Hi

One good thing that I use Twitter for too is to announce my press or to share my latest articles. Like if I write a new article, I'll post it. It does seem to draw more traffic to the site and article.

I love to follow some pros too. One that I highly recommend is Peter Shankman, the founder of Helpareporter.com. When you follow him you get his urgent media requests. Plus, he's just so fun!

Thanks!

Diana Ennen
Virtual Word Publishing
www.virtualwordpublishing.com

I've been vexed about the amount of time it takes to keep current in the "virtual world." But everyone has to decide how much time they are willing to invest.

Twitter, blogs, press releases, forums ... these are all types of marketing. I don't spend a lot of time 'on' Twitter. I check it between projects or on a break. I'm building a network of people who are learning about what I do.

A significant player in a major communications company sends me Tweets every now and again. He even teased that he should have recommended my services to someone for a 'fireman's calendar.' Now, the joke was that it compared to Sports Illustrated's Swimsuit edition, but what was really happening was he used his understanding of my abilities in a comment that nearly all HIS followers would see. Some would, in turn, check my profile and learn more about me. My exposure to potential clients increased just because of his comments.

I use my photo on Twitter, not an icon or cartoon. When I attended the meet-up last week people KNEW who I was when I walked in, at least by sight.

__________________
Robin A. Holstein
Robin's Desktop Virtual Administrative Services
My Blog

Im actually new to Twitter and tweeting. Initially, I really did not get the point of it. I just did not think people would be interested in learning the happenings in another person's day. Now, I think tweeting is much more than that and I'm actually finding it fun too.

__________________
Carlana Charles - Ciboney Virtual Solutions
Web: http://ciboneyvirtual.com Blog:http://ciboneyvirtual.com/blog

Twitter is just another way to network and build your reputation online. You don't have to spend all day there, 15 mins is more than adequate. You get an audience and if you're offering value in your posts, then you'll generate interest.

Remember, you need to spend about 25% of your time marketing to generate the business that comes next week, next month, next year. I've generated tons of business, connections and a free ticket to a tech conference all through social media. <grin>

Good luck, all!

__________________
Cheryl Allin - VirtuAllin Administrative Services
Twitter - @VirtuAllin

A twitter question.........when you @someone do they actually have to be following you to see the comment? I really like the twitter concept but I'm just confused on how you directly make a comment to some of these people so that they do notice you and start following.

__________________
Deb Frawley
Gem's Virtual Office

Dig through your settings and see if you have your profile set to notify you of new followers. That is found under "notices".

You'll also see that you can elect to see all "@" replies, just those you follow or none. So it's going to depend on the other person's settings. The best thing to do is DM (direct message) the person a comment or two or follow someone they follow and respond to some of their postings.

You'll need to DM from the other person's profile.

__________________
Robin A. Holstein
Robin's Desktop Virtual Administrative Services
My Blog

I suggest you download Twhirl as it's my favorite for twittering - it stays open in the background and refreshes often.

Using the Twitter site itself, or using www.summize.com and doing a keyword search (such as virtual assistant) - you'll be able to find interesting folks to follow. You can then click on the teeny photos of other twitterers a user is following and follow them as well.

If you @ or 'at' at a twitterer, they'll see it in their twitter stream. if you try to DM them (direct message) which is private only to them - you can only do that from your twitter or Twhirl if they also follow you back. You simply enter 'd username your message' and it directs the message to them privately.

So - for example, if you signup for twitter then visit http://twitter.com/virtuallin - you'll see the button to 'follow' me. I'll get an email notice and will follow you back. If you use Firefox, you can right click on any twit follower photo in my list and open in a new tab - then follow them as well.

If you're really brave, you can sign up for FriendFeed.com - follow me there, add your RSS feeds, your twitter handle, flickr, etc and have a 'lifestream' - it rocks!

__________________
Cheryl Allin - VirtuAllin Administrative Services
Twitter - @VirtuAllin

Robin and Cheryl thanks for the great information It definitely helps!

__________________
Deb Frawley
Gem's Virtual Office