D_Victoria_Virtual_Assistance : Welcome everyone... Tonight Kyle Lacy, CEO of the company Brandswag, a design and social marketing firm for both large and small businesses joins us to talk about all things Twitter. Kyle is recognized both locally and globally for his knowledge in social media and is routinely invited to share his expertise on all things social media at online and in-person events. Kyle writes a regular blog at KyleLacy.com, which has been featured on Wall Street Journal’s website and his blog is consistently ranked among the best worldwide.

Kyle Lacy : Thanks for having me

D_Victoria_Virtual_Assistance : Kyle also recently completed his first book, Twitter Marketing for Dummies from Wiley Publishing. The book is an introductory guide that explains how to effectively use Twitter to grow your business. We are very excited to have Kyle with us tonight in the chatroom. So, please join me in welcoming Kyle Lacy to the VAF Bash Chat event! Kyle, the floor is yours!

Kyle Lacy : Hey Everyone I want this to be a text based chat instead of me posting a ton of content into the room. I want us to lead by questions and grow the content organically because.. frankly... that is what Twitter is all about organic growth

Kyle Lacy : Can I get an idea of what everyone thinks Twitter should be used for..?? in terms of your business You can find me @kyleplacy and my book > http://tinyurl.com/kyletwitter Also on Facebook> http://www.facebook.com/kyleplacy

executive_assist : Sharing helpful information for your niche or target market.

D_Victoria_Virtual_Assistance : connecting with others and sharing information

Nancy's Virtual Office : What is the difference between Twitter and Facebook?

Kyle Lacy : Twitter is a distribution model for content.. Facebook is more of a community development model

JKVirtualOffice : Yes! Agree- Facebook s/b for community development. So many have a hard time with this.

Kyle Lacy : There is a process for social media.. 1. monitoring 2. story development 3. sharing 4. community development

Kyle Lacy : Twitter should be under number 3... Facebook is under number 4.. in terms of marketing your business

Kyle Lacy : Facebook should not be your site for content distribution.. more than Twitter.. Facebook is where you can drive a user

Kyle Lacy : Twitter is like a cocktail party.. you can have a conversation with one person but still hear/see conversations happening at a dizzying pace

Nancy's Virtual Office : Like the analogy

Kyle Lacy : you can choose to have a conversation with one person or move onto another but at the core it is a distribution model to drive traffic

D_Victoria_Virtual_Assistance : In terms of the conversations on Twitter, is it okay to jump in on a conversation you are following, even if you weren't involved in the first place?

Gems Virtual Office : good question Darlene, I often wonder about butting in lol

vainparadise : Absolutely jump in!

Kyle Lacy : depends on the conversation... if it is in your industry (the topic) and you feel like you can add some credibility to the convo.. I feel like it is fine if you are butting into a conversation to try and sell your wares.. that's the bad way to enter a conversation

Kyle Lacy : I don't mind butting in as long as it adds value.. that is the whole point of a community... community development

Kyle Lacy : or content development

Gems Virtual Office : kind of like joining a conversation at a party that you just got to?

Kyle Lacy : yes absolutely

Kyle Lacy : Let's talk about whether or not you should be on Twitter in the first place.. before you start social media you should search for three things

Kyle Lacy : 1. Are your clients on social media?

Kyle Lacy : 2. Are your competitors on social media?

Kyle Lacy : 3. Is your industry using social media?

Kyle Lacy : If you answer yes to any of the questions... you should start using this wonderful tool

Shellye Biser : Yes Yes and Yes ; )

Kyle Lacy : Do not just use it because it is trendy or cool... but use it to grow your business.. we all have 14 mins... of spare time in the day.. no reason to waste it on something that will not grow your business but for most of you in here.. you probably are answering yes to all three of the questions

RobnT08 : How do you balance selling vs. sharing info to gain credibility? What kind of break down would you give for each selling and sharing great info?

Kyle Lacy : We call it the 4-1-1 rule

executive_assist : great question!

Kyle Lacy : share 4 things from other people (like an RT) for every 1 piece you share about yourself and then share 1 thing about the industry (like trends)

executive_assist : That's great! Thanks!

RobnT08 : Ok, one of my clients just shared this with me actually. Can't remember where she got her info though. Thank you.

