As you start following more people, you almost automatically move your conversation to a larger room and some even to a stadium, so there is room for everyone and you can still hear them. However, you also notice that it becomes more difficult to listen to everyone.

At the same time, there are new people ‘entering your stadium’, as they are interested in what you have to say. This is the equivalent of people following you on Twitter, effectively saying ‘Hi, nice to meet you! I am interested in getting to know a little bit more about you’. Still with me?

Personally, I think it is decent that you say ‘hi back’ by following them too, when someone introduces him or herself this way. It is also fun to open new connections!

No More Noise

However when you follow everyone back, you also introduce additional noise…

Noise comes from people that are trying to sell you something or promote themselves, often via automated tweets (you’ve all seen the ‘get a 1000 followers in a week and get rich in a month’ direct messages, haven’t you?). These people don’t understand that the conversation is not just only about them. My advice is to carefully ignore those tweeps as they bring no real value to the conversation.

So how do you ignore the noise and keep listening to the people that provide real value to you?

Meet TweetDeck Groups

TweetDeck is the most used Twitter client available.  I use it too and I’ve created a short video on how you can use TweetDeck’s group functionality to minimize the noise from Twitter. It also included a bonus tip on how to use TweetDeck across multiple devices.

How do You minimize the Noise?

There are several ways to minimize the loud chatter from Twitter. Some just don’t follow back, others move the conversations to FriendFeed as it allows you to create groups from within the service. What is your preferred method? Please write it in the comments area below and leave your name if you want credit.

You Don’t Have To Stop Following People To Get Rid Of The Noise

What are your thoughts on this post? Share your reaction by leaving a comment!

You want to achieve something more when you share your contact details, right?

Perhaps you want to be better remembered or you want people to welcome your business more. Now why not embrace social media to achieve these goals? Let’s look at the benefits of sharing social media profiles on your business card.

Supports Your Personal Brand

A social media enabled business card provides a personal experience to those who receive your card. You make it easy for them to find extra information about you, your professionals skills and company. This helps you to differentiate yourself professionally and support your personal brand.

Take for example the business card you would receive when we would meet for my work as independent contractor. It provide links to the subscription pages of this website, my Twitter account and Linkedin profile. All are direct invitations for you to connect with me online. The back of the card is a larger version of my avatar, making it easier for you to recognize my online identity and personal brand.

Make a Better Connection

Now picture the moment you normally give your business card to someone.

You usually just met that person face to face for the first time, right? By giving your card, you support your efforts to make a connection with him/her during that first meeting.

What if your card triggered the person you just met to also connect with you on social media networks after your meeting?

You get an awesome opportunity to fast track your business relationship.

Give So Much More Than a Card

If you take a closer look at social interaction in business, you see you can only ‘cook’ (do business) successfully with the right ingredients. Whether it is a prospect, your new boss or co-worker, you build successful business relations using the following ingredients:

1. Trust
2. Value

Social Media allows you to give a transparent view of your business activities (helps build trust) and articulate the value you provide. It also allows you to show your sincere interest in the person you just met and give so much more than just a card. It directly enhances your chance of success in business.

Easily Continue Your Conversation Online

Once connected you have a fantastic opportunity to follow up on your first conversation. In the ‘old days’, you just had e-mail or a telephone. Now you have Tweets, Facebook Status Updates, FriendFeed, just to name a few. If your business card enhances the initial connection you make with someone, social media allows you to continue your conversations and build on possible opportunities.

Your Next Business Card?

It makes sense to enable your traditional business card for social media. However, you also have some great alternatives for that small piece of paper. Take Pokens (I like to give them away to potential customers) or Dutch solution My name is E for example. These technologies allow you to create an online business card and share it in real live, all with a single touch via a small device or even your mobile phone.

What you might find however, is that not everyone is ready to adopt to this type of technology just yet. Perhaps if all mobile phone manufactures conform to a single standard for contact exchange. Until that day, we will probably use a combination of traditional cards and this type of technology. Just make sure your card is social media enabled (and you use FSC certified paper), more people will remember you. Guaranteed!

Something to think about when getting new business cards

• What is your business’ social media strategy
• What is the most important information for the person that receives your card
• What do you want people to do when they get home with your card

Do you use social media in your business?

The astounding growth of social media sites such Twitter and Facebook is amazing. It’s also fun and allows you to stay connected with more people than you ever imagined. Does your business card invite people to connect with you? Why not? Love to read your thoughts or ideas on the whole subject! Please share them in the comments area below.

The Secret of a Social Media Enabled Business Card

What are your thoughts on this post? Share your reaction by leaving a comment!