What can Twitter do for you? Demonstrate that social media really works.

9 April, 2009 | Written by edward boches 2 Comments

This week I wrote an article on Twitter for AdWeek. Hoping to inspire naysayers and detractors to embrace this social network, I shared the five key benefits of Twitter as I see them:

1. Instant access to thought leaders
2. An opportunity to experience crowd sourcing in action
3. A new way to connect with Millennials
4. The first hand experience needed to become an authority
5. A better understanding of how to weave together all things social

I wasn’t trying to sell myself. I didn’t ask for business, or speaking engagements. I didn’t pitch my agency or its expertise. I simply offered up some observations and experiences I thought would be helpful.

It turned out to be a perfect demonstration of social media in action. Twitter users called attention to the piece. Readers agreed or disagreed in posted comments. A conversation took place. I got to engage with supporters and detractors. And for what it’s worth, my personal brand benefitted.

Your brand, personal or otherwise, could follow the same model and reap the benefits. Do something. Offer content or utility or a service. Start a conversation. Ask a question. Bring people together whether they’re advocates or detractors. You’ll actually get credit just for doing it. And if you’re as lucky as I was, you’ll also learn something in the process.

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cody pomeray

But the key is that YOU did it. You personally took the time to create the content, to share it via social networking platforms and to foster the on-going two-way conversation. How many C level executives are really willing to make that personal commitment? Not many I suspect.

Brands are starting to realize that there's a conversation about them already happening. They're starting to understand that they need to participate in that conversation. Now they need to accept that they have to invest in the time and the tools required to keep the conversation going, even though they won't be able to control it.

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