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Why I don't Twitter
Twitter’s concept is helping people stay connected through quick frequent conversations that revolve around “what are you doing?” Basically, you create an account and people join your “network”. The public can see your conversations at any time. From my perspective it is much like being “a fly on the wall” reading conversations others are having.
I have to tell you, Twitter sort of creeps me out.
I can’t really picture having a great dinner with my husband and stopping to twitter. Stubbing my toe on the sofa and stopping to twitter. Going to a party with my girl friends and stopping to twitter. Changing my clothes and stopping to twitter. Firing an employee and stopping to twitter. You get the idea.
Instead, I like calling my best friend and hearing her voice when I talk about my latest frustration. I like writing a two page email and sending it to my girl friend living out of town and then getting to read about her life. I like holding close to my heart conversations I have with my daughter. I like seeing friends I have not spoken to in weeks and getting all of the “scoop” face to face. I like sending that special family member a box of cookies for their birthday. I like not having to not censor my thoughts because the public will see them.
I guess I like my privacy.So, for those of you that have emailed me....I won't be twittering. Take my word for it....my life is not that exciting anyway!
Debbie May
www.WholesaleSuppliesPlus.com
1-800-359-0944
10 comments:
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I have to agree with Debbie. I fiddled with twitter for a few weeks, and found it as she mentioned "fly on the wall", or honestly, more a cacacaphony of virtual voices.
The other issue I have observed with twitter, and maybe it is specific to this election year, but business is business, not a political forum. I don't really see how any public position on politics can bode well for a business. Just by taking a public position the business owner essentially alienates those with opposing views.
Some things just need to be kept close to the vest if the business persona is that which is being branded by twitter.
So, even if you decide you don't want to be a Twit, er I mean Twitterer, at least register your business name so no one else gets it.
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I agree also. I tried the Twitter thing and was pretty active, well as active as I could be, at the constant pushing of another well known industry guru.
I got stung and have not been on there anymore at all. I wanted to use it to further my business, as the guru had guaranteed it would do, but it only led to my demise. I am now changing the focus of my business due to the private messages sent to me by some soap makers in the community. It was so hurtful that I am still reeling from it.
It seems to be great for some, but I just don't get it.
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You know I really don't know that much about twitter or facebook or even myspace (it's true) I just don't know how anyone finds the time to do this stuff. I can't even find time to do my blog.
I think Time needs to readjust itself to a 30 hour day, maybe.
Linda
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It is very important to be professional all the time. I think business owners often forget how far their cute little comments travel. We all have friends somewhere. ;)
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Actually I think Twitter is a great tool to get more interest in the FDA Survey. I actually had someone from NBC contact me for more information because of Twitter.
Social Media such as Twitter is very important for the business community and I don't think it's primary purpose is to see when your friends are brushing their teeth. You mentioned going to a party with my girlfriends...this is good if you are traveling and want recommendations on a place to go.
Tweet Away :D
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Hi Debbie, Personally, I disagree! I'm a huge fan of social media marketing. It's helped me in building worldwide brand recoginition. Twittering, a micro blogging phenomenon is productive as a promotional tool for pointing to interesting things you’ve found on the web as well as a tool for building credibility and influence. Try it, you may like it!
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Hi Debbie. I enjoy reading your posts and I laughed to myself as I read this one about Twitter. It is refreshing to hear from someone else who doesn't "go with the wind." I think so many business owners are afraid of being left behind, that when anyone says such and such is the new fad, they run for it no matter what. I've never tried Twitter because the name itself is stupid (sorry, it just is). I've looked around at MySpace, and it isn't for me. I tried networking at a couple of small business social networks on ning, and not only did I not get any sales or leads, in one of the groups, some people in the same industry as I am were jealous about my product line, and when I didn't become a part of their little clique (they had their own snotty group within the ning network which they invited me to join) one of the people tried to anonymously badmouth me to the group. Sheesh! Business will always be based upon offering a good product with good customer service regardless of what new technological phenomenon shows up. Anyway, thanks for sharing your thoughts and the option to voice our opinions with you.
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Hi All,
Like most tools the benefits of Twigger depends on how you use it and what you use it for. For those who are running a business Twigger can be a good tool to keep people updated on what you are working on, new products/projects, and new developments. If you use it in a professional manner your personal will be seen that way. If you use it for more personal info, that's your choice.
Thanks everyone for sharing your opinions. It is interesting to see what others things about the various tools out there.
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I personally love twitter! My partner, on the other hand, enjoys live space. Both of these networks have increased our exposure in the business world. We have picked up several customers but more importantly, we have been able to meet some of the best in our industry. This is something I feel would not have happened with out Twitter. It is awesome having a mentor that you can go to about different issues. I have had numerious questions answered, met the local media, working on news realease & competing in the top 100 home base business in America---all this due to Twitter. I guess it depends, like everything else, how you use it! I love it!
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Debbie,
I have to agree with you 100%. We too have been questioned as to why we haven't "conformed" to Twitter, MySpace, FaceBook profiles, etc. as a way to "connect" with those online.
The reality is, there has to be a limit to how "plugged in" you can be as a business owner and still successfully complete the many other tasks that keep your business afloat.
Privacy is a very big issue as is the inability for some to separate their personal identities from their businesses. While I agree that it is necessary for a business to be "personable", for clients to see "a face behind the name" there has to be a limit to how "exposed" we become.
Case in point, this past week a fellow business owner used Twitter to voice their political opinion which resulted in a domino effect - A client located said companies products distributed through a local spa and "googled" the manufacturer which led them to the company blog, complete with the business owners "twitter" feed which presented the owners personal opinion re: politics. Needless to say, the client was offended by what they read, contacted the manufacturer and is now demanding the spa discontinue the line based on the views of the manufacturer!! While I'll admit this is an extreme case, it is a reality when you open yourself up online.
Blogs, Twitter, MySpace, FaceBook etc., all have their place when used professionally and when they fit the business. Kudos for determining that Twitter doesn't "fit" for you...we echo the sentiment.