Getting the Most From Twitter (Part 3: Why You Need to Be Yourself)

If you're active on Twitter, you've probably noticed how people's personalities come through. I'm always amazed by this, that 140 little characters can be so revealing. I think the short posts force tweeps to distill their thoughts, which means they're often left with the essence of their message... and of themselves.

It's not easy to articulate how it works, but I'm convinced that in order to successfully connect with people online, you must be yourself. This isn't about being un-boring, although that's important, too. It's about letting who YOU are shine though.

I'm not recommending you tweet every passing thought. Complaints, especially, get old reeeaaally quickly. My next post will have suggestions for the types of things to tweet. In this post, I want to emphasize that your tweets should be uniquely you.

"But It's 'Unprofessional'"
Some people think it's more "professional" to present a high-gloss slice of themselves on social media. But really, it's boring. BORING. Yep, I said it. Not only is it boring to read your professional persona, I believe that people who present themselves this way ultimately are less engaged because it's simply less enjoyable to utilize only a narrow part of themselves in their online interactions.

Generic Marketing Messages Are Not YOU
Most likely, you're on Twitter at least in part to market something--your blog posts, your books, your services, whatever--but no one wants to read a bunch of markety-sounding updates. You know how you get up for a snack during commercials, or fast-forward through the ads on TiVo? Don't be the tweeter other tweeps want to tune out. Marketing messages are fine. Just don't become a non-stop infomercial for yourself. And please, find a way to be YOU in your marketing messages.

If you're presenting a facade online... why? Just be yourself! :)


Missed previous posts?
Part 1: Why I LOVE Twitter
Part 2: How to Find People to Follow

Next up in Getting the Most From Twitter is Part 4: How to Gain Followers


Author K.C. Neal:: Pyxis Series :: YA Paranormal