Moving onto other platforms....

I've been blogging on blogger.com for several years and now giving wordpress a try... If you've found me here, now try it over there :-)
http://www.bettyhakes.com

Have a great one,
Betty

Why do I use Twitter?

Twitter seems to be the new buzz word around business and social circles.  Non-twitter users ask me to main questions:

- What is Twitter

- Why do you use Twitter 

Well, the "what is Twitter" has been answered all over the 'net - but in a nut shell, it's a micro-blogging tool that allows you to share information to whomever is reading your posts (aka: tweets).

So why do I use Twitter?  For several reasons:

1. to share information I feel others want to know or could be useful to them

2. to promote products, services and events

3. to develop relationships with other online users

And, here's the key to folks who say they don't have a product to promote:

4. as a person who works from home, I feel more connected to others by quickly  communicating using Twitter (and Facebook).  I can read what everyone is up to and be able to communicate out to other on what I'm doing or what my thoughts are that day.  Plus it only takes a few minutes and about 140 characters.

For home-based business owners or professionals working out of their home, Twitter is like the water cooler of the office. 

That's my .02 -- what about you?  Why do you use Twitter?

60% Twitter users dropping out within a month

Recent studies are indicating that although Twitter is growing by leaps and bounds, the readership may not be what we think.   

However, a Nielsen report estimates that over 60% of Twitter users quit after their first month. Twitter’s 40% retention rate is higher than it was a month ago. (Pre-Oprah retention averaged below 30%.) But social networking giants MySpace and Facebook manage a much higher retention percentage (60%) of new users each month. - source: http://www.marketingcharts.com/interactive/6-in-10-twitter-users-jump-ship-each-month-8928/?utm_campaign=newsletter&utm_source=mc&utm_medium=textlink

As a Internet marketer, I'm wondering ... how come?  All us Internet marketing experts have jumped on the band-waggon and stated (and most of the time have proved) that Twitter does work with:

1. reaching your target market; 

2. providing quality information in which you seek; 

3. grow your business (and social) network -- or some call it "your tribe"

4. building your brand

5. promoting events (I've filled a room full of Six Sigma professionals for the User Group exclusively using a combination of social media)

So why are 60% of users opening an account and not following or contributing to the dialog such as they do with Facebook?

Maybe they think its the fad of the week?  Perhaps it's useless noise they've encoutered or "information overload."  Perhaps we need a different technology or tool that allows you to communicate more effectively within your interests.  I for one like to provide useful information to others -- but must admit I enjoy tweeting about where I went to lunch and how I feel about the weather today.  It's fun and I want my friends to know how I feel and how I'm doing.

Utlimately, I believe Twitter can be different communications vehicles for different people.

Have you signed on to Twitter and then abandoned it?  Please share why....  marketing minds need to know.... :-)

You can post comments below.

Cuban Cooking Class scheduled for May 12th

Join me as I prepare the following menu on May 12th at CooksWares at Harpers Point:

• Toasted Pita Chips with Corn and Pepper Salsa
  
• Cuban Style Tilapia with Saffron & Potato White Wine Sauce
  
• Citrus Marinated Nuevo Cuban Chicken
  
• Garlic White Rice
  
• Individual Orange Butter Cakes with Crème Anglaise

For additional information or to register click cuban cooking class link: http://www.cookswaresonline.com/Classes/Class_090507HP_Cuban_Rodriguez.html

Cincinnati Business Connections

The Cincinnati Business Connections is a group of dynamic professionals who are leaders in their fields in the Greater Cincinnati area.   The group focuses on bringing value to the community and area businesses.  

By sharing ideas, resources and quality advice each individual business becomes stronger and able to offer added value to its customer.  

See participating vendors at: 

http://www.masonmetu.com/cincinnati-business-connections.php

Missing Dog

I am a petite female Toy Rat Terrier who just wants to go home. I am 2 ½ years old with black and white on my body and brown and black on my head. I was last seen in the Rosemont/Whispering Springs/Greenbrier neighborhoods of Mason.   If you find me, please call my mom. I go by the name of Casey.

(513)309-5506

How do you choose a Six Sigma Project?

Learn and share your own ideas with other Six Sigma professionals at the Cincinnati Six Sigma User Group on Thursday, November 13.  Get details at http://www.isssc3.com/cincinnati_six_sigma_user_group.asp