean that you have to speand all day on Twitter – in fact if you take 2 or 3 – 15 minute periods throughout the course of the day, that is enough. And it doesn’t matter if you miss a day or two, life happens. Just get back on the horse the next day.  Like all friendships, you get what you give and “nurture” is not a dirty word.

3. Treat People As You Would Like To Be Treated

Again, you are fostering real relationships with real people. Don’t ignore people or call them out in front of others. Treat people with dignity and respect, just as you wish to be treated.

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So, the rule is really this – when building relationships with your Twitter followers, remember that they are real people. Treat them that you and you will build a strong, loyal following.