Nancy's Virtual Office : What is an RT Kyle? Sorry

Kyle Lacy : RT - retweet

Nancy's Virtual Office : Thank you

Kyle Lacy : The best way to think about a retweet is an email forward. If you enjoy a tweet from a person you are following you can Retweet (or RT) it and send it to all of YOUR followers... you are basically saying that you support that tweet (and the content associated with that tweet)

executive_assist : I once read that for something to be retweeted you should keep it under 120 characters. Do you find that to be true?

Kyle Lacy : @executive > yes.. under 120

RobnT08 : Yes, I do because it is hard to RT something that is any longer.

RobnT08 : And add your own comments.

Kyle Lacy : So.. there is an important question.. should you have quantity or quality in your followers?

MIM Enterprises : Quality definitely!

Nancy's Virtual Office : Quality

Desiree : quality

Essential Office Solutions : Do you think that your tweets should be posted on Facebook, LinkedIn, etc - I see so many doing this and it bombards your users who follow you in multiple places.

Kyle Lacy : I think this is important You should feed Facebook and LinkedIn to Twitter.. but not the other way around- people use Facebook completely different than Twitter.. when you update Twitter 20-40 times a day... it is hard to see anything else on yoru Facebook page..

MIM Enterprises : why is that Kyle?

Kyle Lacy : people will hide or block you

executive_assist : Good to know.

MIM Enterprises : Very good to know lol

Kyle Lacy : It is better to feed Facebook/LinkedIn to Twitter not the other way around

tsmith : Kyle, many people give up on Twitter fairly easily because they do not understand it. How much time does it take to find your voice on Twitter?

Kyle Lacy : I tell people to initially use Twitter 15 mins a day.. and share 5-10 tweets

AJ326 : What is the min/max number of Tweets per day rule?

Kyle Lacy : Min/Max - it can vary.. you need to listen to your followers to determine what they want in terms of content

AJ326 : Thanks, I usually tweet about 4-7 per day

Kyle Lacy : if you share 30 times and someone gets upset or you see some people unfollowing you

executive_assist : I do get frustrated with twitter because if I take a day away I lose followers. I try to do my tweeting when I will be on there so that if the chance to engage comes along I don't miss an opportunity.

Kyle Lacy : Executive > I wouldn't worry to much about that. I don't think you are losing followers because you are not there.. I rarely see that.. I usually take the weekends off

RobnT08 : I can understand the 15 minutes a day to tweet, but what about adding to conversations? That usually involves more time doesn't it?

Kyle Lacy : Robn > yes it does but if you are getting impact.. why not use it more?

vainparadise : I am on Twitter a lot more than the 15 mins a day...I have a completely filled practice and send out referrals

Kyle Lacy : @Vain > If you are making money... use it as much as you want

ChristinaVOS : Kyle, what is your thought on those who only send out RT's?

vainparadise : I think the more you interact on there and post good quality info the more benefits you will reap

Kyle Lacy : Christina > I think it is not genuine.. and lends itself to laziness

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ChristinaVOS : I feel bad for unfollowing people I genuinely like becasue all I see from them is RT

Kyle Lacy : Christina > No reason to feel bad.. there are plenty (millions) of more people to follow.. I would send the people a note to let them know why you are unfollowing them

ChristinaVOS : feel like they aren't realing contibuting anything- doesn't teach me more about them. I think it bothers me more when it's a fellow VA

Essential Office Solutions : It seems, if what you share is in this instant - is it OK to send out something valuable that may be say a month old - an article for instance?

Kyle Lacy : Essential > Yes that is okay

Shellye Biser : Probably why the 4-1-1 rule is good...right?

ChristinaVOS : 4-1-1 is a great rule

Kyle Lacy : Robn > I would encourage you to use http://www.hootsuite.com to monitor and track conversations. Hootsuite and http://www.tweetdeck.com are great tools to track conversations. Both sites have videos to help learn and use the tools[/color]

Essential Office Solutions : The "gurus" appear to schedule tweets and post the same thing repeatedly - is this effective?

Kyle Lacy : Hootsuite, TWeetdeck and other tools will help with your use

RobnT08 : I do use hootsuite and prefer it to using the Twitter site, but I don't know if my tweets are making any kind of impact, especially for clients.

Kyle Lacy : Essential > It is okay if you are trying to attract global recognition.. I have to post multiple tweets of the same content because people use Twitter at different times

MIM Enterprises : Kyle what do you do when tools such as hootsuite do not function for a while?

