Doing business in Montana is rapidly becoming easier with the advent of social media. Before this new medium, we still relied heavily on the traditional modes of marketing our business. While those are still critical to a business’ success, now social media must be added to the repertoire. It is easy to use, fun, and with some effort can yield great rewards. 

 

In my own case, I came to social media with a skeptical eye and certainly not with the belief that it would help me to grow my business. When I first ventured onto Twitter I was curious, a bystander, watching and learning. But, as I began to develop original, interesting “tweets” I watched the number of people following me grow. I observed the power of the medium as I met authors, other Public Relations professionals, and others who were “tweeting” their personal brand. Along the way, I’ve garnered some important lessons that I’d like to share for those new to social media: 

 

 

The most important thing that I observed in the process was the art of subtlety; the ability to blend personal with professional tweets without overtly marketing your brand. I quickly found myself deleting anyone I followed who overtly tweeted to market themselves. The interesting characters were the ones who tweeted about their life, while simultaneously weaving in marketing of their brand – whatever that may be.  

 

 

I also discovered the importance of creating a unique avatar (picture of you or your brand) that becomes your brand identity on Twitter. In the case of myself, I chose a Western theme hoping to capitalize on our unique lifestyle and geography. 

 

 

Just as important was developing tweets that would hold my followers attention, be unique, and not so mundane as to lose their attention. I noticed that I was quickly deleting followers who told me every step of their day (Just got in from a walk, heading to the shower).  Instead, I tried to create tweets that gave a sense of the uniqueness of where I live, my lifestyle, and my business. 

 

 

It’s important to put on your Home Twitter page pictures that identify you with your brand, whether that’s your blog page, a book you just published, or the company you represent. In my case, I put my Web site background and added a link to my Web site.

 

 

The two are not the same thing or mutually exclusive. It’s important that you be who you are and that your tweets are authentic. Again, I continue to find myself not following people who are incapable of doing this. There’s enough phoniness in the world, and none of us want to feel like we’re being sold something. Be yourself and you’re more likely to garner followers.  

 

 

It seems so obvious, but I am surprised at the number of folks I tweet who don’t take a minute to at least acknowledge me or send along a quick note. The ones that do I’m twice as likely to continue to follow and interact with. So, keep twitter up in a tab on your browser and check it every couple hours. Then, take the time to send a quick note to everyone who acknowledged you with a message, an RT or a follow. 

 

 

Like anything, it’s a learning curve so if I can spare you some of that up front I’ll tell you to manage your time on Twitter. If you do everything, I mentioned above it can really pay off. I’ve amassed nearly 350 followers in about a month and a half. As you will see, this is miniscule compared to the heavy hitters out there, but it has paid off greatly for me. In that time, I’ve uncovered four new clients.  That’s a lot of exposure, for a minimal investment and beats going out knocking on doors or making cold calls.  

 

Just try it. You might find, like I did, that there is a whole wealth of untapped potential out there. And, the great thing is you’ll most likely have a lot of fun while doing it.  My twitter name is: @mtgoldeneagle and you can learn more about what I do on the Prairie Winds website.

 

- Andre Zollars is the President of  Prairie Winds Public Relations, Lewistown, MT