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Twitter is hot right now, everyone is talking about it and now is the time to build your network. I’m writing this as too many “how to … ” on twitter are missing the point. They focus on the packaging of your account: background, avatar etc… Why focus on the cover when it’s the book we’re going to read?

Typically people who have large followings are people who are well known to the general public. If you aren’t a well known personality but want to make waves YOU have to make it happen. It also has very little to do with what you write about, what your background looks like, how many tweets you have etc… It has everything to do with how many people’s hands you’ve shaken virtually. Let me elaborate.

I’m not really known online. I run a blog directory / forum and I blog here sometimes. My twitter feed is about my sites but mainly just my stream of “what I’m thinking” etc… Sure there are those who knew me before twitter but 20,000? Ha no way. If no one knows you exist what is the best way to get their attention? How about you give them some attention?

At Blog World Expo (first industry event ever attended) I knew basically no one but I left with over 250 business cards. Of those 250 I probably initiated 225 of them. Everyone I met was really nice except for maybe a handful who stood out as being the type I don’t care for. If I had not initiated those conversations I would of met no one and just left with 250 of my own cards. I would of been at the party but not in the party.

I think that is what is happening to a lot of people on twitter. If you’re waiting for others to engage you… Don’t hold your breath; why would they? We’re all the same with similar wants and needs. We’re in a busy crowd looking to get noticed, looking to listen and be listened to.

3 Solid Tips to Explode Your Twitter Network

1) Don’t stress out about what/when/why/where/how you’re tweeting just don’t be OVERLY negative. No one likes a downer but the flip side is no one likes someone that is totally fake saying they live in a world of gum drops and candy canes. Extremes are an account that exclusively discusses lunch and coffee or one that is purely an update from a blogs rss feed.

2) Add people everyday. Make it part of your daily routine. How many times do you check stats? Why not spend part of that time “meeting people”? Curious how to find new followers? Here are some great methods.

- If you are TOTALLY new and don’t fall under any strict niche… Go to search.twitter.com and type in “new followers” and follow those people being mentioned. These are people actively following others; good chance they’ll be willing to listen to you as well. Once you’ve done this figure out other terms people use to introduce new followers and away you go.

- This is hands down the easiest way to explode your network… Find someone who is LIKE YOU. They don’t have to be a perfect compliment; just similar. Just look at their profile and say… If someone followed this person would they probably want to hear what I have to say as well? If the answer is yes add a few pages from their followers and check the results. If you notice your numbers flying… KEEP GOING.

- Search the keywords related to your niche / interests. Nothing new here and I found this technique to be particularly useless. Just because someone mentioned “blogging” doesn’t mean you have much else in common or that they want to befriend you.

- Warning: If you’re new to twitter don’t go overboard. For some reason everyone is insanely critical of new users like they weren’t new at one point. If you follow way more than following you you’ll be looked down upon and labeled a spammer in some circles. Do I think it’s fair? No. Look at the top 1000 many of the “climbers” are following 2-4,000 more then are following them. Don’t kid yourself it’s not followers who stopped following it’s them actively trying to build their network.

3) Whether twitter is a conversation tool or a broadcasting station is another debate altogether. Just be cognizant that the LAST tweet you make may be the ONLY one a new visitor / potential friend will read so make it good. Your last tweet before leaving for a while is basically your tool for making a first impression. Make it something you feel represents what you’re all about. This can be anything from a quote to a link to what you’re reading.

When it comes to social networks or life in general don’t take rejection personally. I mentioned the Blog World Expo example earlier to demonstrate that not everyone will be receptive to you initiating conversations but there is nothing you can do about that. Also that the majority of people will be glad you did engage them.

Twitter asks you “What are you doing”? Before you start on this mission ask yourself… “Why am I doing this?” Twitter can be an amazing tool but that’s what it is… It’s a tool to meet people / share ideas. Some businesses and websites are better suited for twitter than others. Understand what you want to get out of it before you get into it. Is it a massive waste of time? It can be; but it can also be arguably the best networking tool I’ve ever found.

Figure out what you’re trying to do with Twitter and go from there. If you’re trying expand your network by increasing your reach, presence and branding then following some of the suggestions listed above may be in your best interest.

Have any thoughts on this? We’d love to hear from you!

Keep working for yourself,

Rob

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