The other day I was thinking about my use of Twitter. Often it does appear from my tweets I use it for comments, conversation and saying nutty stuff but I also use it as a way to promote people I believe in, gain new information on subjects and where I can, of course tweet my own updates. Yesterday and today proved the power of twitter to me with two different occurrences.
Firstly, in case you were living under a rock, you can’t of failed to notice how Twitter maxed out yesterday due to all the Superbowl talk. You didn’t have to watch it to feel like you saw it as the tweets were rolling in thick and fast about each teams fight for victory. In fact someone named it Twitterbowl – it was quite something to behold, even if it was annoying that tweets were slow to update or would time out completely. Millions came together to share their thoughts.
Today I was minding my own business (who knew) when Kimmoy, the Curvy Coach, tweeted something about her ebooks that caught my eye. So I messaged her privately to give what I thought was a throw away comment. I should know that Kimmoy is a font of knowledge and she instantly messaged me back a solution to something that I thought there was no solution for. She simply said, ‘you could do this..this may help.’ Ten minutes later I had purchased this ebook
I trust her as a business woman and so I had no fear in my mind that this ebook would be worth the price of a fast food meal. I received it immediately and began to read and so much fell into place about ebook/report writing, profit from that and actually where I’d not been utilizing my knowledge. It also gives a good insight into how people deal with being presented with purchasing an ebook and report. Invaluable to those who really want to write ebooks or reports and sell them on the Internet.
When I wrote my first ebook on modelling I had the mindset that I didn’t want to make a huge profit from it because I felt the industry already had lots of people trying to take a lot of money from women, especially plus-size women, but then two things happened last year and this year that changed my mind. What I didn’t take into account was the flip side to that ideal.
I looked back at what I’ve spent on my own career, including fees to my agency and every penny I’ve spent was spent because I believed I could do this and I was very serious in recouping the cost back. I have and more. The point was, I spent money because I was serious. There are a lot of sharks and hustlers out there who are willing to take your money – but the point is you need to observe what they offer better and also take heed of recommendations from people you respect, these help in reducing the risk of being taken for a ride. Twitter and other social networks have definitely helped me do that especially in the last few months. While I’ve been tweeting, I’ve also been observing.
Secondly I’m good at giving my time and money to other people but not so good at asking for payment for things that I do. And it’s important to note, I never mind giving time or talent as long as A) its helping get networking leads and exposure to my own site and B) when it’s not taken for granted and I should also mention, when it’s used to promote something good. I think as soon as the B part of the deal is broken I think – you are hustling me and I hate being hustled. I’ve cut people dead in their tracks for taking advantage of me. And sure there are sites that I link to that don’t link back to me – I am cool with that also because they are great information sites I want to share with people, or are made by people I respect.
I think if someone puts time, effort and a little money down along the way it means they are serious and that’s the sort of people I want to reach with my expertise.
So back to Twitter. For me it isn’t dead, it’s still a valuable tool if used correctly. Sure chit chat, have fun with it but be aware of the opportunities and knowledge which can be found if you dig a little deeper. By reading and contributing to the banter you gain an insight into how people think which is invaluable if you’re at some point wanting to target people to pitch your ideas and business ventures to. By keeping an eye on peoples tweets you can also have a whole new opportunity reveal itself and yes that can make you money.
Long live Twitter.
Follow me on twitter twitter.com/vactess
V x
Further reading http://www.thecurvycoach.com/
Vanessa I’m very proud of you for seeing the value in the resource I shared with you AND for taking action. Yes, twitter itself is also a great resource too and can be used to make great connections, share valuable information, and indirectly make money (I recommend building relationships first instead of being “salesly”)
I can’t wait to see your new ebooks! I’ve reserved a spot on my site for them
Indeed. I see a lot of people being ‘salesly’ on Twitter & facebook too and for me that doesn’t work as a consumer so why should it work for people I want to do business with. The bottom line is now more than ever people need to watch their financial resources as well as looking into ways they can make their buisness have greater reach and more earning potential. I realise more and more I am my own brand. It all begins with actually being approachable and trusted in your field.
Plus, I’m totally embarressed but I will admit that the answers to many of my questions regarding business and the niche I’m in have been written on your site. Which reminds me to add it to one of my daily site stop, look, and listen lists.
I’m very excited about my new project – now back to planning.
V x