You Absolutely CAN Be A Rock Star

Is Twitter A Waste Of Time For Sales Reps?

by Paul Castain on September 8, 2012

Its that magical time of the week again folks when we get to hang out via The Sales Playbook Podcast and today we’re tackling a tough topic.

Is Twitter A Waste Of Time For Sales People?

I’ll go ahead and spill the beans and tell you that I’m weighing in on this one with both a Yes and all caps NO and if I might upgrade that . . .

A Ridiculously large all Caps NO!

I’ll provide you with several, real world examples of how sales people are kicking ass and taking names in the b2b space oh and I’m not talking about what “social media experts” are doing . . . I’m talking about sales reps in industries like printing, software sales, merchant services, consulting, accounting to name just a few.

Note: My microphone became possessed at one point. We tried an impromptu exorcism including several “Out demons” but it still came through on the podcast in a few spots. I wasn’t about to run out to the Podcast Microphone store on a Saturday night so I figured I’d just leave it and get a new microphone later. Sorry about that folks. Just use your imagination when you get to those parts and in your best New Yawk accent say something I would say.

Download this episode (right click and save)

Resources mentioned during this podcast . . .

How you can capitalize on people complaining on Twitter click here

Here’s another one on that topic The Speed Of Dissatisfaction!

Twitter For The Aspiring Rock Star (this was a webinar that I did a few months back. I have it recorded on our Rock Star University page)

50 Totally Random Social Networking Tips This is a free e-Book You’re welcome!

To subscribe to The Sales Playbook Podcast on iTunes please click here and if you found value in this podcast would you please give us a 5 star rating and leave a comment?

Speaking of comment, thank you to Stephen Lahey who left this awesome comment on iTunes . . .

“The Sales Playbook Podcast is a winner”

by stephenlahey

“I’ve been selling for decades, and I don’t waste my time with anything that isn’t fresh and practical. I’ve never met Paul Castain, but his Sales Playbook Podcast is a winner. Maybe it’s time for me to give him a call.”

This Monday is the last day you can enroll in Castain’s Sales School. Please click here for all the details!

Tagged as: networking, sales 2.0, Social Networking, Twitter

  • http://www.endgamebusiness.com/blog Steve Borek

    Twitter is about listening. I liked how you made this point during the podcast.

  • http://yoursalesplaybook.com paulcastain

    So true Steve.

    There are so many “clues” to be found on Twitter. It could be clues on something they’re looking for. Clues on help needed. Clues on what’s important to them or how to connect with them at a deeper level.
    Thanks for taking the time to stop by and comment!

  • Kristine Allcroft

    Thank you again Paul! I love your Podcasts and your blog posts! Cheers!

  • http://yoursalesplaybook.com paulcastain

    Thank you Kristine’

  • Anonymous

    If you think twitter is a waste of time chances are 90%+ of sales people in your industry do as well.
    So 10% of sales people in your industry have this “sandbox” all to themselves. Is twitter something you want to leave to them ?
    I’m sure a number of companies thought the internet was going to be useless as well.

    Can it be a waste of time. YES !! Does it need to be ? NO !!Paul has great information about following competitors, follow your prospects, follow your customers.
    The key is what to do on twitter that isn’t a waste of time
    The secret is “Re-tweeting”
    If someone is Tweeting or Facebooking and no one is retweeting or reposting then they are just shouting at the rain. If you retweet or repost what a prospect is sending out on SM they will take a moment to find out who you are. This can be more effective than a postcard or e-mail marketing campaign and they will be grateful to you which is a great way to start off a relationship, especially if your sales cycle is long and you need to keep top of mind presence.
    A retweet or repost of your prospects / clients takes 2 seconds and can be done anytime not just 9-5.
    Paul, Thanks for the mention in the podcast. I will be looking for other opportunities to involve you with upcoming projects for my industry.
    All the best

  • http://yoursalesplaybook.com paulcastain

    Great points Wil.

    I came across some awesome advice and I can’t for the life of me remember where I read it. Someone said that when you retweet, tag a question on the end of it. Same thing when you thank someone for an RT.

    The question keeps the dialogue going or encourages one to start.

    Thanks again Wil. . . You are appreciated!

  • http://www.facebook.com/iamheatherstone Heather Stone

    Hi Paul,
    Sales are changing like everything else in business. I think those who ignore powerful platforms like Twitter, do so at their own risk. Nice post and thanks everything!

  • http://yoursalesplaybook.com paulcastain

    Well said Heather and thank YOU!

  • http://www.it-sales-leads.com/ Barbara Mckinney

    Twitter and other social media sites continue to manipulate the sales and marketing industries. It strengthens your brand awareness and it is one of a kind channel where you can answer customers query and feedbacks plus the fact that it helps you building a genuine relationship to your target prospects. You need to expose yourself too thickly in order for you to get notice and be heard.

  • http://twitter.com/PuroCleanPERS Kristine Allcroft

    Not a waste of time as long as it’s integrated with the rest of the marketing/sales approach. Twitter is invaluable for brand recognition and for SEO help. It is NOT for just “broadcasting” – it is social – that means you have to be part of the conversation for it to work.

  • http://yoursalesplaybook.com paulcastain

    I agree Kristine Now if we can only get those who broadcast to listen and engage!
    Thank you!

  • rich filar

    I dont really get how Twitter can be useful for me as a sales rep- However I will be unable to find anyone who cares if I get Twitter or not–

  • http://yoursalesplaybook.com paulcastain

    Very true Rich!

Previous post:

Next post: