I have to admit to being in the population that did not understand Twitter. My exposure to Twitter came from negative press. For example, comments about what some stranger is eating, bothersome sales pitches and then the idea of people racing to have thousands of followers. Finally, there is my inner circle claiming Twitter is a haven for porn spam. My immediate thoughts were who cares what’s at the end of someone’s fork. If you have thousands of followers how could you respond to each one?
Alright, after a lot of research a new understanding came about. Looking at Twitter as part of a business changed my perception. The biggest finding was the understanding that individual responses to every follower are not an expectation. You choose the people you want to listen with (follow) and if you don’t like what is being said you un-follow and move on.
The Twitter platform is worldwide with the ability to narrow down specific areas of interest or geographical areas. Also, Twitter can be used as an access point to individuals you normally would not have any contact. Sharing significant information, now that makes sense. Finding the Twitter etiquette and building a structure around relationship building does make Twitter a tool worth learning. I can see how this form of networking will potentially increase my knowledge.
Learning a new way to communicate using social media should be interesting. It is time to take action, no kicking and screaming to the Twitter sign up page for me (viola @julienewman1.) If you are ready to sign up for your own Twitter account go to Twitter.com. If you have been tweeting and have some good tips please share in the comments or let me know your blog post and I will drop by for a visit 
Learning online marketing with you,
~ Julie (Newbie perception changed!)
Peter Davies
- Aug 9th, 09
Hi Julie
I read it on another blog that Twitter like any other social webiste is like being at a party. You interact but dont tell people what you do initially, just talk about general things.
Your traffic comes later when someone who like you refers something you do to 50 of their mates and so on.
I suscribe to the idea as you say to only interact with people you have time for but dont try to shove what they do down their throats!
David
- Aug 10th, 09
Interesting website in that you appear not to have chosen WordPress or am I wrong.
I just got my automatic form filling sorted out but it would not work here; not to mind that is my problem.
I am new to all this twittering. I watched Alex’s videos on the subject and it does look like you can do some amazing things with Twitter.
One thing I am curious about and I could do with finding one person who has built up a following slowly and one that has built up a following like Garry Parkes.
My question is who has the better Twitter list? Which type of following is more likely to read your Tweets?
I would like to carry out that experiment at sometime though if anyone is reading this and wants to beat me to it; Ok. Just let me know your results.
Regards
David
David´s last blog ..Module #3a – a Bonus Module
John Tanner
- Aug 11th, 09
Hi Julie,
Yes, Twitter was a slow burner for me aswell. I saw it as something people used to gossip and I couldn’t figure out the attraction.
It’s only now after Alex has explained about building lists and relationships with the list that I understand what it can be used for.
Now I have to take action and build my Twitter followers.
Speak soon,
John
John Tanner´s last blog ..Back from my vacation in Thailand
Tom Harvey
- Aug 15th, 09
Julie
An interesting post, I too was sceptical about Twitter initially having read numerous articles about how people were going overboard with updates on what they were doing, eating and so on.
However I am beginning to see the benfits in regards to networking with similar like-minded individuals and adding value and have begun to experiment with Twitter.
Look forward to seeing the results!!
Tom
Tom Harvey´s last blog ..Newbies Nightmare
Andy Michaels
- Aug 16th, 09
Hi Julie,
As a new twitter user I have to agree with your post. I never had any intention of joining twitter as it really sounded quite pointless. Then I joined and watched Alex’s tweetingwithyou videos and now I’m a bit of a convert. Where else can you build up a group of targeted customers, contact the top men in your industry easily and chat about the footie.
Its a valuable tool in our marketing arsenal.
Andy
Julie
- Aug 18th, 09
Hey Guys,
Thanks for all your input! I’m still trying to understand the twitter tools. There are so many out there. I’m going to schedule the time to shift through just the ones that will leverage my time on twitter.
Peter – I’ve been watching and it’s like a new custom. I need to watch a bit before do something in appropriate – It’s a party but in the land of cyberspace
David – This is a WordPress Theme by Unique Blog Designs. You know, I would like to know which list is better too. It might be similar to how Peter compared it. A party, I know people that go to any and every party they can – but don’t get invited others. (Just a thought)
John – Slow burning with you! Welcome back from Thailand – sounds like fun!
Tom – I see all the benefit also, it’s should be easier with like-minded people.
Andy – I echo your thought process, seen the videos. I need to watch them again. David’s comment about the large list versus the relationship list still gets me.
I have converted! Hey, I like parties –
So, the tools and understanding my time limitations are my focus now.
Keep in touch,
~ Julie
Norene
- Sep 6th, 09
I have to say that I haven’t yet caught the twitter bug — but I’m thinking I should give it a go. So many folks can’t be wrong!
-Norene
Julie
- Sep 13th, 09
Hi Norene,
I think your right it’s like a bug – since I’ve been watching how twitter works it looks like it can be addicting!
I’m almost ready to fly in … let me know when you land!
~ Julie
Kelwyn Suite
- Sep 13th, 09
All so interesting and true. At first I was very sceptical about twitter being just another fad.
After some time-consuming research, I’m discovering more and more, the awesome potential of using twitter. I have begun compiling a list of applications that help to save lots of time.
One particular site makes it so easy to view the list of all your followers/following, making it easy to unfollow etc. without spending too much time in the process.
Anyone interested in my humble observations can feel free to pop over to my blog and mention it. I would be extremely glad to share the results with you.
Julie
- Sep 14th, 09
Hi Kelwyn,
Thanks for stopping by my blog. I tried your blog, but it wasn’t loading. I’ll try to touch back with you latter!
~ Julie