It used to be a bad thing when someone called you a “twit.” Now it means you’re a part of their community. In fact, head on over to Twitter and follow me, I’ll be happy to call you a twit

So, what the heck is Twitter? It’s a cool social media platform that’s a bit hard-to-explain. Basically it’s a social media micro-blogging platform. You have 140 characters to get your message across to the community (how’s that for tight copy?)

I was a hold out on it for a long time; thought it a waste and inconsequential but as I experimented with it I saw it for what it really is… transparent marketing.

The more transparent you are, the more appealing you become. The “why” is simple… we want to do business with folks that are genuine, appealing, and real… not some emotionless corporate entity. *blech* Let’s face it, this is why social marketing is so powerful.

That’s the transparent part, so what about the other business and marketing aspects? Here are 7 ways for you to start using Twitter for your real estate business:

1. Personal Branding. A great way to develop your personal brand of being an approachable expert.

2. Drive Traffic. Use Twitter to drive folks to your latest blog post, an interesting website, news story, home listing, open house or success story. (Yup, I’ve seen all of these on Twitter)

3. Business Networking. Twitter is a social software based on connections so it’s pretty easy to meet and bring like-minded people together, especially those in the same industry. You can only email or teleconference so much, Twitter is an easy way to deepen relationships and gain referrals.

4. Friendsourcing. It’s social so, yeah, use it to make new friends outside of your industry. When you find someone who’s interesting, follow them and drop a “hey” their way.

5. Team management. You can also manage your team through twitter. Beats CC emails and SMS all day long. Everyone stays on the same page and can contrubute to the conversation as it progresses, in real-time.

6. ToDo List. I don’t do this so much but it’s easy to jot down an idea or task while you’re away from the computer. It even integrates with Remember The Milk and Nozbe.

7. Set Up Meetings. I’ve done this: when I’m setting up shop at a cafe I’ll message and let folks know I’ll be there to meet fellow twits. Informal and casual.

Hmmm… think you could send out a tweet that you’ll be at ABC Cafe giving first-time home buyer advice (or whatever)?

I’ll be covering more on Twitter as I delve deeper into it. Hopefully, though, you now have some ideas on what to do with this wonderfully simple yet powerful social media tool.

If you’re not on Twitter, go and set up your account then follow me

HomeStomper asks: Post your Twitter link here. If you have any other ways your using Twitter, what are they?

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Mark Eckenrode is known as the "King of Click, Buy & Beg." A Master Guerrilla Marketing Coach, he helps his UltraStomper Coaching members get more people to Click, Buy & Beg for their real estate services.