Comments on: 3 reasons why you shouldn’t be using Twitter

By: Lynette Allen

Lynette Allen — Tue, 23 Mar 2010 11:26:15 +0000

Interesting blog Karen…like any of these things, when used in the right business, at the right time, they all have their benefits but no-one should believe all the hype and stop using other forms of publicity.

By: Paul Bridgland

Paul Bridgland — Tue, 23 Mar 2010 08:55:38 +0000

Hi Karen – I think the three points you raise are very valid and quite correct but I don’t agree with your overall summary that Twitter isn’t for everyone – in fact I believe it is, but the points you raise emphasise the fact that everyone who uses it needs to use it in the right way – I do agree with the speaker that is probably is the most important marketing tool to come along and that everyone even if they have to drag themselves kicking and screaming should learn to embrace it and use it properly.

By: Zoe Godfrey

Zoe Godfrey — Thu, 18 Mar 2010 13:54:35 +0000

Thank you Karen!
As with any “new toy” unless you learn how to use it effectively and properly, it will remain “just” a toy!

By: Majella Wilkins

Majella Wilkins — Thu, 18 Mar 2010 10:00:27 +0000

Thanks Karen for the non hype view on Twitter.
Because it is a free marketing tool with considerable excitement about how Twitter can extend your marketing reach beyond some of the traditional marketing approaches, it is easy to get sucked in.
To engage with your customers effectively you need to be clear who is your target audience first and then what is the best way of communicating with them.

By: Karen Skidmore

Karen Skidmore — Thu, 18 Mar 2010 09:47:26 +0000

How interesting that there are private investigators out there tweeting their every move! I agree – it does feel very inappropriate. And daft – what if the person they were tracking where following them LOL

Although, to use Twitter as a way of explaining what you do could be useful. I suppose it’s how much specific information you give away, isn’t it.

Thanks for taking the time to comment, Ian. Much appreciated.

By: Karen Skidmore

Karen Skidmore — Thu, 18 Mar 2010 09:44:17 +0000

Thanks for stopping by and appreciate your thoughts. I am a huge advocate of Twitter but I don’t believe it can benefit ALL small businesses.

One of the challenges of running a small business is not being able to do everything, all of the time. You just don’t have the resources (time, money, people) to be able to embrace every marketing and business tool – it just isn’t realistic. And to be honest, marketing is far more effective when a few select activities are done well, all of the time.

It’s like giving the advice that public speaking is THE most effective way of promoting yourself. There is no doubt that it can reap huge rewards, but not every business owner is kitted out to public speak. And when done badly, it can back-fire big time. I believe it’s the same with Twitter.

Done well, it’s an excellent tool. Done badly and it can damage your brand and reputation. Oh and damage your sanity, too!!

By: Ian Harm

Ian Harm — Thu, 18 Mar 2010 08:25:30 +0000

I know exactly where you are coming from. The type of work I do I don’t feel it appropriate to discuss on twitter or any other social media. I see other investigators tweeting their every move during an investigation and feel it is really inappropriate as our work promises confidentiality to clients. I am therefore reduced sometimes to tweeting article links, retweeting other people’s interesting tweets and engaging in personal interaction about anything other than investigations work. Oh yes and the occasional promotion of my business with links to my blog or web site.

By: @smartamatt

@smartamatt — Thu, 18 Mar 2010 08:09:12 +0000

I’m not sure any of the points you raise, while valid, are reasons not to use Twitter just solid advice on how to use it.

I agree with Claire Young, I honestly believe Twitter can benefit ALL small businesses providing they embrace it correctly and work within their resources.