How to Add Value on Twitter

We have always believed that how you think of Twitter will shape how you behave on Twitter. To those who see it as a promotional stream of noisy one-way information, it is very unlikely that they will ever capture the true essence of Twitter: to connect and be an active part of the conversation. We don’t think we will ever convince people to stop automatically streaming feeds that, quite frankly, no one sees or no one cares about.

So, instead, we will try to convince the “auto streamers” that maybe they should take a moment and rethink their Twitter strategy 100% (do they even have a Twitter strategy?). Here is our list of what we think provides good, solid “value” on Twitter:

1. Post interesting content that YOU choose individually and think would benefit your base on Twitter. It could be anything: a news piece you read, a great (and real) blog post that got you thinking, or, here’s a shocker, it can even be a song or picture that you like. Have fun with it, but the most important thing is to actively decide what you want to post and share, asking yourself: “Will my Twitter base like this?”

2. Thank people and tell them why you are thanking them. We know some people like to DM their thanks. We like to @. Why? Because it creates a conversation and maybe, just maybe, others will join in and then, something cool happens.

3. Make a conscious effort to help others and expect nothing in return. That’s a hard one for many, especially for all those brands that just want to shout out their links to the world, thinking that people will actually visit them. News Flash: they won’t. People don’t care if you are just selling. You are wasting your time and hurting your brand. Please stop as quickly as you can and start over again. Seriously.

4. Connect people to other people, especially if they have similar interests. Some of the best relationships we have made on Twitter came through introductions through other people.

5. It’s ok to promote what you do, just don’t do it 24/7 and with every tweet. Don’t hide sales links under the guise of “blog posts.” Don’t be clever or misleading. If you are going to promote what you do, heck, just say what you do and tell the truth.

Those are our five. What are yours? What would you add?

PS In doing some thinking about this topic, we came across this cool presentation that takes the notion of adding value with Twitter to more specifics. They are some good ideas here: 9 Ways to Add Value Via Twitter

Sometimes Taking a Break Helps

Social media is a paradox, especially when it comes to maintaining your brand out there. Once you commit to it, you have to keep feeding the machine, and with deadlines and other projects, you just don’t have time to do it all.

Sure, people can tell you that you can create a list of 10 things to do each day, focus on those, and achieve your goals. Sounds great as advice, but sometimes (ok, most of the time), life and reality get in the way. Yes, sometimes you can’t do it all, and guess what?, that’s cool.

There will be times when goals will not be met, and we just tell you to resist the feeling of panic. If you have a good social media presence and are still connected with people, you won’t become irrelevant overnight. The best thing you can do is just be honest with people, tell them the truth, and promise them that you will be back.

So, yes, this is our first blog in about a week. We just have not been able to post as much as we would have liked the last week. The reason? We have clients, and when it comes to crunch time and deadlines, our clients are our #1 priority. And guess what, that is ok. Don’t put the pressure on yourself all the time. Take that break and let people know. It’s cool. (And least, we hope.)

Fernando Varela on Facebook: Fan Base Keeps Growing

When it comes to social media, Facebook is and always will be the gold standard. As we have worked the room on Twitter (and don’t get us wrong, we LOVE Twitter), sometimes we forget the fact that Facebook is a more personal space, where people don’t have to think in 140 characters or less.

Facebook is a destination for people. And we are thrilled to know that Fernando Varela is now over 2,000 fans on his fan page (and counting). Sure, coming from the guy (me) who says numbers don’t matter, you might be thinking that I am going against what I always say. I still believe that, but the fact is that numbers do matter if you have established a presence that adheres to the essentials of social media: honesty, commitment, intergrity, and the desire to help others.

The issue now is this: as Fernando’s fan base grows on Facebook, the challenge is to make sure what he and his teams offer and share there will make his fans feel constantly connected to him. Our social media efforts have gone on for over a year now. There is no turning back, and the worst thing we can do right now is take a break.

The work can be a lot, especially when you want to always be consistently posting a variety of updates and content for Fernando’s fans. But you know what makes us feel great? Sure, Fernando is family, but when you stop and read the amazing comments he has received on his FB site from all over the world (literally), then you know that his talent will not be overlooked. We (as in his fans) have the power through social media to share Fernando to thousands, and we know, eventually, to millions. Some might laugh and think we are way in over our heads. We will see. We trust what social media has done and will do for Fernando Varela.

As a special thank you to all who are following Fernando’s career, we offer you this song, one of our favorites: “You Raise Me Up/Por ti seré”

Social Media Tip 4: Auto-Pilot = Lazy

Here is our next Social Media Tip 4. We are still seeing a lot of “programs” and “secrets” to run your social media campaigns on “auto-pilot.” We are here to say: in order to build your brand online with social media, it takes time, work, commitment, authenticity, and discipline.

Let us know what you think?

Our First Social Media Vlog in Spanish: Somos sociales (We Are Social)

We have been wanting to do this for about 3 months, and we just went for it. Here is our first video in Spanish about social media. Presentamos nuestro primer video sobre los medios sociales. Let us know what you think?

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Univision Raises $6.3 Million for Haiti Relief

According to Univision, the January 26 “Unidos por Haití” show on @Sabado_Gigante raised $6.3 million dollars for the American Red Cross. The article also states that approximately 8 millions viewers saw the event, either partially or completely.

In addition, this historic event broke a online record for most “cookies” generated on Univision.com, as viewers caught the show’s live stream and visited the online donation page. Estimates on unique cookies was at 1 million, according to Univision.

In addition, the hashtag #UnidosHaiti on Twitter, reached as high as #4 as the most popular Twitter topic that night in Spanish, according to Twirius.