Kyle Lacy : MIM > I'm unfamiliar with them not functioning.. I haven't had any real problems

JKVirtualOffice : Hootsuite has been known to go down, but it's pretty rare.

JKVirtualOffice : And doesn't generally last very long.

RobnT08 : Hootesuite has caused some scheduled tweets not to post for me.

Kyle Lacy : Yah.. Hootsuite has its issues but for the most part.. it is a brililant tool

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JKVirtualOffice : When Hootsuite doesn't send out scheduled tweets, it's usually because Twitter is not working right.

RobnT08 : How do you know if we are making an impact? What results show that? I am clueless in that regard. I almost feel robotic on Twitter and find it hard to monitor conversations unless it shows up in my "mentions".

Kyle Lacy : Robn > measuring Twitter has to do with what your goals are.. is it brand awareness? is it product sales? is it email sign ups? building lists?

executive_assist : So if gaining new clients were your goal, how would you convert someone from a twitter follower to a client?

Kyle Lacy : I would setup a capture page or a newsletter sign up to get email addresses or more information

RobnT08 : I would say that all of those are what my clients are looking to do. But for my own business, I haven't really defined what my goals are, not very good, eh?

Kyle Lacy : send people from Twitter to capture or build lists. It is about feeding content to build trust... get them to subscribe to your blog or enewsletter

Kyle Lacy : Robn > That is your first step :-) It's easier to use social with those goals Remember that goals are the most important part of using social you need goals in order to drive your use.. without goals you cannot use social without getting upset

RobnT08 : Guess I'd better define them then. I liked what executive_assist asked about gaining new clients because that could be one of my goals too.

Essential Office Solutions : If you are feeding from Twitter to your site/newsletter - how do you feel about displaying your tweets on your website?

Kyle Lacy : Essential> I love showing tweets on the homepage

JKVirtualOffice : I think it's totally fine to have a widget that feeds your Twitter to your website. I always look for those on other sites.

Kyle Lacy : It shows more community development.. you can see mine at > http://www.kylelacy.com

Gems Virtual Office : would you only use on homepage, not as a sidebar?

Shellye Biser : Kyle....I really like that. I need to figure out how to do that on mine

RobnT08 : What widget do most of you use then? I had one on my site but took it off because I have been unable to tweet much for myself, at least on a regular basis.

Kyle Lacy : there are plenty of plugins for Wordpress to pull Twitter

JKVirtualOffice : You can also find twitter widgets here: http://twitter.com/goodies

Essential Office Solutions : I am just not a fan of repetitive tasks/info - so it seems to me that they follow me on Twitter and I have provided something to send them to my website - what is the value of showing the same tweets there? LOL

Shellye Biser : But I guess I should tweet more regularly first...lol

Kyle Lacy : Essential > The tweet feed is for the people coming from other sites like search and Facebook

Essential Office Solutions : yes - thank you Kyle tunnel - vision tonight

RobnT08 : Yeah, my thoughts exactly Shellye, for myself!

Nancy's Virtual Office : What would be the difference between the content in Twitter and a blog. They both seem to be geared to your target market. This is really unfamiliar territory for me.

Kyle Lacy : Blog should be the central point of all content.. that is where you tell your stories.. You cannot tell a story on Twitter because of the limit in characters

JKVirtualOffice : Plus with a blog you can create your own community with comments on posts who are keenly interested in what you're saying.

Essential Office Solutions : what is the best search tool to find those in your target market?

Kyle Lacy : The best search is still > http://search.twitter.com in my opinion

Nancy's Virtual Office : gotcha

Shellye Biser : I have a "follow me" twitter link on my webpage. But I think this is different right?

Kyle Lacy : Yes Shellye.. it is different

Kyle Lacy : The most important thing to do on social is to tell a story... stories are what set you apart from your competitors Stories make things personal

Essential Office Solutions : If you're not comfortable providing personal information can you still be successful in social media?

Kyle Lacy : Essential > Yes.. share information about how you fulfill the need for your clients.. how do you change the way THEY do business

Kyle Lacy : Do we have any questions?

Gems Virtual Office : Kyle...what is your critera for deciding who to follow?

