Twitter Builds Relationships: An Example

admin — Wed, 23 Sep 2009 15:54:23 +0000

It seems like we can talk until we’re blue in the face about Twitter and its benefits. But really, it all comes down to what my journalism professor used to say: “Show. Don’t tell.”

So, in lieu of watching my “feed” on Twitter (because it’s pretty cumbersome at this point in the game), I follow search queries a good bit of the time. I primarily use Tweetdeck for this purpose (but that’s another post). Yesterday, I ran across an interesting tweet that caught my attention. The link was to two photos of a hotel room – one quite striking, bright, welcoming. The other – well, dull and a bit roach-motel-esque in its appearance. The author of the brief blog post was seeking to explain how different a hotel room might appear if the photographer used the right equipment, perspective, light and skill. In a world where a massive number of travel decisions are made on the Internet, great photos have become even more critical. I agreed with the point and appreciated the incredible visual demonstration, so I “re-tweeted” the message. I had never had previous contact with @winterparkphoto in my life.

Later that day, I got a tweet back from @winterparkphoto. Here is how the conversation unfolded. (Keep in mind that if, for example, the tweet is @andyathalo, then it is the other person talking TO Andy in that case):

@resultsrev: how can I use Twitter to get this point out there to the right people?

@winterparkphoto: That was a good start. Lots of case studies. @andyathalo is our Twitter master – connect w him definitely.

@winterparkphoto (from @andyathalo): Ahem…did someone say we should meet?

@WinterParkPhoto: First off, Love your work. Checked out your website and your twitter pictures. Great eye. Pictures tell the story.

@WinterParkPhoto: Use twitter to educate people on what you do. Show don’t tell. The eye behind the camera matters. Show more examples.

@WinterParkPhoto: Find the places out there (with terrible pics) (that you want to work for) make friends, get on their radar.

@Andyathalo: Tell me more

Then, the conversation went private with DM’s (direct messages) as follows:

@Andyathalo: Brilliant advise thank you. If confirms something I heard from another person who knows Twitter culture really well.

@WinterParkPhoto: I’ve tried to make connections by following and listening for opportunities. You CANNOT start by pitching your services. Build relationships.

@Andyathalo: Yes, I agree. It’s about being patient. Even though Twitter is very much based on instant response and satisfaction.

@WinterParkPhoto: ok, and now one quick question to you. http://bit.ly/31qxHN what do you think of my photo. What could I have done better?

@Andyathalo: Like it!

@WinterParkPhoto: thx. Loved your fire escape shots. BTW what we just did, is exactly how I use twitter to build online relationships, bringing offline value.

@Andyathalo: Lighting and composition. A stronger light from one direction would give the food more depth and bring out more constrast and colour.

@Andyathalo: (((What type of photography equipment did you use?))) Are you a food photographer or food writer?

@WinterParkPhoto I used a digital rebel (from 2 years ago) the standard lens on it. http://bit.ly/CuCgq is another angle with more green in it. (touched up)

@WinterParkPhoto Neither. I’m a marketing guy. And we do a lot in the hospitality industry. I can usually get a shot or two of plated food, that gives our guys the idea that they need to REALLY go that route. I could eat desserts like that for a living though.

@Andyathalo: By tweet #3 I realized that. I can see how it works and you are a master at it. Let me know if I can help you at all.

@WinterParkPhoto: Now all I need to do is see if you have a great property or restaurant that needs some marketing help…particularly one in the Keys…

By the way, here’s the link to the article that started it all:

Why should I use a professional hotel photographer?

Photo Credit: Andy Chapman

Show Us Your Goods… Downtown's Gone Wild!

Marianna Hayes — Fri, 19 Jun 2009 17:43:50 +0000

Create a Video for Your Community, Post to Facebook for a Chance to Win a Free FLIP Camera, Community Web Site and More!!

Calling all Main Streets & Communities!

Pull out your video cameras… it’s time to build the next generation of web content and build some buzz for your downtown.

It doesn’t have to be professional or even serious. But it does have to be video… about your downtown.

Concise, buzz-worthy, insider scoop. What the world doesn’t know – but should know – about your district. Fun, funny, or even a negative spoof – grab the world’s attention and think like your customer. Make us look twice, but keep it clean if you know what we mean.

Minimum 30 seconds – maximum 3 minutes.

Post on the Team HALO Facebook Page by MIDNIGHT ON OCTOBER 1, 2009 (YEP, EXTENDED!!) along with any comments or pertinent info we should know (like who’s submitting it).

Team HALO (Marianna Hayes, Andy Chapman, Amy Meadows, Eric McCully & Laura Busby) will name 10 semifinalists to be posted on our YouTube channel and promoted widely through the Main Street network and beyond.

Once the semifinalists are named, voting will be opened for viewer’s to vote on their favorite video (details to be announced shortly). The top three favorites (based on ratings and number of voters) will all be winners. (See our blog post about how to WIN the viewer’s choice voting contest – and also a GREAT tactic for expanding your reach with social media in general.)

THIRD PLACE wins a free FLIP video camera (valued at over $250).

SECOND PLACE wins a free downtown Social Media Strategy Program by America’s Main Street Marketing Experts (valued at over $2500).

FIRST PLACE wins a free downtown seminar by America’s Main Street Marketing Experts and a complete Results Revolution Web Site Makeover (valued at over $10,000). UPDATE 7/18/09: First place winners may now CHOOSE between the first option OR they may receive a Team HALO Revolutionary Market Analysis package also valued at over $10K. YOU CHOOSE!!! Now, how’s that for exciting?

Qualified Entrants: Main Street organizations, downtown development, business districts, or Chambers of Commerce.

Random Information: I’ve already been asked about how a small community can possibly compete with larger population centers. Well, think creatively – because, if you haven’t heard, I believe that social media is the great equalizer. So, to help you make the most of your opportunity here, we’re going to be posting lots of information that should give you ideas on how to WIN the viewer’s choice if you make it that far. But better than that – ideas that will help you WIN every day of the week on little or no budget using social media in a smart way – not a big budget sorta way. Stay tuned, and get those video cameras going!

Update on 7/19/09: How to post your video to our Facebook page: We have enabled our WALL for you to EITHER link your video from an existing YouTube or other supported video feeder that Facebook supports. For example, YouTube gives you a link to use when embedding their video on another site. Copy and paste that code into the “link box” on our wall, and you’re all set. OR we have also enabled our fans to post video straight from your computer using Facebooks Video App. Just click on “upload video” icon when making a new post on our wall, and follow their instructions. Be sure to either embed your information in the video or post it to our wall as well. Keep in mind, you MUST be a FAN of our page before you can post stuff to our wall. That is a one click deal, so go ahead, become a fan.