This blog is ideal for those who have yet to participate in their first Twitter Chat.
Twitter is a fast paced platform. Imagine Twitter being an immense conference hall, noisy, lots of conversations going on, lots of things going on at once. There's a particular conversation that you want to get involved with, with like-minded people. A Twitter Chat is likened to visiting a quiet room away from the hubbub of Tweetsville. It's quieter, you can have more meaningful discussions. You are sharing the space with others who want to be there and tweet.
Getting involved in a Twitter Chat is a great way to connect with others and learn what is new in your industry or niche, from the comfort of your chair. They are fast paced and fun and are generally no longer than an hour. Believe me the hour will fly by! Depending on what the Twitter Chat is about/for a variety of people from around a country or globally can roost around the Twitter Chat.
If you are participating in a Twitter Chat for the first time here are some tips to consider:
- Comfy chair!
- Before the Twitter Chat share any tweets that the moderator has shared to your own networks. Help the moderator get the word out.
- Make sure you use the relevant hashtag.
- Read tweets to get a feel of what is going on.
- Get involved. Don't be shy.
- Respond to tweets with the hashtag.
- Retweet relevant tweets to your network.
- Respond to discussion questions to emulate Q1, Q2, with A1, A2.
- Be courteous.
- Don't use the Twitter Chat to promote your business.
- Dip in and out as you feel necessary. Or feel free to stay the duration.
- Follow up – if you met some new and interesting people – follow them, tweet a thank you, retweet some of their tweets.
- Keep building those relationships.
Finding Twitter Chats:
You might see Twitter Chat tweets in your timeline. If you have not come across anything specific here are some resources to visit detailing Twitter Chats and when they take place.
https://twitter.com/markshaw/lists/uk-twitter-chats/members
http://tillison.co.uk/blog/complete-twitter-chat-hours-directory/
http://tweetreports.com/twitter-chat-schedule/
I regularly attend a Twitter chat in the UK which is hosted by @teamIPSE - https://www.ipse.co.uk/ for Freelancers in the UK. As an individual earning a living from a country that is not my country of origin, it is easy to forget that I am a Freelancer. My services are not restricted to where I live. I get to share my thoughts and ideas with others, who like me work from home and every now and then want to hang out with fellow Freelancers.
I would love to know about your Twitter Chat journey. If on reading this article you participate in one, please let me know how you got on.
Yours socially
Micala