Hi Mark,

This is awesome stuff. First impressions are more important than most people understand. I have been reading the book “Blink” by Malcolm Gladwell, and that’s exactly one of the things he is teaching. We take many decisions based on first impressions alone, and many times it’s the first three seconds that are the most important

We definitely agree on this one Jens!

More focus on first impressions with your social web efforts will help you connect with the right people at the right time.

It’s always great to hear from you : )

You only get to make a first impression once:) So yes! “Make your first impression count!” My goal, every day, as I meet new people. Cheers! Kaarina

Yes indeed Kaarina, you have an eloquent pen there miss!

Yes indeed Kaarina, you have an eloquent pen there miss!

Yes indeed Kaarina, you have an eloquent pen there miss!

Yes indeed Kaarina, you have an eloquent pen there miss!

Yes indeed Kaarina, you have an eloquent pen there miss!

Yes indeed Kaarina, you have an eloquent pen there miss!

Yes indeed Kaarina, you have an eloquent pen there miss!

Yes indeed Kaarina, you have an eloquent pen there miss!

Yes indeed Kaarina, you have an eloquent pen there miss!

Yes indeed Kaarina, you have an eloquent pen there miss!

Yes indeed Kaarina, you have an eloquent pen there miss!

Yes indeed Kaarina, you have an eloquent pen there miss!

Yes indeed Kaarina, you have an eloquent pen there miss!

Dang, you’ve already done “e” words – lol!

Dang, you’ve already done “e” words – lol!

Dang, you’ve already done “e” words – lol!

Dang, you’ve already done “e” words – lol!

Dang, you’ve already done “e” words – lol!

Dang, you’ve already done “e” words – lol!

Dang, you’ve already done “e” words – lol!

Dang, you’ve already done “e” words – lol!

Dang, you’ve already done “e” words – lol!

Dang, you’ve already done “e” words – lol!

Dang, you’ve already done “e” words – lol!

Dang, you’ve already done “e” words – lol!

You are right. I hate the autotweet because of the lack of personality. I followed someone recently and received a DM that told me they had great news, I could follow them on Facebook too.

I had to wonder if they had ever considered what sort of impression that made with me and everyone else they did it too.

Hi Jens,

I really like that book. It made a lot of sense to me.

Automated welcomes don’t leave a very good impression to those who count on the social web. It is ‘social!’

Not going to say don’t use them, just make sure you take another step so you stand out from the rest of the pack and be memorable to those who connect with you. 

Although having stated my opinion and following up with your blog post today -http://www.thejackb.com/2012/01/26/the-best-way-to-blog-is-your-way/

 I suppose the best way to tweet is your way too, eh Jack?

I think you are absolutely correct!

Hi Mark, I completely agree with you. But I have a question. I get followers that are local businesses in places I’ve never been (a real estate agency in Texas, travel agency in Colorado) and followers who tweet in languages I don’t speak. I am not going to follow them back (I’m bumping up against my 2000 follow limit). So what should I say to them as I thank them for following me? I don’t want my first response to them to seem automated or spammy. 

Just curious about your suggestions.

Hi Carolyn : )

I don’t think it’s necessary to say anything to those tweeters you’re not interested in following back. Most of them are auto-follows anyway, or they didn’t really read your bio when they connected. Either way, they’ll stop following you if you don’t reciprocate, or they’ll stay connected if they’re learning from you or they if find your stream interesting. That’s okay too – you’re doing all the work : )

You can pretty much can tell when someone has reached out to connect with you for a good reason, or not. I would just keep your stream full of real people who peaked your interest… These can turn into productive relationships very quickly if you reach out and connect.

Of course this is just my opinion and what I’ve found has worked well for me.

Thanks for stopping by!

You know me; I’ll try to keep it as real as I can, especially if you are ok w/ humor (or my attempt at it). I had 6 new follows today and when I checked them all, I’m pretty sure they didn’t ‘seek’ me out and just ended up on my doorstep another way. I’m not following any of them back.

I really don’t like the autotweet replies when I follow someone. I know people might think they are reaching out but I’m ok if you don’t.

I hope your weekend is going well. 

Yep, I agree on the autotweet – from a business perspective, it sure is a missed opportunity to greet a new connection personally and be memorable them.  

Happy Sunday Bill!

Hi Carolyn,
What is the “2000 follow limit”?
Lori

Hi Mark,
This is great! I’m trying to keep up with the people following me on Twitter, not that there are that many!  I find I don’t have a lot of time to spend there, so maybe I’m not working it right. I use it to find interesting articles and to share the same but I haven’t stepped up to the plate and communicated there as I probably should. Augh! To find the time to do all the things you want to do…..
Lori

I agree Jens, I think I’ve been applying this more to the profile I set up. When I decide whether or not to follow someone back, I do it within milliseconds by reading their profile!

Hi Lori, Twitter limits the number of accounts that you follow to 2000. This limit is lifted if you get enough followers to your account (Twitter doesn’t say how many followers you need to have the limit lifted but it’s 2000 at the most).

After you have more than 2000 followers, Twitter will still limit the number of accounts that you follow to make sure it isn’t too many more than the number who follow you. Again, Twitter doesn’t reveal what the proportions are.

The idea is to keep spammers from following too many accounts without being followed.

Thanks, Mark. I reached out yesterday and had two followers respond starting some interesting dialogue. So happy I followed your wise advice!

It really does make a difference in the quality of people you’re connecting with Carolyn… Glad you found it useful miss : )

All of this social stuff can be a bit overwhelming Lori!

You need to focus on what’s working for you and things you find effective and enjoyable. You’re obviously doing some things very right : )

I started out on Twitter with this social stuff a few years ago, so it has become like a finger or toe!

Hopefully it doesn’t rise the eyes or brain area

Happy Tuesday!