To all the people on Twitter and Facebook (especially Latinos in Social Media) who took the time to offer their little “grain of sand” to this effort, we applaud you!

We are all Unidos por Haití! And remember, you can still make donations at: Univision Haiti Page.

For #VivaViernes Today: Univision and “Unidos por Haití”

The power of social media is amazing. When our company was asked by Univision to spread awareness about the special Sábado Gigante “Unidos por Haití” (United for Haiti) show, we were thrilled. We tweeted and we shared, and the response has been so geunine. We want to thank everyone who is taking the time on Twitter and Facebook to share this special event to people. We truly appreciate it, especially the incredible support from Latinos in Social Media. ¡Que viva mi gente!

We did a few videos for the event as well, one in English and one in Spanish. What do you think? Feel free to share and pass along if you like.

Here is the Spanish version:

And here is the English version:

Also, keep following us on Twitter as we tweet more about this very special event. You can do so with this hashtag: #UnidosHaiti. And while you are at, follow @sabado_gigante as well. We have noticed that ever since this event started going out on Twitter, people have begun to follow the show. That is so cool! It should be a fun and amazing night tomorrow.

For this #vivaviernes, we are ¡unidos por Haití!

Estrellas latinas apoyarán el evento de “Unidos por Haití” de Univision

Estamos ayudando a Univision a compartir más información sobre un episodio especial de “Sábado Gigante” este sábado, el 23 de enero.

La Cadena Univision acaba de anunciar lo siguiente:

“La Cadena Univision anunció hoy algunos de los artistas que se unirán a Don Francisco en “Unidos Por Haití”, una edición especial de “Sábado Gigante” con cuatro horas de duración en vivo, dedicadas a recaudar fondos para ayudar a las víctimas del terremoto en Haití a través de la Cruz Roja Americana. El especial se transmitirá en VIVO el sábado, 23 de enero del 2010 a las 7pm hora del Este y Pacífico (6pm Centro) por la cadena Univision con transmisión simultánea a través de la cadena Galavisión.

En un conmovedor gesto de solidaridad, un estelar grupo de artistas han confirmado su participación en el especial incluyendo a Alejandra Guzmán, Chayanne, Daddy Yankee, David Bisbal, Gloria Estefan, Graciela Beltrán, Luis Fonsi, Natalia de La Quinta Estación, Olga Tañón, Pee Wee, Ricky Martin, Shakira, Thalía y Willy Chirino, entre otros. Estas celebridades se unirán a la familia de Univision en un esfuerzo no sólo por recaudar los fondos que se necesitan con urgencia para ayudar a las víctimas, sino para también ofrecerle un regalo de esperanza a la comunidad Haitiana.

Además de las presentaciones musicales desde los estudios en Miami, “Unidos por Haití” también contará con segmentos en vivo desde varias ciudades alrededor de los Estados Unidos, incluyendo Los Ángeles, Nueva York, Washington D.C. y San Juan, Puerto Rico; así como la República Dominicana y Haití. El programa especial también se transmitirá en diez países alrededor de América Latina.”

Si estás en Twitter, sigue la siguiente categoría: #UnidosHaiti para aprender más sobre el evento.

Latino Stars To Headline Univision’s “Unidos Por Haiti” Event

We are helping Univision to spread the word about a very special episode of “Sábado Gigante” on Saturday, January 23.

This just was announced from Univision:

“The Univision Network announced today some of the performers who will join Don Francisco in “Unidos Por Haití” (United for Haiti), a 4-hour live special edition of “Sábado Gigante” (Giant Saturday) dedicated to raising funds for the earthquake victims in Haiti through the American Red Cross. The special will air LIVE Saturday, January 23, 2010 at 7pm ET/PT (6pm Central) on the Univision Network and will be simulcast on Galavisión Network.

In a moving outpouring of support, a star-studded lineup of artists have confirmed their participation in the special including Alejandra Guzmán, Chayanne, Daddy Yankee, David Bisbal, Gloria Estefan, Graciela Beltrán, Luis Fonsi, Natalia of La Quinta Estación, Olga Tañón, Pee Wee, Ricky Martin, Shakira, Thalía and Willy Chirino, among others. These artists will join the Univision family in an effort to not only raise desperately needed funds for the victims, but to also bring hope to the Haitian community.

In addition to the performances from the studios in Miami, “Unidos Por Haití” will also feature live segments from various cities across the U.S., including Los Angeles, New York, Washington D.C. and San Juan, Puerto Rico, as well as from the Dominican Republic and Haiti. The special program will also be broadcast in 10 countries across Latin America.”

If you are on Twitter, follow the hashtag: #UnidosHaiti to be updated on fundraising efforts.

Don Francisco de Univision: Edición especial “Unidos por Haití”

Estamos muy orgullosos de poder ayudar a Univision a promover un evento muy especial para recaudar fondos y apoyar a las víctimas de los terremotos devastadores en Haití. Este sábado, el 23 de enero, Don Francisco presentará una edición especial de “Sábado Gigante,” titulado “Unidos por Haití”.

Todos los recursos de la compañía serán utilizados para este programa especial e incluirán las personalidades de Univision, TeleFutura y Galavisión quienes se unirán a Don Francisco para apoyar los esfuerzos.

Comenzando hoy hasta el sábado, nosotros estaremos comunicando este evento a través de nuestras cuentas sociales. Síguenos en Twitter con esta categoría: #UnidosHaiti para más información sobre lo que puedes hacer para ayudarnos. Queremos comprobar que la comunidad latina en línea, especialmente Latinos in Social Media, puede promover eventos especiales como éste.

Favor de ayudarnos en línea, aquí en este blog, o en Twitter. Haití necesita tu ayuda.

¡Unidos por Haití!