The best way to get more value out of Twitter is to give more value. How do you do that? Here are 9 simple ways by HeatherO

1. 9 Ways to add value with by
Acknowledge ‐ simply acknowledging another human being is a powerful thing!
• Simply reply to something said like "good morning", with "good morning to you!"
• Or “sorry to hear that” to someone who is having a bad day!
Add ‐ you can add tremendous value to others by sharing all sorts of links, videos, photoset.
• Do you want to make others laugh or brighten their day?
• Look for videos and pictures, or even quotes that do that!
• When you come across interesting articles or posts, simply share them!
Answer ‐ answering questions could be including under "aid" but is so important, I have listed in separately!
When someone asks a question, answer it! If it's a good question that you would like the answer to as well, do
a quick search for an answer and pass it on!
You don't have to wait for those in your stream to ask them either! A great way to connect with new people is
to run a search for "?" and see what comes up!
Aid ‐ in the same vein as above, when someone needs help, ask yourself if you can help them. Do you know
someone that could? Introduce them!
Again, this is a great opportunity to meet new people.
Do a search for the word "help" or "I need" or "looking for".
Not only is this a great way to help others and meet new people, but you might just find someone who needs
your business services (or those of someone that you know) as well!
Affirm ‐ Like Acknowledging, this is a very powerful thing! (Online and off!)
When you respond to another affirming their comment, belief or their value, you not only make them feel
good, but you are doing so "publicly" which adds to their reputation, possibly their following and adds value to
others who may be "looking for" people like them.
Appreciate ‐ Ah, the highly underestimated power of "thank you". There are few words that have more power
or that will bring you more "karma", love, "whuffie" or whatever you want to call it!
ALWAYS take the time to thank anyone who mentions you, responds to you, gives you a shout out or anything
else that you can think of!
Even if it's "thank you for being you", you can never go wrong with sincerely thanking another human being.
"Advertise THEM" ‐ whenever you have the opportunity, help promote others. This applies to those who are
in business, are working on a cause, or whatever. For example, instead of just tweeting "you're great, thanks!"
Try "Thanks! You're the best website designer ever!”
You can also do this by retweeting them. If someone tweets out info regarding a fundraiser or event for
example, retweet it (RT @_________ event info)! This shares that information with those who follow you.
There is no greater way to affirm, appreciate, acknowledge, add value and advertise than a RT!
When you see a tweet that you want to reply to include the original (or part of it) to ensure that others not
only understand the reply, but see the information.
Like this: "@heathero thx4 invite to the tweetup this tues at 7pm at the X cafe! Looking fwd to it!" versus
simply saying “thanks, I’ll be there”.
About YOU ‐ This one's is a tiny bit tricky. People want and need to get to know you. But don’t "overdo it".
"It's not all about you!"

2. People are automatically drawn to, and feel closer to someone when they "know your story". No matter
whether you are in business, or "tweeting" primarily for "business purposes", this is all about developing
connections and relationships! There is no "business you vs. personal you". You are you! You don't want to
have multiple personalities here! If you are an attorney who loves to hop on your Harley every weekend, talk
about it! The few people that might "turn off" are people you probably wouldn't want to work with anyway!
There are MORE than enough people!
Share your day, your photos from the game, your "bloopers", your triumphs! People want to know who you
are (that’s why they are here!)
About your biz ‐ this is the hardest part for most people!
Many overdo it, and others are terrified to do it!
IF you offer something of value in what you do, there is no reason not to share it with others. HOWEVER! It's
all in the intention! If you are tweeting about your business purely with the intention of making a sale, that
will be considered spam (or a turnoff at the very least) to many.
We all want to make a living, and sales are not a bad thing! Just remember that when people know, like and
trust you, they want to do business with you! They may even help promote you!
If you are always shoving your business in their face, they won't like you! It's no different than real life! It's
perfectly accepted and expected that you would share info w/your friends if it truly is valuable and would help
them. For example, sharing articles about the improvement of the housing market, or that interest rates just
dropped makes sense, and adds value!
Tweeting "Off to show houses today, call me for all of your real estate needs" is cheesy!
AND you appear inauthentic because it appears that you are trying to "slip it in there".
If you want to OCCASIONALLY promote yourself, do it "out loud"! Be honest!
Like this: “Hey guys, I'm looking for 2 new buyers to help this weekend. Do you know of anyone that I can
help?" Sometimes it even makes sense to just add (“shameless plug”) to it!
In summary, follow the platinum rule: treat others the way THEY want to be treated" (or in this case
"tweeted!")
Give more than you ask for. Don't keep score, just give more!
When you aren't sure, ask yourself "is this more for me or more for them?" When it serves both, that's great!
Ask yourself what this would "look like in real life?"
Do you look like the guy who only shows up at the party when he has his business card or flyer in hand?
Finally, ask yourself "who do I want to be" rather than "what do I want to get".
Think about this: If someone googled you and read your "tweet stream" would they see someone with "a life"
who engages with and helps others, or just tweet after tweet of themselves or what they are selling?
Give and you will receive, grow, and become,
More than you ever could imagine!
For more information/tips like this, or for permission to reprint/distribute visit www.HeatherO.com
Copyright 2009