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: @GinnyPowell

Twitter Bio: It isn’t just 140 characters. It is the first 140 characters of a conversation.

Company Name: a-fabco, inc.

City/State: Gibsonton, FL

Main Website: www.afabxray.com

Blog:  acrackeddoor.blogspot.com

Company LinkedIN Page:  linkedin.com/company/a-fabco-inc

Admin Name:  Ginny Powell

LinkedIN Profile:  linkedin.com/in/ginnypowell

Klout Score: 47

Followers: 1,684

Following:Follower Ratio: 1.17

Questions:

1. When did you start your twitter account?

I started tweeting September 2, 2008.

2. What was your biggest obstacle in twitter?

In the beginning, the challenge was just trying to figure it out.  Now, it’s making sure I take the time to engage.

3. How often do you tweet? Do you have a schedule?

I try to make sure I am on first thing in the morning to say “Good Morning” and then throughout the day, as time allows.

4. What is your recommendation to new people on twitter?

Engage with fellow tweeters in your industry. Take the time to ask, “How are you?” The fastest way to be unfollowed is to only tweet links to your products.

5. What is your favorite hashtag and why?

#doors #hardware There have been amazing photographs of doors and hardware on twitter. I always appreciate when someone snaps a photo of an interesting door and tweets me.

6. Did you have a twitter mentor? How did that come about?

I started so early I just muddled through. Both @Paul_Anater and Amy Good (@Splintergirl) have put together fantastic twitter tutorials that would be helpful to any newcomer.

• Paul Anater | Social Media Training
• Amy Good on Builder Link |  Twitter for the Construction Industry

7. Can you recommend a twitter account that we should be following?

Gosh there are several! @bobborson @Paul_Anater @Splintergirl @SLSConstruction @ModernSauce @cupboards @BuilderLink @TALV58 @SaxonHenry @AGWilsonBS @LoriGreeneAHC just to name a few. All are fantastic people that engage and encourage.

Additional Comments:

I joined Twitter when I was working at home during the beginning downslide of the building industry. I lucked out getting to know some great people (some of whom I listed above).  Honestly, being able to communicate with them on a daily basis kept my spirits up. While working for a-fabco these last two years, I continue to be uplifted and encouraged by this great group of people and my Twitter world keeps expanding.

More Featured Tweeters