I have been on Twitter, @Midwestlabs for over 1.5 years. I built up a following, but my focus was on gaining more followers and building awareness with others. I don’t think that is all bad, but I have noticed a drop off in the number of tweet communication with some of the core people I used connect with in the beginning.
I really like twitter, but I think more transparency is needed on my end of the communication. For this reason, I have started a new id @MidwestLabsBlog . This account will focus on the day-to-day people I want to build relationships with. This account is not one of those, “I will follow you if you follow me back” . Communication is two-way.
At a city-wide networking event, do you give your business card to everyone at the event or do you spend quality time where you know a win-win situation could occur. Which relationship is more real and can stand the test of time?
I will keep both accounts active, for now and gauge the responses.
I would like to know your thoughts. I know there are strong opinions on both sides of this argument and would consider it a pleasure to know what you are thinking.
Brent Pohlman – follow me on twitter – - @MidwestLabsBlog
With you on this. That’s why we put up @InsightADV on Twitter. That’s our business portal…where we really limit our discussion. @MichaelLibbie is personal and business and we say so in our posts. You never know what might come up there. Also…have you tried “Lists”? We try to keep somethings seperate there too. Keep rollin’ Michael
Thanks for your comment…Keeping connected is the key!
A similar struggle here as the number of follows went up. Using private lists has helped a lot and allows me to make sure I see what some are tweeting about (mostly) all the time and others on an “as time allows” basis. Not a perfect solution, but certainly helpful.
Mike
Yes – I would agree. Its amazing how the conversation can get pretty stale. Also, I am using private lists as well for organizing comments to specific people. Thanks again for the follow! What do you think of Google Buzz?
For better or worse, I’ve avoided Google Buzz (and I don’t use gmail, at least not yet!).
Brent, unfortunately I think follower count does matter. I avoided the ‘you follow me I follow you’ for all of 2009. I made connections… and networked… and shared. It was great! But I couldn’t shake the notion (maybe self imposed) that follower count mattered. Brett Kelly did a good job articulating why count matters: http://brettkelly.org/2010/02/09/why-your-follower-count-on-twitter-actually-matters/ (I concur with the rationale).
Having said all that I applaud you for taking this step and getting back to real networking and sharing.
AK
I think we are saying the same thing. The follower count does matter and it should be greater than who you are following. I completely agree that the follow you/follow me does not work. You need to connect with the right people and let those people tell your story. Any of us could build our numbers, but that is not what it is about.