Why I Automate: A Twitter Confession Part 1


Yes, I automate some of my Twitter activities.

Not all, but a good deal. I’m here to confess PLUS give my opinion on automated social networking. (And if you think I’m going to be 100% for or against anything, keep reading).

On a recent interview I was on, the host pointed out that “Twitter Pros” see automation as a detriment to world of social networking.  I totally understand where they’re coming from.  When you’re fully entrenched in something, naturally there is a sense of satisfaction gained from looking down on non-purists.

This isn’t a phenomenon confined to social networking; it happens with politics, food, feminism, religion, child rearing, child bearing, education, music, and any other arena of life.

My philosophy of using social networking automation (such as orchestrating  this blog post so it pops up as a Tweet, a Facebook status update, an instant retweet by others, etc) is that it’s a SUPPLEMENT to an already strong, real time presence.

What I dislike (and I’m sure the biggies of Twitter, etc, hate too) is the total absence of real time interaction by people who clog the Twitter stream with information that doesn’t pertain to anyone but themselves. There are certain people I see come on day after day with Tweets that are so obviously not written in the moment, they’re almost laughable.

So here is my opinion: Everything is good in moderation. Too much of anything can kill you (or at least kill your credibility).

If ALL you do to stay highly visible and relevant is manual, real time interaction, then my friend, you’ve just outed yourself as a person without a life. Seriously, unplug from time to time and smell the flowers. Literally.You don’t have to bring the Blackberry or the iPhone into the bathroom with you, to the beach, or to the park when you really should be watching your kids play or experiencing life in real time.

And if ALL you do is load pre-written Tweet after pre-written Tweet, then you’re missing out on the social part of social media. (Reminder: it’s called “social” media for a reason!)

In my next post, I’ll continue the confessional and give you a list of reasons why I automate parts of my social networking. Click here to read part 2.


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About Nancy Marmolejo

I'm a soul-driven strategist who teaches entrepreneurs how to turn followers into fans and fans into clients using social media and heart based marketing. My approach integrates proven strategies and intuitive hits so each client finds her special way to stand out and sizzle in the spotlight.

  • http://www.k2scuba.com/blog Tevis Verrett

    You have me intrigued, I am enticed by the sizzle, tho where is the steak. What does Automation of Tweets look like? Curious minds are awaiting part deux

    <abbr>Tevis Verretts last blog post..How to Choose a Scuba Diving Instructor?</abbr>

  • http://www.homesprosperity.blogspot.com Steve

    I agree with you that there is a balance between becoming too impersonal with automation and become too distracted and stretched with trying respond to anything and everything.

    <abbr>Steves last blog post..A New Pair of Glasses</abbr>

  • http://www.ClickToClient.com Shama Hyder

    Nancy, you hit the nail on the head. It is ALL about balance. As long as you are providing value, I think all is well!

  • http://www.vivavisibilityblog.com Nancy Marmolejo

    Yes Steve and Shama, balance is key!

    Tevis, here is some steak to complement the sizzle, a recent blog post on one of many ways to add to your Twitter stream in absentia. "Twitterfeed: High Visibility, Little Effort"

  • http://itsnohobby.com Richard schnur

    I agree with the moderation part. Automation out of control leads to everyone sending and no one reading.

    I have seen this in safe-lists, traffic exchanges, and free-for-all sites, and even certain types of email. Everyone sends their quota and the receivers have rules to file it in the trash.

    In the end it is just a waste of bandwidth then. Stuff swirling around going nowhere.

    I automate sending quotes and som estatic material, but I also try to add real time info about interesting stuff i am doing (new tools, new sites, etc.).

    I tend to be low on the trivia. I don't think anyone really cares what I'm watching on tv or that I'm watching my grandson, or stuff like that. I want to see value and to give value.

    Regards

    <abbr>Richard schnurs last blog post..Why here, why now?</abbr>

  • http://www.brightlightcoach.com Michelle Casto

    In many things, I am a bit old-fashioned, so I prefer "real-live" human tweets alto I see the value of having many of the operational aspects automated, like automated welcome messages, etc.

    I mean if you are going to have a conversation, have a conversation ;)

    Michelle

  • http://www.biztipsblog.com Denise aka The Blog

    I'm with the majority here. Moderation in automation, but it is OK in my book. Between blog subscribers, twitter followers, FB friends, ezine subscribers, you want to be in front of your community where they are. There is some overlap, but not a lot. By getting blog posts out in multiple places or tweeting reminders about events, you're doing your community a favor, IMHO. And remember, it's their choice to follow or not.

    Naturally there has to be real time interaction or, as Nancy alludes, the automation won't work in the long run.

    Blog on!

    <abbr>Denise aka The Blog Squads last blog post..12seconds.tv: 8 Tips for Creating Video Tips</abbr>

  • http://www.daretoengage.com Anese Cavanaugh

    Hey Nancy! I'm laughing because for some reason your article has the phrase "There's a fine line between pleasure and pain" bouncing around in my head! I'm projecting here I'm sure, but I think it's the fine line of the pleasure of being fully engaged in everything we do vs. the pain of trying to do 10 things at once (including keeping up in tweet land!) Your article speaks to the power of balance and moderation in something as complex (yet simple) as social networking. And as a mom and business owner – I appreciate your perspective and stand for being real, being efficient, staying engaged and smelling the roses! Nice article!