This is the third post in a series about how to use Twitter to form relationships for business and personal connections (which could lead to business, too, right?).
One of the quickest ways for me to explain how to properly use this platform is to use a real-life analogy. Pretty much everything you can do in person while networking can be done online now, with the notable exception of a handshake or hug. Video conferencing even allows you to make eye contact with the person you’re getting to know.
If you’ve read Dale Carnegie’s classic “How to Win Friends and Influence People”, you may recall that the first of his “Six Ways to Make People Like You” is this one:
Be Genuinely Interested in Other People
In fact, if you spend your time asking questions of others at a networking event rather than talking about yourself, they will later describe you as one of the most interesting people they met that day. Simply put, being interested makes you more interesting.
When I’m working with real estate clients or interacting at a networking event, I have used a “talk show host” mindset for years. I ask questions and sincerely listen, in an effort to learn more about them and their needs. If you want to see a true master of this craft, watch Johnny Carson via DVD or online sometime. Here’s a link if you would like to see a good example of his skills in action: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Gu9cSMy-k4Q (interviewing a then-22-year-old Michelle Pfeiffer).
One of the other reasons Johnny Carson had such a long career was because he was a tireless promoter of others. His show provided a stage for comics who were virtual unknowns and he could instantly put them on the map. Over the years, he met pretty much everyone who was worth knowing in entertainment.
With that in mind, when you’re using Twitter or any social media platform, think about ways to help promote other people and their work. If you retweet interesting and entertaining stuff, those whom you’re helping will take notice. DON’T overdo it, however, because you want your efforts here to be authentic, not forced.
I tweet more than average. Okay, I tweet a lot more than average. I have over 29,000 tweets at this point. That being said, I ALWAYS notice when someone takes the time to retweet what I have shared. I try to remember to thank them each time, too, although I don’t always remember to do so. Consequently, I would be more willing to help someone that I already “know”. Become a known entity.
As I mentioned before, this is the type of thing that will come in handy for you and your business in general, not just online.
In a nutshell, if you take the time to help others get noticed for their work, blog, event, or cause, and you will be noticed, too. Don’t focus on the superstars exclusively – they have ample support. Don’t forget to help the people that seem worthy of attention who don’t have a huge following already. That being said, doing both will help in the long run.
Thanks for reading!
Here are the first two posts in this series if you’re interested:
How to Use Twitter – Tip #1 – Start or Join a Conversation
How to Use Twitter – Tip #2 – Panning for Gold Nuggets
Originally Posted at: 210 Consulting- Social Media Advisors
If you enjoyed this post, why not connect with me elsewhere or subscribe via email?
If you're looking for a home in the Austin area, you can also visit my primary Austin real estate website at www.austintexashomes.com. If you're interested in social media training, visit 210 Consulting. Thanks!
Jason, well said. Sometimes we are so interested in ourselves and what we are going to say that we forget to be interested in others.
Bob - Thanks, man! By the way, I haven't forgotten about your idea that we discussed at Raincamp. Let's try to talk sometime soon about it.
Nice post. Yes, we think of 'I' first. Even alphabetically, 'I' is before 'U'! We can't change the order in alphabets but we can surely change our attitude towards others.
Praful - It's human nature to be a bit selfish, I suppose. Making an effort to help and promote other people will pay off in the long run - no question.
Thank you for sharing Jason. My last blog was actually about how we need to focus more on listening in the Real Estate world. I am new to both Active Rain and Twitter so thank you for the advice!
Jason - Excellent information on how to use twitter. Thank you for sharing it.
Jason, that makes perfect sense. When you give you get.
Thx, great tips. I love when someone RT's me. Or, better yet #FF. I noticed the thank you's when I've RT'd or FF'd, so now I'm trying to follow better etiquette. I still have so much to learn. And, I've been meeting many of the local people I've been tweeting with - that really helps.
Not up to tweet-speed yet...but I'll get there. Thanks for the tips.
Jason,
A well written to the point article about networking, conversation, or just being a good friend.
It is so difficult to visit with anyone that filibusters instead of listening. All of us who are in service oriented businesses need to be the type that listens.
How are things in Austin?
I remember our phone conversation about some of the passions and work that you and your wife are involved in on the subject of children.
Suggested!
Jason, Great post. Johnny was great at pulling people out and sharing.
Gloria
This is another great blog. Thank you for this perspective on twitter and how to wrap your brain around this new action with some old fashioned good sense.
Hi Jason! I have been asked to talk about blogging and social networking tomorrow at our team meeting, so I was looking back through notes I had taken during one of your webinars and found that I had highlighted this.....Be Genuinely Interested In Other People. Such good advice, and I will be sharing it tomorrow.
Great advice for the real world and nice explanation of how to carry it over into the twitterverse.
Jason, I was wondering. LOL. After talking to Jeremy, I found out you've been very BUSY! I'll call soon.
Be Genuinely Interested in Other People
That's always good advice. I just don't seem to find very much time for Twitter. Frankly, I struggle to keep up with ActiveRain.
Oh well. Maybe next year. :)
Hi Jason,
I think one of the best examples of how NOT to be is the way Steven Colbert pretends to hog the stage in his interviews on the Colbert Report.
What a great post Jason. I need to use this product a little more often.
Hi Jason -- And I thought I read somewhere that Johnny Carson just donated a whole lot of money to either the Gates foundation or something else. His face made me laugh and he never had to say anything, the expressions alone were amazing.
There's a reason why you can still take the Dale Carnegie Course. It still works! And one of the cornerstones is the first principle you cited. Nice work, Jason!
Wow, I knew you 28,000 tweets ago. Making Johnny Carson references? You must be getting old. Happy birthday, Jason!
Good stuff Jason. I found your other Twitter posts to be useful as well. I enjoy LinkedIn, Facebook, Twitter, etc. however, I'm not completely sure what it does in terms of quantifiable ROI.
Oh well, I continue nevertheless. Thanks for the post!
Thanks for another informative post.
Jason, great post. I am going to go back and read the other 2 parts of your series.
Jason, I have Twitter in my sights just have not figured out the time to do it. I believe that's why we have two ears and only one mouth!
I thought of him the other day so I watched the clip. He is very engaged just like you notice Larry King become with each guest. Good point to promote others.
I read your other articles, too. Nicely done! Now I am subscribed to your feed to follow the whole series!
Jason, I tweet and finally realized that it is about connecting and actually having a conversation with others on Twitter. Great info and thanks for including links to your previous Twitter posts!
Great post - I used to love watching Johnny when I was growing up!!! BTW, congrats on the super weight loss!!!!
Great information and series. Happy Birthday by the way!
Jason - such a simple concept and yet something so many ignore becuase they are too focussed on themselves adn their interests. It's true IRL and on-line. The analogy and the video are great demonstrations.
Happy Birthday, too! Make it special.
Jeff
I’m new to Twitter, Jason, and I really appreciate your tips. Thanks for posting them!
Jason - Yes I've been a little Tweetless lately only posting business stuff about ourselves... and our listings... point taken and a good reminder about what true socail networking is supposed to be all about... Thanks Jason We must do more retweeting of what we think are terrific tweats...
Jason - Oh and Yes Johnny was the king... How could I forget to put that in.... Great analogy....
Jason: Thanks for the tip. I appreciate it! Happy Birthday also! Keep up the great work!
Jason, I am at REbarcamp in Orlando along with Raincamp and the FAR convention. Have been talking to lots of agents who were doubters on FB and especially Twitter. I am now going to jump in. Thanks for the tips