I realized something today. My welcome greeting was all wrong. By all wrong, I mean, it’s not really the way I wanted to project myself as an author. What prompted the realization was a post by Nick Thacker, a blogger I respect and who is creating, I think, a positive influence in the world of self publishing.
Nick has a post titled, The Ultimate Social Media Guide for Writers. The general theme of the post is that Twitter, and other forms of social networking, can be a pleasure and benefit to use if you figure out how to use them effectively. Nick refers to it as “add[ing] value to the conversation.” He draws from his experience in marketing and what he professes were a lot of mistakes starting out, but what he brings to the table now is certainly worth noting.
There’s something about Twitter that’s always bugged me. It’s a great platform, don’t get me wrong, but it seems like so many people treat it like it’s a gigantic networking event.
You know the type–slick salesmen walking around throwing their business cards at people like ninja stars, and forty thousand Avon or Sensy candle reps trying to get your attention.
Sometimes people treat Twitter like that as well. For those of you who think Twitter exists solely to slam your wares down other people’s throats, let me be clear:
Stop.
Sure, I would like to sell a few (more than a few) books. But, I know those books will eventually sell themselves because they are well written and have an interesting story. They probably won’t sell themselves, however, if all I do is tell people to buy them, which is why my greeting became something of an embarrassment to me.
I didn’t really want my first interaction with someone to be for them to check out my books. After all, I know how it feels to receive a greeting telling me to buy something. I don’t think I have yet clicked on a “buy this” link someone told me to go to. I have, however been intrigued through my interactions with fellow social media users to see what they’re all about.
I certainly have been pleasantly surprised by many of the people I have met through Twitter. And after meeting many of you, I decided that the best use of a greeting isn’t to push you to buy something, but to wish you the best in wherever life takes. you. After all, no one ever gets there alone.
Eric, thanks for the really awesome shout-out–really, I’m honored and flattered!
I’m glad you liked the post, and I’m really glad you’re sharing it. Social media-based networking is something that’s going to be here for awhile, and so it’s important for us to understand it and its ins-and-outs.
And, while my auto-response welcome DM on Twitter actually points to a preview chapter of my book, I did have every intention of one day pointing first-time guests toward my sales/landing page. I’m starting to reconsider–I think there’s a better way to add value through that message.
Again, thanks for the kind words and for being a good sport about my earlier post–I was mainly trying to call you guys out for your awesome social platforms, not JUST your sweet profile pic!
Haha, talk to you soon! Regards,
Nick
Nick, the back and forth has been fun and definitely brought another element into making connections through social networking. You made me re-think my philosophy about Twitter and social media networking, and in the process it’s been fun. I hope other people take time to learn from what you have to offer.
Thanks again,
Eric