Kyle Lacy : I follow people who CREATE content.. not just share content

Kyle Lacy : I also like to follow everyone because I am trying to sell books

executive_assist : So as my target twitter market are realtors, should I tweet what realtors are interested in AND how I can improve their business, or just stick with how to improve their business.

Kyle Lacy : Exec > Both

executive_assist : Okay. thanks. That's what I've been doing, but thought I should clarify

Essential Office Solutions : With the lists in Twitter is it still important to keep the following/followers ratio?

Kyle Lacy : Essential > not really.. I am still confused why people put so much emphasis on the numbers.. just use Twitter and have fun

executive_assist : and what kind of ratio do you recommend?

Essential Office Solutions : How do you use the Twitter lists?

Kyle Lacy : I don't really have a recommendation.. there is no right or wrong in my opinion.. do what you feel is best

Shellye Biser : I've never heard of the following/followers ratio. I like what Kyle said

Kyle Lacy : Essential > I'm going to be honest.. I don't really use Twitter lists except to find people in the same categories I use columns and organization in Tweetdeck and Hootsuite to follow certain groups of people.. it is good for following very niche/specified content

Shellye Biser : I could easily get frustrated with all the logistics if I didn't choose to make it fun and relaxing

JKVirtualOffice : I use the lists all the time. Great for keeping track of groups of people. You can put someone a list but don't have to follow them.

D_Victoria_Virtual_Assistance : What are your thoughts on having multiple Twitter accounts.

Kyle Lacy : D_Victoria > depends on your strategy.. I have a personal account and a company account but if I didn't have a company I would just use my personal account.. people may want different types of information

Shellye Biser : Well at least you can do that with twitter. Can't with FB

Kyle Lacy : Shellye do what?

Shellye Biser : With Facebook you only have one profile and then a fan page

Kyle Lacy : Shellye > you can also filter and have lists in FB

Essential Office Solutions : Facebook does have lists on your Personal Profile - but not fan pages.

Shellye Biser : Yes...I was referring to the personal and business accounts though

Gems Virtual Office : i use both the lists and columns in hootsuite, but i'm still a rookie

Essential Office Solutions : This may sound silly, but do you tweet the same to both accounts, Kyle?

D_Victoria_Virtual_Assistance : So, it is absolutely fine then... like I have one specifically for my podcast and then one for me--business, etc.

Kyle Lacy : D_Victoria > That's fine

executive_assist : my twitter name is @seritadiana, is that possibly why some will request my personal profile as opposed to my fan page?

Kyle Lacy : Exec > yes

Kyle Lacy : Shellye > that is true

Essential Office Solutions : Kyle - do you use LinkedIn and if yes, how do you use it -differently?

AJ326 : Is it okay to post the same number of Tweets to FB and LinkedIn?

Kyle Lacy : AJ > No.. do not sync Twitter with Facebook/LinkedIn Essential > Only add people you have met in person to LinkedIn unless you have had a conversation with them and you feel comfortable

AJ326 : Okay, gotcha

Essential Office Solutions : Kyle - thank you that is what I have been doing, but I have a lot of followers from Twitter and Facebook wanting to connect there also

Essential Office Solutions : How do you politely decline a connection request on LinkedIn?

Kyle Lacy : Essential > I simply tell them I usually keep LinkedIn as my personal network and regretfully do not add people I have not met..

executive_assist : I always accepted everyone as I wasn't sure how to turn them down. And you do not think that will have them unfollow/unlike you elsewhere.

MIM Enterprises : Okay Kyle question about FB where do I find info on making my 'wall' stand out lol?

AJ326 : Yes, very good information. Gives us a reason to go out and purchase your book

Kyle Lacy : lol.. for Fan Page or Personal?"

MIM Enterprises : fan page I guess

Kyle Lacy : Edit Page

Nancy's Virtual Office : Very much appreciated Kyle, I am so new at this and now I have a bit more clarity. Thank you.

MIM Enterprises : Thanks Kyle great chat

TMS Bookkeeping and Business : I enjoyed this, thanks Kyle

Essential Office Solutions : Thank you Kyle - learned much and you gave me OK to do some other things I thought were right!

executive_assist : Thanks so much for all the great info you shared with us tonight!

Kyle Lacy : Thanks for having me!

D_Victoria_Virtual_Assistance : Be sure to follow Kyle at Twitter and check out his book as well 'Twitter Marketing for Dummies' @kyleplacy and > http://tinyurl.com/kyletwitter

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