Back in May I made a decision to investigate Twitter for internet marketing as my preferred social media promotion resource. I did not intent to exclude any of the others but when there are so many to choose from it makes sense to pick one and focus on it. Twitter had obvious advantages for a software development company. An easy and transparent API with a fun bunch of people behind it demonstrating an interest in developing a service rather than screwing as much cash from it’s membership as possible. No banner ads, no fancy flash ads, heck not even a cookie is required to operate Twitter.
The first book I read dealt with the API which was great if you like that kind of thing. What I needed was something that dealt with the use of Twitter from an end user perspective. I needed to know what twitter was like from a business user point of view. What was twitter’s attraction? How can it be used by business? What advantages does it offer over other social media resources? How could it be used to leverage sales? Could it be used for customer support? A list of pros and cons for business use.
Amazon offered two books that cover the subject I was looking for. Amazon reviews offer a balanced view and are useful but with the two books I shortlised it looked like the authors had employed cheerleaders for their books, and nay-sayers for their competitors (I’m sure that’s not what happened but check them out for yourself and you will see what I mean).
As I had heard of Joel Comm I took a closer look and with an endorsement from Anthony Robbins felt compelled to give it a try. I must add had I known Mark Joyner had given an endorsement I would not have given the book a second look.
Some critics of Joels book say he treats the subject too elementary. He assumes nothing and if you are new to the Internet you will find this useful. It’s not correct to say that this is a waste of time for long term Internet users. Amid the explanations you will find Joels take on how something should be done and why. This is invaluable for any Internet user, especially the experienced as it is so easy to forget the most fundemental tasks sometimes. For example one reviewer criticised Joel for explaining how to upload your background image to twitter. This is perhaps elementary stuff that 99% of twitter users could do without being told, but the reviewer omitted to mention Joel explains the value of that image and how to best make it work for you. The real message was lost to some reviewers and it will be reflected in their timelines.
Not everything in Twitter Power will be a revelation to you, many of the tasks you are familiar with will be enhanced by Joels thinking. Think of Twitter Power as a game plan to the knowledge you need to build your business. You will find out how to avoid disaster and how to maximise opportunity and that makes the book a useful tool for any online business.
Joels book is about understanding Twitter and making the most of it. He writes (or is it Ken Burge) in a casual style that is focused on the task. He wastes no time trying to be clever or complex. His formula for success is straight forward and can be read by anyone without needing a PHD. My rating therefore is five stars. He delivers his message in a quiet and uncomplicated way, if you believe twitter can help you in business and your social life then this book is for you.
Tags: internet marketing, twitter
