Sex has helped me use Twitter.
Yes...I said sex has helped me use Twitter.
(Do I have your attention yet?) Ok...good.
For those of you that understand Twitter, use it properly, and have seen it as a benefit in your business...you can pretty much stop reading right now because this is going to simply regurgitate everything you already know (unless you just want a refresher course with a bit of snark).
But, for those of you that have no clue what Twitter can do, have not understood Twitter, are afraid of Twitter, don't know how to effectively use Twitter, or see it as a time-sucking vacuum designed for nothing more than "chit-chatting" with other people that have nothing but time on their hands, you need to keep reading. (BTW - I'm not going to attempt to explain what Twitter is...the fact of the matter is that unless you live under a rock, you have seen something about it somewhere. I will call you out if you say anything to the contrary. Just sayin...)
I will start by telling you that I starting using Twitter roughly a year ago. And, in that time, I have developed a following of over 1,200 of the most amazing agents and real estate people on the planet and I add 4 or 5 new contacts on a daily basis. Many of these people I consider friends...even close friends. But, this didn't happen overnight. I worked to get to this point. If you think this is a ‘magic bullet' to instant fame and fortune, you are seriously mistaken. But, I've made money using Twitter. And, I continue to do so.
What I have found that has led me to the greatest success on Twitter is sex.
Well...not actual "sex". More like S.E.X.X.X.
What? Did you think that I meant...(No, you wouldn't think that.)
S.E.X.X.X.
Socialization
Engagement
eXamination
eXperimentation
eXcitement
So, now that you know what S.E.X.X.X. is, let's break it down.
Socialization - That's right. Twitter is a SOCIAL tool. So, in order to use it effectively, you must socialize. I've said many times that Twitter is like a cocktail party. When you are at a cocktail party, you might not know everyone there. You also might not talk to everyone there. You might not know what everyone there is talking about. But, you include yourself in discussions that you enjoy...usually with people you enjoy. Twitter is exactly the same thing...ehhhhh...without the annoying drunkard spilling his martini on your shoes because his finger is pickled from stirring his drink with it. (But, that's another blog...)
Socialization will lead to MONITIZATION! (If you stick with it!) The more your socialize with the people that you meet on Twitter, the more you will find agents that need someone to refer clients to in your area; the more you will find that clients in the area need an agent's help; the more you will find that you can use this social tool to put your name and face out to people in ways that money can't buy. If you would like examples of this, simply hit me up on Twitter at www.twitter.com/recr and I will be happy to send you to people all over this country that are doing this.
Engagement - This is really a good way of putting everything I just said above. Engage with people. Don't use Twitter to continually post links to your ActiveRain blog over and over and over. (Although, I use it for that also...it has increased my readership probably 10 fold.) But, use it to engage with people. Speak to them person to person. Enter into a conversation with someone. Ask a question and you will be amazed at who will know the answers. Find interesting people that you have common interests with and talk to them. Engage. Don't know how to find people? There are hundreds of sites you can find them on...or, do like I did...ask! Without that engagement, you are missing out entirely and Twitter will not help you grow your business in any way.
eXamination - Examine how others are using Twitter. Find and follow a group of people that you have a specific common interest in and see what they do. Chances are you are in real estate. So, I would recommend finding other agents and RE.net people and follow them. As with anything, investigate how others are using it to success and then try to duplicate that success with your own efforts. (If you are reading this on ActiveRain, I would suggest any of the following:
@respres
@jasoncrouch
@SarahStelmok
@craig42K
@BrokerSaunders
@Ines
@nik_nik
@RealEstateZebra
@thekencook
@rerockstar
@myrtlebeachblog
And I can include probably 1,200 more, if you want.)
eXperimentation - Experiment with it. Find your niche. Figure out how you can use it comfortably and go with that. Twitter is nothing more than an extension of yourself through a different portal. So, be as much of yourself as possible. The ‘buzz word' that is thrown around all the time about this aspect of Twitter is "transparency". You want to remain as transparent (or as true to who you are) as possible. Don't create an alter-ego. Don't make yourself appear to be someone you are not. Believe me when I say that Twitter is real life conversations with real life people. The relationships you will develop here are just as real as any you have anywhere else in your life.
(Pausing for the argument that usually is inserted here by the non-believers...)
