- You can click through to the actual post referenced!
- It lays out the information in a more "traditional" format
- All the formatting and layout is done for you!
I love Twitter and I want you to also. Well, at least like it. OK, please at least try it.
Twitter is an amazing tool for marketing (read ERE's post Twitter: Media or (Un)Social Network )
It isn't difficult and it doesn't take long to set up. The more people you follow, the richer your experience.
Once you've set up your account, you will want to start following people. Who? At first this can be difficult. Why not start with people you are connected to on LinkedIn. There are a couple of ways to do this:
Another way to start finding people to follow on Twitter is to follow lists that other people have created. If you want to see who I'm following for expert career advice on Twitter (and blogs), you can view this list career experts.
Still another way to find people to follow is by using Twellow. (Considered the yellow pages for Twitter)
Now that you've found people to follow, look at what they are saying. What information are they sharing (retweeting)?
Twitter: The Newest Job Board from Job-Hunt.org has a great post with suggestions on how to get the most out of Twitter.
If you are looking for more basic information about Twitter (and other tools) Hubspot has put together 12 videos to help you get started with social media. The first three are about Twitter.
I have found Twitter to be invaluable as a networking AND marketing tool. What has your experience been?
This is one of my favorite Summary Sundays so far. It is referencing some of the posts from this week I shared on Twitter. Actually, if you aren't on Twitter yet, there are some posts here to help.
Let me start with Tim Tyrell-Smith's post on the sales funnel and target companies! This is WHY target companies and marketing plans work. This is why traditional job search fails.
How to Create a Job Search Funnel from Tim's Strategy
Defining an Target Audience for your Personal Brand from Brand-Yourself.com
This post takes the Tim's idea to the next level of implementation! Who needs to know about you!
These posts are all about using social media to build relationships and communicate your value. They aren't going to talk about job postings over Twitter...remember, stop chasing the job postings. Build relationships.
10 Ways to Initiate a Conversation on the Social Web from Social Media Today
You WILL Get Googled Are You Afraid? from Careerealism
The 5 Best Ways to Use Twitter for Your Job Search from The Wise Job Search
10 Ways to Use Twitter Lists from Mashable
Leadership Gurus to Follow (on Twitter) from New Rules of Work
Part of maintaining and expanding your network, personal brand and reputation could/should include using Twitter. You say, "But I don't know how!". It is much easier than you think. However, before you get started, write down the answers to these questions:
2) What location do you want to be "tagged" to? Is that important? I've seen "worldwide", "online", and other creative locations.
3) What website will you reference? If you don't have a website or blog, you could reference your LinkedIn URL or perhaps your VisualCV URL.
4) What will you put in your 140 character bio? This is not a lot of space. Each word matters. You don't need to use complete sentences.
5) Yes, you need a photo!
NOTE: You can always go back and edit items 2-5, but not #1.
Now you are ready to send your first Tweets. If you want to share an article, usually you can find a Retweet button somewhere on the original post. That's easiest because it will usually shorten the URL. Your first tweets should be on topic. This is how you are creating an awareness of what you KNOW.
There are more helpful resources about sending tweets here:
Twitter Guidebook from Mashable
Twitter Personal Branding Checklist from Personal Branding Blog
The Twitter Job Search Guide review by Meg Guiseppi
One of the easiest ways to do see who might be of interest to follow is to look at other peoples' lists.
Following others lists allows you to lurk and observe for awhile. Get the lay of the land.
To start following people of interest to YOU, go to Twellow and create a free account. Twellow is like the yellow pages for twitter. You can search by category, twellowhood (location), keyword etc.
Eventually, you will want to add target companies and people within target companies. Follow professional associations, follow anyone you want really.
Getting started isn't as hard as it sounds and it doesn't take a lot of time. Test the waters!
Career Sherpa: Guide for navigating extreme career terrain
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