Do You Twitter and/or Use Facebook?

If you’re techno-savvy or have a teenager, you know exactly what I mean. Twitter is an internet-based vehicle for answering the question, ‘what are you doing’? [Those in the know call this microblogging.] Twitter allows users to post short updates of 140 characters or less, which in turn attract ‘followers’ who voluntarily subscribe to read your status updates. Your responses are called your ‘tweets’ because the word sounds similar to ‘Twitter’ while also suggesting the idea of a bite-sized brief.

Similarly, Facebook (FB) also allows users to post status updates to the ‘What-are-you-doing?’ question, in addition to maintaining your own web page that can be filled with personal photos and a variety of other FB-generated content, like quizzes, virtual gifts, favorite quotes, and more. 

These two entities can also link to one another through Twitter, where users can opt to send twitter updates directly to FB so both are consistently current. All of this content is free to produce and use. 
 

So, how is all of this relevant for adults? While parents should be hip to what they’re kids are doing online, business people may want to explore Twitter and/or FB as a means of strengthening relations with fans and building business. Status updates are available on both sites, but the difference is that these updates are all Twitter has to offer (no pictures or extras like on FB), which can be a good thing for a strictly business use. Alternatively, use both–or just FB–if you want to showcase new pictures of jewelry or start a fan page (JCK has done this).

For example, Lana Fertelmeister, owner/designer, Lana Jewelry, posts photos of her newest collections on her FB page so her fans are always in the know about new lines. 

Andrea Hill, principal, Hill Management and Consulting, maintains two twitter accounts—twitter.com/andreahill (business development tweets) and twitter.com/mentorwerx (personal/professional development tweets)—as well as a FB page that is linked to twitter.com/andreahill (these tweets show on FB). Through these accounts, Andrea inspires clients and potential customers with words of wisdom and positive messages, thereby reinforcing her brand and abilities as a business coach. 

Finally, this JCK editor is utilizing both mediums at twitter.com/jenniferheebner and FB as a means of keeping interested parties in the loop regarding new products, trends, and business tips and insights gleaned from daily contact with industry experts and travel to international jewelry fairs, as well as JCK’s latest magazine articles and blog posts.

How do you use Twitter and/or FB? Let us know by posting a comment.   

 
Don’t forget to:
* Follow me’ on Twitter to read helpful, one-sentence insights on the jewels, trends, and business commentaries I glean from walking the show floor. 
* Become a fan of JCK on Facebook to see photo albums industry friends (you might already be on there). And finally, 
* Update your subscriptions to JCK and JCK Luxury are up to date so that you don’t miss any print coverage in the coming months.