Despite what you may think...Yes, they are real relationships. Don't get caught up in the lack of "Face-to-Face" contact with the people and comparing that type of meeting to those that you meet on Twitter. Yes, in some cases that ability to shake a hand is lacking. But, the relationships you will develop are real. Just because you have not met them in person does not mean that what you can build between the two of you isn't real. So, I hate to coin a phrase here, but "keep it real". Be true to yourself...and respect the wishes of others and you will be fine.
eXcitement - I decided to include this at the last minute because I have a hard time relating to boring people. Part of using Twitter properly is to express yourself. And you should do so willingly and wantingly. Show some love for the things that you believe in...be excited about it. Don't just post links to blogs. Talk to people. Be interesting. Be intriguing. Be engaging. Be excited. If you can do that and stick with it, you will amass a following that will astound you.
Hopefully, you can now see why this acronym has helped me build my following on Twitter...and I truly believe it can help you also.
But, if you still don't believe anything that I have said here, click on this link http://www.mytechopinion.com/twitter-for-real-estate-twits and download this ebook on how to use Twitter effectively as a real estate agent. (Yes, there really is an ebook for everything.) And, when you get done with it and are on Twitter, give my good friend @Nik_Nik a shout out for her good work.
If you would like any information on getting additional clients from Real Estate Client Referrals, please contact Clint at 800-977-7058 or on Twitter at www.twitter.com/recr.
Twitter really does work on so many levels. I, too, have made real friends on twitter (present company included) and have forged wonderful business relationships. I believe that by poising myself on the emergence of twitter's popularity I will reap actual cash rewards. I already have personal rewards from my relationships there.
Lesley -- Yes, it does! And, it still amazes me how many people run away screaming when I mention it. Hell, if it wasnt for Twiter...I wouldnt know you. And, that would indeed be sad. ;-)
I think that my name should be posted under the category eXcitement. A little miffed! Great article, in spite! And good advice. Note to readers: are you afraid? The first time you do anything new it is difficult, including the SEXXX of twittering. Commit a day to the first time and "lurk" at first- then find a conversation you like, follow the participants and jump in (politely). Social media doesn't work like TV- you need to be an active participant.
Clint, I love the title man!
Hilarious! Yes, that got my attention...and I kept reading even if I was an avid twitter user.
Twitter is great IF you use it wisely, and your SEXX acronym explains how to do that. It helps grow your business by humanizing you, your business and your brand by allowing you to ENGAGE people you wouldn't have met otherwise.
Great post, Clint -- thanks!
Diane, my darling! -- LMAO! I knew someone was gonna feel dissed with that list. And, you couldnt have said that any better than you just did...you must be an ACTIVE participant. Good point.
Good one, Clint! Well, you got me to read it! Agree that you have to engage, and that it can't be automated or phony. Have a great weekend @recr!
Clint, Of course your title pulled me in. I couldn't wait to see what you had to say. I have yet to "twitter" but obviously it has to come soon. Thanks for a fun and informative blog.
OK way to much into to read in #friday20 right now!!! will bookmark - you got me at SEX
Jeremy -- Thanks!
Nicole -- Hehe! Glad you liked it!
Charlie -- Thank you so much! Have a great weekend, my friend!
Marian -- Then it did its job, right? :-) You are so welcome!
Kathy -- Looking forward to your return visit! :-)
Clint - You already know what I think of the post. Its so true - without these steps (S.E.X.X.X.) you probably won't get far. I think your S.E.X.X.X. theory works in a lot of other arenas as well.
Matt -- Thank you so much for reviewing this post for me before I let it loose on the world. ;-) I know this theory will apply to blogging...because it is how I started out doing it. But, you are probably right.
Good post Clint...Sex definitely sells (or at least will get people to read your post & recommend a feature!)
Dan -- Thank you very much! Yes, it does. And, it worked! Im already featured. :-)
Clint, I'm still trying to figure Twitter out, but your post certainly applies to all variations of social networking. I've never met anyone I now consider a friend from Active Rain, but that doesn't mean the relationships aren't as important as those I have with people I see everyday. BTW, on Twitter, I'm @AmySalisbury. See you there!
Amy -- Please, feel free to add me to your contacts! I will be happy to follow back. Thanks for the wonderful comments!
Boy I was hoping for some earth-shattering post here...and I was going to upgrade my husband's phone right away! J/K!
