The reason I love Twitter is not for its massive commercial appeal, nor for its professional networking potential. It’s for the people.
As a copywriter, being curious about people is part of the gig. And it’s something you can’t really fake. You’re either curious, or you’re not. Copywriters who are curious about how people think about things are the ones who stand to make sincere connections with an audience. Thus, engaging in Twitter is like part of my job.
Before you start laughing, I’m not justifying here. You see, I’ve had conversations with people who live only in my head for as long as I can remember. I’ve honed this skill over time so that it’s become a professional asset. Because as a copywriter, you’ve got to be able to share empathy with people to connect with them. The more people you can empathize with, the more valuable you become. Until now, all these people lived in my head. So having a portal like Twitter around is utterly fascinating to me. Now, rather than imagining dialogue between people I invent, all I have to do is fire up Tweetdeck and watch the human drama unfold in 140 character sound bites. Just like in my head.
From how people spread information, to folks who have public conversations with people who live only in their heads, I use Twitter and other Social Media to observe and engage people both as a way to satisfy my innate curiosity and become a better copywriter. Because deep down – I’m really only trying to keep the mortgage paid.
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dawn summers
Jul 29, 2009
Wait…so tweeting the conversations I have with teh voices in my head is *normal*? Sweet!
Jim Mitchem
Jul 29, 2009
For some of us, yes Dawn. Though my parents were very, very concerned there for a while.
Dave
Jul 29, 2009
I agree Jim. Twitter, if done “right”, brings the conversations down to a personal level for any size business.
Adam Wohl
Jul 29, 2009
There’s no question it makes you sharper, more on your game. If you take an active role in Twitter, not only by “listening” to the feed, but by responding and jumping in, you hone the skills to be quick with a comeback — and not a first draft comeback, but rather one that you can edit in that little 140 character box till it shines.
And as time goes by, you’ll find yourself editing more in your head, so when it’s typed out quick it’s done and gone and already shining. That kind of practice is not only good in this venue — It’s an invaluable trait that translates when you’re in the room.
Jim Mitchem
Jul 29, 2009
Right Dave. But it’s hard to prove ROI (and therefore to justify the cost to develop/maintain a presence here) on conversations with people when the conversations aren’t sales pitches (directly).
Jim Mitchem
Jul 29, 2009
Spot on, Adam. Naturally. 😉 I think one of the future issues we (copywriters/entrepreneurs) face in developing real-time content for clients is Quality Control. Because even though we’re good at writing compelling posts and responses on Twitter, man – one wrong post can discredit a brand.
Kara Schwab
Jul 29, 2009
Soylent Green is people, just like Twitter is people. Great thoughts in this post, Jim. You can tell whether a tweeter is in it to build followers … or build connections. Those who want to really engage, are more engaging. Period. Being authentic allows you to develop your own distinct voice that can be heard clearly through the clutter. That’s a great skill to hone for anyone in the business of building brands. After all, each of us is our own a brand in this great big Twitterverse, and I guess in life, too.
P.S. Jim, if the voices and conversations in your noggin persist, I believe there is a pill or two you can take for that. I’m just sayin.
Jim Mitchem
Jul 29, 2009
Hahahaha Thanks Kara – but I like the voices. 😉
My novel – Minor King
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