As PR consultants, it’s our job to be a resource to our clients and stay ahead of the curve when it comes to new strategies, technology and tools. For this reason, the time has come: all PR consultants should be on Twitter… right now.
I have not encountered a single prospective client this year that isn’t at least wondering about social media. These organizations may not know what it is and whether it will be useful to them, but they want to know their PR counsel is involved and can provide informed guidance. Colleagues on the #solopr Twitter chat agree (see the ). As companies look for leadership in the new era of non-traditional media, only those who are fully participating will get the call.
Many Solo PR Pro readers are already active on Twitter. But others say, “Ugh, there aren’t enough hours in the day!” To them I ask: do you have time to read articles in your client’s field? As with anything worthwhile, you have to make the time. Also, note that I said “active” on Twitter – having an account where you posted one tweet 6 months ago is not enough. I recommend you post something to Twitter at least once per day.
The good news is, there are many ways Twitter can be beneficial to your career, including personal branding, knowledge and relationships. It’s really not about what you ate for breakfast! I recently presented on Twitter 101 at the Weaving a Wonderful Web conference. This presentation steps through the How’s and the Why’s of Twitter:
So, who should you follow on Twitter? Many leaders have compiled their subjective lists of PR pros on Twitter – one of the
most recent is here (I chose this list because it was converted into an easy-to-follow format here: http://tweepml.org/PR-100/). You can also follow some of the suggestions in the presentation to find people you’ll enjoy getting to know and learn from.
On a personal note, in addition to what I feel is the equivalent of a graduate school education for free, I have met many people through Twitter that I consider true friends. I was reluctant at first, but now I can’t imagine working without it.
What about you? How do you feel about Twitter (good, bad or indifferent)? Do you think it’s important for a PR consultant to be present and involved?
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You are 100% on, Kellye. All PR pros – not just solo – should be active on Twitter both for their clients and themselves. In addition to the reasons you list above, you also need to understand how it works so you can help your clients make the right decision on whether or not it's right for them.
And as solo PR pros, it's even more important to be on top of social media strategies and tools. Talk about a competitive edge.
Time is always an issue, but you have to make it a priority. I've been more silent than usual due to business and personal reasons this past month, and it's amazing how I miss what I get from Twitter daily.
If diving in fully is intimidating, reach out to one new person each day. I guarantee they were new to this once, too.
Thanks, Jen — as always, you've added some additional insights to the post. I like your suggestion to reach out to one new person daily. Perhaps even us moldy oldies can give that a try!
I agree, Kellye. I think anyone in the communications fields – PR, marketing, etc. should now be on Twitter. I'm always a bit surprised when I hear from a “pro” looking for help with media lists but I can't seem to find them on Twitter or LinkedIn. Makes me wonder how much of a pro they really are!
Hey Kellye – I completely agree that pr pros should be active on Twitter. My experience, like yours, is that every prospective client and without exception all my existing clients are looking at social media. Having an active presence helps augment my credibility when I talk about stratgies in this space — it would be awfully strange if I was providing advice but not participating in the community. That said — I aspire to once per day at least, but have to admit I miss a day here or there…don't drum me out of the community!
This is true – I think many people do a social media search to learn more about a new contact. If you're not present (especially on LinkedIn, as we discussed in a previous post), it's almost like you don't exist!
Thanks for sharing your experience, Laurie. You have permission to miss a day here or there. 🙂 But seriously, there will be times when work or personal obligations make it impossible to participate in social media for a time. They key is to get back on the horse as soon as possible to maintain your visibility and relationships.
Absolutely if you are not are Twitter how are you listening to your clients/peers/prospective clients?
Many pr people don't quite understand Twitter rather most professionals who are not on Twitter don't understand it. I think its important to use all tools.
Thank you for this.
Zanade
Absolutely if you are not are Twitter how are you listening to your clients/peers/prospective clients?
Many pr people don't quite understand Twitter rather most professionals who are not on Twitter don't understand it. I think its important to use all tools.
Thank you for this.
Zanade