This is the third post in a series about how to use Twitter to form relationships for business and personal connections (which could lead to business, too, right?).

One of the quickest ways for me to explain how to properly use this platform is to use a real-life analogy.  Pretty much everything you can do in person while networking can be done online now, with the notable exception of a handshake or hug.  Video conferencing even allows you to make eye contact with the person you’re getting to know.

If you’ve read Dale Carnegie’s classic “How to Win Friends and Influence People”, you may recall that the first of his “Six Ways to Make People Like You” is this one:

Be Genuinely Interested in Other People

In fact, if you spend your time asking questions of others at a networking event rather than talking about yourself, they will later describe you as one of the most interesting people they met that day.  Simply put, being interested makes you more interesting.

When I’m working with real estate clients or interacting at a networking event, I have used a “talk show host” mindset for years.  I ask questions and sincerely listen, in an effort to learn more about them and their needs.  If you want to see a true master of this craft, watch Johnny Carson via DVD or online sometime.  Here’s a link if you would like to see a good example of his skills in action: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Gu9cSMy-k4Q (interviewing a then-22-year-old Michelle Pfeiffer).

One of the other reasons Johnny Carson had such a long career was because he was a tireless promoter of others.  His show provided a stage for comics who were virtual unknowns and he could instantly put them on the map.  Over the years, he met pretty much everyone who was worth knowing in entertainment.

With that in mind, when you’re using Twitter or any social media platform, think about ways to help promote other people and their work.  If you retweet interesting and entertaining stuff, those whom you’re helping will take notice.  DON’T overdo it, however, because you want your efforts here to be authentic, not forced.

I tweet more than average.  Okay, I tweet a lot more than average.  I have over 29,000 tweets at this point.  That being said, I ALWAYS notice when someone takes the time to retweet what I have shared.  I try to remember to thank them each time, too, although I don’t always remember to do so. Consequently, I would be more willing to help someone that I already “know”.  Become a known entity.

As I mentioned before, this is the type of thing that will come in handy for you and your business in general, not just online.

In a nutshell, if you take the time to help others get noticed for their work, blog, event, or cause, and you will be noticed, too.  Don’t focus on the superstars exclusively – they have ample support.  Don’t forget to help the people that seem worthy of attention who don’t have a huge following already.  That being said, doing both will help in the long run.

Thanks for reading!

Here are the first two posts in this series if you’re interested:

How to Use Twitter – Tip #1 – Start or Join a Conversation

How to Use Twitter – Tip #2 – Panning for Gold Nuggets