They say that body language is 70% of communication. The way people say things, their facial expressions, what they are really saying behind that smile…are all critical to the communication being understood, for the exchange to be meaningful. Of course, in the online world…via email, instant messaging, social media sites and the rest, where we don’t see people in front of us, there is no way we can duplicate this right? Right.
Or maybe not. Think about it – Because we have the opportunity to so expose ourselves online, in many different formats and unique ways and – here is the kicker – via online video, we are now able to communicate almost identically to how we do it in person, and some would contend, even better. At least more efficiently!
So, the future: We all have less time. We all will need to do more with less. We all will need to communicate with each other. Could the Twitter dynamic…that of short, but substantive, in your face interaction be the template for future content and future communication?
I think, yes. Why?It works. It’s simple. And it aligns with our need for quick, meaningful communication. Yes, not all tweets are substantive. But we are getting really good at filtering this stuff out. What is twitter? It’s a template for future online communication. How do we use Twitter? Often and with purpose.
Here is the deal: Future content, quite a bit of it anyway, will be “micro” in nature…tailored to a specific little group, addressing their needs or wants and delivered in short bursts. Customized, clear, with a call to action…a call to action that addresses something you want or need right now. The reason it will be more impactful? Because the quicker you can address what someone wants right now, the quicker they will be to respond to it, especially when there will be others offering the same thing.
Case in point: If there is a Starbucks and a Peet’s Coffee location, both close to where you are when you suddenly want a Carmel Machiatto, (assuming they have your contact information and know where you are..which may be coming soon..at least the chance to opt in to this), the one that gets you the virtual coupon first will get your business, right?
I got some heat last week for making the assertion that you could market your products and services through Twitter. And although I agree that blatant self-promotion is not what you do with social media, (nor would that be successful anyway) connecting with others who may benefit from what you are offering IS a part of it. And I personally don’t mind it at all.
So, let me know what you think. Where is Twitter taking us? Are we in the middle of a content revolution?
{ 3 comments… read them below or add one }
One word: information. Quick information about what’s going on out in the world. As a person: other people and sometimes businesses. As a business: what other businesses are saying/doing and what the people are saying/doing about your area. It is a vast, new frontier this twitter phenomenon and I have a feeling the deepest wells of potential are yet untapped.
Great post Jon, thanks for your insights. I agree with Emily’s comments, and add that in many cases Twitter enables us to get information from sources we otherwise would probably never know about because they’re individuals or small companies without resources/time for maintaining a website, blog, etc. or live outside our geographic area and wouldn’t meet them in person. Twitter levels the playing field.
For business I think Twitter is (hopefully) taking us to a more one-to-one, personal type of communication, rather than the ‘spray and pray’ completely non-targeted type that many companies do.
sorry for the delay in getting back to both of you on your comments…thanks for the feedback! Yes, it seems that everyday we hear something new about how people are using Twitter..I saw the CEO of Twitter on Charlie Rose last week and the stuff he was talking about..how Twitter has become such a phenomenon, what the future holds, etc..was fascinating. Lets see where it takes us!