The Joe Hage Twitter Experiment

@Joe, thanks for the chat we had about Twitter.

Twitter is probably both the most complicated and the simplest new thing I've ever tried to suss out. And me, a social scientist and all!

As we discussed, I'm still trying to figure out things like when to @reply (after I figured out what the heck an @reply is) or when to direct message.

And, when to give the kiss-off to a Follow. And, do I need to thank all my new Follows.

But, I can see there is something to this Twitter stuff--most of which is not readily apparent. I've been at it for just over a month now, and the nuances and values are starting to reveal themselves.

Is it a tool? Is it a popularity contest? Is it the next best thing to sliced bread?

(d) All of the above.

Hey Joe, I myself have been experimenting with Twitter. So far a couple of observations:

First, I would like to see people Tweet either about their personal life or use it for their business. Myself, I will use it to share business ideas (short ones) and resources, and promote our business. And I know that others have chosen to use it for personal purposes only -- a great way to keep friends and family updated on your life!

But when you mix the two, I do find myself getting tired of hearing what someone had for lunch, that they just visited their Aunt Sylvia, and that they are now going to bed. : )

It can be overwhelming to some point, but I can also see a lot of advantages.

And I especially like that you can choose to un-follow someone at any time, and not having to make a big deal out of it!

~bob

Hey Joe - Are you putting on any events on how to get the most out of Twitter? I'm new to this application and I'm sure there are many others out there who learn better by example vs. trial and error. A class idea out there for someone!

Debra

Just started on Twitter two weeks ago - and I'm addicted. Have already had two potential clients and one media contact come my way - and I'm being "followed" by several major media people in my industry.

I like the mix of serious business and mindless chatter - much like working in a "real" office environment.

You do need to be aware of what you are posting. Last week I did a "tweet" about taking off to run my errands for a dinner party. About an hour later my partner ran into a friend a Office Depot who wondered why he and his wife had not been invited to dinner...

My twitter link: @LogoMotives

Jeff Fisher | Jeff Fisher LogoMotives | Vote for me! • StartupNation Home-Based 100

Joe -

Mad Men is incredible. You've got to rent/borrow the first season.

I "tweeted" about watching the season opener of Grey's Anatomy the other day - now the show is following me as well. It is great marketing.

I'm sure that Twitter Search is a very useful tool for these efforts.

Jeff Fisher | Jeff Fisher LogoMotives | Vote for me! • StartupNation Home-Based 100

Joe I read your article and am agog! I can see ( sort of see) what I need to do to get things moving with Twitter. Just joining isn't enough. One has to do what you did in order to have the results that you had. It sounds like sending Tweets back to certain people is the way it works because when they then write back to you their 500 people see your link. Is that it? I agree that I would appreciate a step by step guide to how to use it for business the way you are.... something linear. My Twitter name is kayasinger.

Ok Joe. I subscribed. As long as I don't get heaps of e-mails I'll give it a try.

Figuring out how to use Twitter makes my brain hurt! I think because it involves stretching it past it's comfort zone. I need an easy 1-2-3 program in what to do.

Thanks Joe. I look forward to it! Kaya

Kaya - it makes my brain hurt too. I think like Bob I am keeping my twits (is that the right term) to mainly business.

Joe when you post the stategies will you notify this discussion? I would like to read it. Thanks, PJ.

http://twitter.com/peegj

I love twitter. When I do things for my biz, I post it. It's a great way to update people that I've posted another examiner article and drive traffic since I only get paid when people actually click on my site.

side note: click as much as you can, even if you don't have time to read! I get paid for each click!

I also love that I am connecting on a daily basis, even briefly with some great people and my hopes is that with more people knowing, I'll be getting more business sooner rather than later!

Amy I clicked on your Examiner link. Always good to help people get paid! I learned about renting digital cameras. Not that I need one more useless piece of information in my already taxed brain right now, but was interesting. I also liked your site!

Joe - great points on the blog article! The Instant Slider is interesting, and luckily as you proved, it can be styled as you like - for me that would mean unobtrusive.

I've followed some of those that you mentioned, it will be interesting to see how this goes.

Anyone who is frustrated,, I wrote an article here on Biznik about How to use Twitter - might shed more light on the subject.

duh. my twitter ID: @EcoKindDesign http://www.twitter.com/ecokinddesign

Thank you Kaya for the lovely compliment. :) I've been working hard on my site - still am - I want more cohesion in the colors so that is on the up and coming list. I added some header images that I'm quite pleased with :)

Just clicked "follow" on your twitter profile. I'm @pete_thinkspace on twitter or just click here to follow me back.

http://twitter.com/pete_thinkspace

Thanks Joe- for letting me know about the free cheat application. I am not surprised that this exists!! Kaya