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: @neslusa

Twitter Bio: We are a solar panel manufacturer that makes SolarSimplified by selling great products directly and being people you want to work with! Tweets by Kendra 🙂

Company Name: NESL USA (Nexus Energy Solutions)

City/State: Tualatin, Oregon

Main Website: neslusa.com

Facebook Page: facebook.com/neslusa

Admin Name:  Kendra Hubbard (November 2010 – December 2011)  You can follow her social media account @TheK_Hub 

LinkedIN Profile:  linkedin.com/in/kendrahubbard

LinkedIN Company Page:  linkedin.com/company/nesl-usa

Klout Score: 52

Followers: 2,395

Following:Follower Ratio: 1.02

Questions:

1. When did you start your twitter account?

The company opened the account in July of 2010, but it wasn’t utilized until November of 2010, when I started with the company. Since then, we have over 6,500 tweets!

2. What was your biggest obstacle in twitter?

The biggest obstacle I face using Twitter is time management. I think it’s important to be in front of your connections when they are online, if possible. It creates more meaningful connections, enhances brand image, and builds reputation.

With this being said, I often find I am behind for our East Coast tweeps, so it has been an opportunity for me to figure out ways to be online during busier times. I spend a portion of my morning reading and researching the solar industry, then share this info on our Twitter feed (and Facebook) in the afternoons.

Since I know we aren’t always in front of people’s timelines, I often retweet important information a few times during the week.

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

Well, I tweet pretty much throughout the entire day. I don’t schedule tweets and don’t plan to. I know it works for a lot of people but I like the social interaction and challenge. I use TweetDeck and have it open most of the day. I am also responsible for my company’s other marketing activities and I find that the information I am exposed to on Twitter keeps me informed and on-top of what’s happening in the solar industry and beyond.

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

I was new to Twitter just one year ago, so I am a total advocate of new users finding other accounts to emulate. I also suggest going through great followers’ lists to find the type of people (not just brands) that you want to engage with.

I try to remember that my purpose on Twitter is to share information and build brand awareness and trust (stated company goals). That includes reaching out across industries to find advocates of what we stand for in renewable energy.

Additionally, I would encourage new users to be themselves, give their account a personality, and know that if they only use Twitter to post their own agenda, they’ll truly miss out on what is so great about Social Media.

Lastly, I would encourage new users to try TweetDeck or HooteSuite. I was able to reach out far more effectively with a dashboard; but try several to see what works for you. Oh, and one last tip: It’s easy to unfollow people without realizing it! Every week or so, check Tweeter Karma or Who Unfollowed Me to see what is happening with your followers.

5. What is your favorite hashtag and why.

This is an easy one! #SolarSimplified is my favorite hashtag.  Not only does it relate to my industry, but it’s also our motto! I often use other hashtags as well, such as #solar, #eco, #green, and would encourage users to visit hashtags.org to see what popular tags are associated with their business.

However, I would definitely encourage tweeps not to use more than three hashtags in a tweet. I want to read the content, not all of the categories it’s related to-use those 140 characters and make them count!

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

I didn’t have a Twitter mentor per se, but I was very diligent to connect with people I felt did a great job of engagement and brand building. In looking for these connections, I came across the hashtag #FBLT (Facebook Like Tuesday) and found instant camaraderie with several ladies throughout the United States who I connect with daily for advice, instruction, and support.  It’s a great safety net and encourages great Twitter practices.

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

I can’t only recommend one!! So here are a few:

• @Carol_Stephen : One of my first real Twitter connections (as San Jose Plumbing), helpful about everything social media, and a genuinely nice person!
• @ToyotaEquipment : Kyle has Twitter and Facebook on lock-down, never misses giving shout-outs to his followers to promote them, and he always seems to be online… a bit mysterious? We like it!
• @Inhabitat: I enjoy sharing the articles I find on Inhabitat-they are always interesting and fall into the ‘green’ category. It lets me share something interesting across many industries. And, the account posts frequently so I always have lots of articles to choose from.
• @Sungevity: A solar company in California that has engagement and social media down pat! Fun, informative, engaging, and a great industry example.

Additional Comments:

Use lists (but not too many), be personable, and don’t just tweet about your product/service. Retweet great information often, be thankful, and for pete’s sake, please don’t set up an autoDM! I did it too when I was new, but you don’t have to.

More Featured Tweeters