Everyone starts somewhere in Social Media. Tips and tricks we’ve all learned along the way can be especially helpful to those still navigating uncharted waters.
This interview series features twitter accounts in and around the construction industry, a growing population within the Twittersphere. My only disclaimer is that I do not always agree with the advice.
Stats:
Twitter Name: @DarrenSlaughtr Twitter Bio: Helping Contractors Sell More, Advertise Better & Market to Buyers Company Name: DarrenSlaughter dot Com City/State: Philadelphia, PA Main Website: darrenslaughter.com Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/darrenslaughterdotcom Admin Name: Darren Slaughter Klout Score: 50 Followers: 2,738 Following:Follower Ratio: .42Questions:
1. When did you start your twitter account?
September 30, 2010
2. What was your biggest obstacle in twitter?
Getting to it.
3. How often do you tweet? Do you have a schedule?
No, I go in spurts. If I am busy, I will be off for days, then I will get crazy and tweet 20 times a day.
4. What is your recommendation to new people on twitter?
Don’t be a salesperson. Offer tips or advice, never try and sell over Twitter. Never post “For the best fill in the blank, call fill in the blank.” People don’t want 140 character advertisements.
5. What is your favorite hashtag and why.
I don’t have one. I really don’t use hashtags as much as I should. I guess if I had to give an answer, it would be the #fb hashtag, since that will post to my fan page* wall, too.
*This works with the Selective Tweets application on Facebook.6. Did you have a twitter mentor? How did that come about?
I didn’t have one; I knew it was a space I needed to be in. I avoided Twitter for about a year, then realized I needed to be there.
7. Can you recommend a twitter account that we should be following?
I think @chrisbrogan is a solid choice, @jason for the entrepreneurial crowd, and mine of course – @darenslaughter!
Additional Comments:
Twitter and Facebook have to be the focus for any construction company planning on being in business five years from now. Here’s why I say that. At some point, the number of people following you or friending you is going to be used by real clients or customers when deciding whether or not to do real business with you. Your status in the social network, if you will, is going to be a validation factor just like your years in business or your accreditations or associations.
For example, if in five years you thought social media is BS and you didn’t work to build your list of followers while your competition toiled away building a list of 5k, 10k or 15k people (understand, these people do not have to be clients or customers) who all sing their praises, who do you think that prospect is going to choose to do business with? If what people say about your organization (in the form of reviews and testimonials) has more impact to persuade consumers than your marketing does, then why are you not using these platforms to build your business? If not for today, but for the future?
More Featured Tweeters
Thank you Bridget for having me! It was fun!
You are welcome. Thank you for taking the time to offer your experience to others who may be helped by it.
Great interview. A powerful exerpt: “If not for today, but for the future?” I couldn’t agree more. I often find myself becoming discouraged by local folks who chalk social media up as just a big waste of time. Daren’s words are the shot in the arm that I needed.
I totally agree. Thanks for taking the time to read and comment.
Good advice Darren! The fact that as we move forward, social media presence will translate to greater credibility is one to bear in mind. I enjoy your tweets as well as the Sunday email tips! Thanks for all you do.
Thank you for taking the time to comment, Paul.
I have been following Darren for a while and his advice has always helped me! His tweets are a constant stream of nuggets!
I agree. He is very helpful.
Thanks everyone! I didn’t realize there were comments or I would have stopped by sooner! I am happy you guys found the info helpful!
Thanks again for your time and thoughtful answers.