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: @Therm_All

Twitter Bio: We offer a complete line of insulation, doors, windows and green building products for metal building systems. We have 30 years of experience. Tweets by Bridget

Company Name: Therm-All Insulation

City/State: North Olmsted, OH

Main Website: www.therm-all.com

Facebook Page:  http://www.facebook.com/ThermAllInsulation

Admin Name:  Bridget Mahovlic (until 8/6/12)

Klout Score: 53

Followers: 634

Following:Follower Ratio: 1.45

Questions:

1. When did you start your twitter account?

May 18, 2010.

You mean I actually have to do some research for this interview? *Rifles through dusty records* The account was created by someone within the company last May, but I took over in early November.

2. What was your biggest obstacle in twitter?

Overcoming the initial feelings of intimidation. As I said, someone else within Therm-All started our account back in May but hadn’t tweeted much. It was my job to come in and save the day. Have I saved the day? Not yet. Have I tried? Heck yeah.

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

Schedule? Twitter? Unfortunately, I don’t tweet as often as I’d like. Things pop up, meetings fly by and next thing you know you haven’t tweeted all day. I’m getting better at making Twitter fit into my daily routine, though.

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

Don’t over self-promote. If you only ever tweet, “ABCXYZCompany can offer you a lower rate if you visit our website!” I’m not following you.

Twitter is for sharing information and communicating WITH fellow users—not at them.

5. What is your favorite hashtag and why.

Definitely #FBLT (Facebook Liking Tuesday). @Sundt originated the concept of designating a day in the week where business pages trade Facebook links and “like” each other. It’s proven to be beneficial for both our Facebook page as well as our twitter page. I’ve met some great people, both within the construction industry and outside, through it.

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

We’re not getting paid to say this (although we’d consider the idea!), but @RigginsConst was the first real twitter handle that made me say, “Ah, OK. I understand now.” I also have to give kudos to @Sundt for being another big early influencer.

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

@AzDuraWrap is pretty hilarious. @DoverProjects and @SanJosePlumbing are also great. A few new friends are pretty cool, too–@ABC_Plastics @CombotronicsInc and @RockportPlumber.

Additional comments:

Oh yeah, follow us! @Therm_All

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