RLDParis, businesses are indeed using Twitter to not only build relationships with customers, but to market sales and offer coupons. When I opened my Triangle TRACKS and Charlotte Twitter accounts, I looked up all the children’s companies I could think of to see if they were on Twitter, and I began following them if they were. I’ve gotten great insight on Barbie, Harry Potter and Legos that way!!

Justin, your response via your blog was excellent and on point. I found myself agreeing with the way you’re looking at these issues. We must share the same POV on this. Thanks for taking the time to write such a thoughtful response!

I like what you’ve said and agree. I keep getting hung up on the inability to measure results via Twitter. I’m spoiled by Google Analytics and WordPress’ Analytics information and I guess I would just like to see some way of measuring Twitter as well.

You’re so right to say many people who do have degrees don’t always know what they’re doing!

Your point about being “willing to learn” is the key, IMO. This is a new “frontier” as our friend Pat wisely said. We are all explorers and those consultants who are called experts by others show a willingness to learn that others can see and appreciate. They will get the business of a client over someone who states outright he/she is an expert. Agree?

2) I think the things you’re asking are very valid and as yet unanswered on a large scale. IMHO, what it comes down to is that Twitter – and many other social avenues – can be and will be what each person/business wants them to be – given their unique approach, ideas, time constraints, etc.

3) What strikes me for all the “social media” talk is that when it comes down to it, none of this is really all that new. Faster, yes. More instant, yes. Better tools, yes. But for as long as I can remember, people have been sharing, meeting, talking, connecting each other, spreading things virally – all online. The latest tools are just a more modern outlet for that.