Great Post and thanks for the short list!
Christine -- Thank you so much!! And, youre welcome! Glad you liked the post...dispite the lack of earth-shattering clarification...LOL
Great post Clint! I love Twitter, but had to read your post anyway :) You and I are already hooked up on Twitter but here is my link www.twitter.com/wendytimmons . Congrats in the feature!
Wendy -- Thank you very much! I will catch you online.
this is great... I will read this again and again until I finally get it!
Judy -- LOL! Glad you think its worth doing that. :-)
Does that mean you want a Mojito? :)
Conner -- Im a huge fan of Tweetdeck. Love it! And now that the new version has Facebook intigration built in..Im totally hooked. :-)
Ines -- LMAO! MOJITO!!
Hey, funny guy. Fab post! Still hate me after my tweet last night?! :-) Err....howz that snow?
Nat...Nat...Nat...Id never *hate* you. I might dislike you for a moment or two. Ya know...like now for reminding me that I have snow on the ground on flippin April 3rd! :-) Thanks, BTW! Im glad you liked the post!
Thanks Clint! LOVE the post. I've been using Facebook for awhile. Signed up for Twitter a few days ago. Just building my profile and learning to tweet! I'll go add you to my following list now!
Lisa -- You are so welcome! Im glad you liked it. Please do add me! Im happy to help if you need it!
Snow on the ground? We're starting to see blossoms on the ground, scattered or piled...Looks like snow, but smells yummy!
Nat...youre not scoring any points. LOL
Nice post - I like the extra XX's :)
Do you have to download the new Tweetdeck to get the FB integration or can you upgrade from the previous version?
Monica -- I liked the extra XXs also. :-)
You can go to www.tweetdeck.com and get the new version. It will update automatically once you run the setup file. Its sweet. ;-)
Thanks Clint. You've put together a great story and invitation to peope to "get it". We'd love to have your readers join us on Twitter Tuesday Radio.
Clint ...Excellent blog/post..I am no
w following you on twitter...thank you
Clint, you are he-larious! The title shocked the heck out of me! LOL! And the points you make within the post are absolutely on point! Great job, as usual.
(Oh, and don't feel bad. We had snow on Monday and are expecting some more this weekend. No Spring stuff for us yet either!)
~Renae
Been following you on Twitter for some time now. Still figuring it out, but your blog helps. I mean, just a short time ago, we put the family cat down, and someone local on Twitter read my AR blog about it, and ordered fancy cupcakes for me to pick up as a "just because" sympathy gift from a local vendor here in Bellingham. So folks can say what they will, but I think there's a benefit to Twitter. I haven't scored a referral yet, but it will come - I'm confident. I am the Bellingham Realty Girl! Cheers,
PS - check me out @amyzenderRealty on Twitter!
Ken -- The majority of my readers already listen, I think...LOL! But, I agree....Id love to have all of my readers tune in on Tuesdays at noon EST for TwitterTuesday on BlogTalkRadio..hosted by Ken Cook and Jason Crouch. (Just sayin...)
Hannah -- Thank you so much! I look forward to tweetin with ya!
Renae -- :-) Thanks! Very much appreciated. Yeah, Mother Nature hates me right about now...LOL
Amy -- Thank you so much for following! Feel free to contact me anytime. Sorry to hear about the cat...thats sad. :-( And, I would be happy to tweet with you!
Clint I'm using Twitter and am having difficulty getting into conversations. It needs to be tiime efficient. I've asked questions but am not getting responses. One question that i asked was how to RT when the tweet is truncated. I tried to RT a great post and coullnt' capture the whole tweet.
Advise??
Kate -- First and foremost, add me. www.twitter.com/recr. Secondly, go download that ebook I referenced in my post...it will help ALOT! Frankly, I use it daily...lol.
My advice with your question would be to use a URL shortener like Budurl or TinyURL. That way, the entire post doesnt take up the whole tweet. More on that when we talk online. :-)
I'm still working a bit on the first two X's at this point. My Twitter age is three weeks. I'm going to follow you and a couple of those Active Rain members you've suggested.
Oh, by the way, follow me; any quick feedback you have for my Twitter efforts thus far?
I must be doing something right, my Twitter grade (http://twitter.grader.com/dakrause) has increased from 49 to 75 in four days.
By TwitterButtons.com
Daren -- Keep working at it! Heck, im still working at it...LOL! Be happy to follow you!
