That’s it… I’m stopping cold turkey.
No more Twitter.
I’ve been trying to be more active on social media, reach out to my clients in new and unique ways (at least for me), but Twitter is just one tool that I’ve given up on. Yes, I announced with great fanfare not too long ago that I was everywhere on Social Media, but I think you’ll understand why I’m no longer on Twitter.
For some brands and businesses, Twitter is a great tool. It allows them to get information into the public cheaply and they can even communicate directly with their customers when necessary. It can also be a great tool to give behind the scenes reports to followers.
However, for me, it’s just not worth it. Here’s why:
- The true value in Twitter, as alluded to above, is that it allows for a free two-way exchange with customers. For me, that is just too difficult to execute and to be of value.
- Many of my clients are not even on Twitter.
- Much of the information I share with clients really requires it to be in long form and not 140 characters.
Yes, I can re-Tweet links to articles that I think are relevant, but this doesn’t really show my personal brand or my value.
So here’s what I’m to do instead (drumroll): I’m going to spend the time that I had formerly dedicated to Twitter, to writing personal notes to clients, colleagues and friends. [perfectpullquote align=”full” cite=”” link=”” color=”” class=”” size=””] I’m going to spend the time that I had formerly dedicated to Twitter, to writing personal notes to clients, colleagues and friends.[/perfectpullquote]
Why personal notes, you ask? First, I simply like the act of writing and expressing thoughts in a handwritten manner. It’s something I still try and teach my kids (they are required to hand write thank you notes and not text them). Secondly, I get as much pleasure and joy from writing a note as I hope the recipient gets from receiving the note. I like the tactile feel of writing. I get a “high” from writing that gives me motivation and even makes me more productive. Third, in our fast-paced world, we send texts, leave short emails, and generally communicate in an abbreviated fashion. Writing a thank you note takes more time and more importantly requires more thought. Put simply, it is more courteous.
Finally, I’m a huge proponent of expressing gratitude (just ask my wife and kids). Gratitude is best expressed thoughtfully, with passion, and with sincerity. Call me old fashioned, but I think these characteristics are more profoundly exhibited and most clearly presented in a handwritten note.
While I enjoy the writing process, I really hope I’m able to communicate to my clients and colleagues that I truly care about them. The ability to connect in this way has, in fact, been found to have a much greater impact on customer-inclined relationships than simply an email or a text.
So, while you’ll still find me on LinkedIn or Facebook, you won’t find me on Twitter anymore. Instead, I’m going to write a personal note every day to a friend, client, family member, business colleague.
