Wednesday, 4 July 2012
Twitter can be a phenomenal tool used to engage and build relationships with potential prospects. However, you must be very careful not to damage your reputation or hurt your company’s image due to a moment of stupidity on Twitter. Remember, your words are written in ink.
DON’T Feed the Trolls
The term “troll” comes from Scott Stratten in his book: UnMarketing. Here is the exact definition he gives in his book:
“In Internet slang, a troll is someone who posts controversial, inflammatory, irrelevant, or off-topic messages in an online community, such as an online discussion forum, chat room or blog, with the primary intent of provoking other users into an emotional response or of otherwise disrupting normal on-topic discussion.”
As you become more active on Twitter and the Internet, there is no doubt you will be running into “Trolls.” If someone bashes your company or a person you know, do NOT give him or her the attention they crave by replying back. It can be catastrophic to your reputation and your company’s image.
DON’T Use “Twitter Machines” or SPAM via Direct Message
If you’re thinking about spending money on a “Twitter Machine” that gives you 10,000 followers, DON’T. Social selling is about engaging and building relationships, not buying friends. If you believe 10,000 followers will give you the sales you need, then you are missing the entire point of using social media for sales.
One of the most common methods of these Twitter Machines is sending automated direct messages. Automated direct messages are quickly becoming the SPAM of Twitter. By using these, you are quickly gathering the wrong following. Use direct messages to exchange personal information such as a phone number of email address.
DON’T Be Stupid
Like everything else on the Internet, everything you write on Upon receiving a position at Cisco, 22-year old Connor R. tweeted Twitter is written in ink. Be smart about what you write and assume this infamous message. everyone is watching what you say. Here is a great example of a person who failed to think before they tweeted:
It wasn’t long before Tim L., a “channel partner advocate” for Cisco Alert, shared this open response: “Who is the hiring manager. I’m sure they would love to know that you will hate the work. We here at Cisco are versed in the web.”
source