I haven't been over to AR for a while but all the retweeting on twitter made me click. Nice analogy - I think it is the engagement part that really keeps me hooked.
Clint Appreciate the shout out hun! I don't spend enough time on AR any more and I appreciate when I am remembered. I have made money using Twitter and continue to learn how to establish myself as a community expert. Great place to meet people like you!
Carolyn -- Im with you on the engagement party thing..Im hooked. LOL
Nann!!! So happy you stopped by! You are welcome to come back to my blog any time. :-)
Nothing like a little group s.e.x.x.x to liven up your twitter lol :)
Anon -- ROTFL!!! Sooo happy you put that on here!!
Great article. I have been trying to use Twitter more. But it's usually the last thing I go to. I've got to get better at it.
Debi -- Thank you so much for taking the time to comment. I would encourage you to get more involved...add me! :-)
Clint - Thanks for the post. This has helped me understand how to better utilize twitter. I also want to thank you for providing the names of others to follow.
Clint - What a great post ! Twitter does rock ! I love you SEXXX acronym. We have only been on Twitter for a few months or so and are starting to realize the benefits and have fun with it at the same time ! Is an amazing tool. There was talk today that Google may buy out Twitter. Enough said right there : )
I might have to resort to Twitter and S.E.X.X.X tomorrow as we are supposed to have yet another snow storm in the morning :) ~Rita
I think this is the best post on Twitter that I have read in a while. Thanks.
I don't care how old you are the word sex get's everybody's attention. Thanks for the great explanation of Twitter. I look forward to seeing twitter evolve as I grow into it.
I haven't known you very long but I have to ask, "Do ya think I'm SEXXXy?"
Enjoyed the article - thanks for bringing it to my attention. :)
Congrats on the featured post. Ive been using Twitter for a little while. Picked up a few applications, one that is purchasing a home this month. I've almost reached my 2000 followers (13 more). Made a lot of connections and enjoy connecting with many new faces daily.
Hey Clint! I got your Twit and found this hilariously titled but, spot-on post! Good for you! I am so happy that you've found your way with this social media and you're doing a fabulous job! (I'm watching you--and no, not in a stalking way!!!)
Happy Sunday and Congratulations on that little gold star! WELL deserved...
Too funny, Clint. I needed a laugh. As I was tooling around AR, I thought..dang, I should check out Clint's blog...he's always good for a laugh. You didn't disappoint. I got a couple of chuckles out it. Great way of presenting the information. Even though I didn't make it on your top 10 list of great Twitterers, I KNOW I'm in the next bunch! (of 1200 or so!) My laptop has been down for the last two months and I haven't been able to spend as much time on AR and Twitter...but it's back! And so am I...whoo-hoo. Stand back all, here she comes. LOL
Troy -- Youre very welcome! Im glad you found it helpful! :-)
Christopher and Stephanie -- Im glad you liked the post...Ive heard the Google talk before. ;-)
Rita -- I hope it's good for you :-)
Kelsey -- Thank you very much!
Kat -- That was the reason for coming up with it. :-)
Pat -- LMAO! Yes...yes dahling, I do think you are sexxxy! :-)
John -- Thanks, man! Awesome job!
Debe -- HIYA!! I always have room for another stalker....Stalk away. Makes me feel wanted. LOL!
Marianne -- Welcome back! I look forward to talking with you more! ;-)
Hi Clint, very funny post. As we know, Twitter works, especially when you provide value. Thanks for writing this post, perhaps it will open some eyes.
Marzena -- Thank you very much! Yeah, Im hoping that it shakes some people out of the deep blue funk that surrounds twitter. ;-)
OK I am downloading the book and will read it. I have been on Twitter but get lost and distracted easily there. I actually wonder alot. For example I was looking at your post from yesterday and the SEX in neon caught my eye. Hopefully after reading I will be a better Twit and talk to you more often. Have a great Wednesday!
Paddy -- You should! Its awesome! Hope to you see you more and more! ;-)
Glad this got a gold star, even though it deserves a red light. #justsayin
Mizzle -- Soooo wishing I could retweet that statement :-)
Mad Skills. I just retweeted an Active Rain Comment to Twitter #copyandpaste
Mizzle -- Yeah, but I want a RT button like I have in Tweetdeck. :-)