New to Twitter? Who to follow…

I’m relatively new to Twitter, Who you follow depends on how you use Twitter and what you expect to gain by using it. There are, however several that are worth following regardless of your industry. These tweeple just get it. They know how to harness the power of Twitter and social media and guide conversations.

@chirsbrogan

@guykawasaki

@jowyang

@briansolis

Otherwise, who you follow is dependent on your interests. Once you start tweeting, you will inevitably gain followers, some that are interested in topics you write about, some spammers. My ‘filter’ is a quick look through the ratio of followers versus following, if someone is following 2,000 people, but only has 53 followers, that person doesn’t have time for me. Also, if the page of updates are a little too spammy for me, I won’t follow. A few good resources:

Twellow

2008 Unofficial Top 50 Tweeples to Follow

Twitter Search

One of my personal favorites, @fakesarahpalin. Of course, you can always start by following me, @susanconyers. What are your favorite resources? Who is on your “must follow” list?

Still Undecided…

The closer we get to the presidential election, the more unsure I am about the candidates campaigning for my vote. Each day, news or propaganda surfaces that makes the decision even more difficult. I came across a post on Mashable with a collection of links, both official and unofficial, to help navigate the muddy waters. Included in Mashable’s post are links to both parties social media efforts including MySpace, Facebook, LinkedIn and YouTube pages.

What Mashable didn’t include were Twitter accounts. You can follow Obama @barackobama and even Hillary Clinton @hillaryclinton. Obama automatically follows you back, while HRC doesn’t. Interesting, considering the “elitist” finger-pointing that was going on not too long ago. Obama is one of the most followed people on Twitter, while HRC is followed by about 5,000 but follows no one. Discuss.

Mashable – Educate Yourself Post, 25 Sites about McCain and Obama

One thing I am decided on, as tonight’s debate starts, I’ll be following @debatedrink for rules on tonight’s debate drinking games.

New Media Meets Muncie Politics

As the election looms, I’ve had enough of Obama ads on Facebook. When the candidates first announced their campaigns, we all watched (and participated) in fascination of their strategists’ use of social media marketing. Remember, Obama announced his veep choice via text message?  Never before have we witnessed an election in which there were so many new marketing channels. This election has been dubbed “YouTube Election” or “Facebook election”.

As an evangelist of new media for smaller markets, I was pleasantly surprised to see Delaware county circuit court judge candidate Diana Frye advertising on Facebook. Judge Frye is running for Delaware County Circuit Court 4. I do remember Muncie Mayor Sharon McShurley’s Facebook page,  with a mind-blowing 44 members. Penn Station in Muncie has more fans (64 members). I don’t believe either of them use Twitter, which is unfortunate because I think they could influence their constituents’ perceptions of their politcal personas by shaping their stories instead of allowing The Star Press and local media to have editorial control. Twitter could also help shape perceptions of accountability and innovation by communicating initiatives, ideas and activites – all within reason. Would definitely bring new life to transparency in government, which is something everyone would benefit from. Kudos to Mayor McShurley, Judge Frye, their election staff for staying abreast of the election marketing revolution that social media channels have enabled. Next up for these candidates, better branding. What Hoosier can’t identify Mitch Daniels’ brand?

My Man Mitch (Daniels) brand

 

 

Is new media reshaping old school local politics? Probably not to the degree Facebook, YouTube, Twitter and their cousins have shaped the presidential campaign, but hopefully locals are taking notes. Apologies if I missed any other local politicians on the new media scene. Any other small market politicians you’ve seen using social and new media well?

 

Update, 10/5/08: Coincidentally, Judge Frye’s team was canvassing my neighborhood yesterday and one of them stopped to give me information. I mentioned my blog post about Muncie politicians using Facebook and social media. The girl that I was talking to happened to be Judge Frye’s daughter, and she and her sister set up their mom’s site as well as created her page on Facebook and Facebook ads. Kudos to the two of you.

5 Ways to Improve Your Personal Brand

1. Register your name as your domain. This should be a no-brainer, but I’m surprised how many marketing professionals don’t “own” their name. This is especially important for social media and new media marketers. I use Go Daddy for my domain management and point my name to my blog hosted at WordPress.com.
2. Consider using social cards for your personal branding efforts. I use these mini cards from Moo to include items that are not on my corporate business card such as personal email, Twitter, LinkedIn, Facebook, web site. Bonus points for design consistency.
3. Make yourself valuable. Everyone has something to offer, but develop your expertise in a subject, make your content wallable – that is, worth the effort to read, watch, or listen.
4. Listen. Google yourself. If you don’t like what you see, you’ve got work to do. Read up on SEO.
5. Start small. Read other small blogs, comment and link to them. They’ll appreciate your effort.

Thanks Chris Brogan!