by Kate Hall, Richmondmom.com Founder, geek and lover of social media 
I’ve spent most of my time as of late with my growing client list sharing my experiences with Twitter and Facebook.
I try not to take too personally that they’re more interested in these outlets at times than what Richmondmom.com can do for ‘em.
Since many of my businesses are locally-owned (which I love!) many of them being owned by Richmond mompreneurs, it’s a topic that I love to discuss and one that’s particularly meaningful for Richmond businesses.
Here are some of the questions we discuss:
1) What do you talk about on Twitter?
Well, anything, actually. It’s not just a forum to spout off promotions, specials, or to sell products or services, but rather to share ideas, learn from other Richmonders (and those around the globe, if you so desire), and clearly to stay front-of-mind with your customers and colleagues. I love to cut up on Twitter, mostly for my own entertainment. But don’t get me wrong, it’s a great way to share information on my site with folks who seem to like it and hundreds click into my links every month.
2) Why is it meaningful for mom-owned businesses?
It’s meaningful and important for all businesses to have social media presence, but in particular for moms like me lacking brick-and-mortar signage and space and with a need to reach a wide audience, this is where social media forums really become of value. Through your pc or phone you’re able to converse with, ask questions of, or share your information with a wide audience while being in the comfort of your own home (or office, if you have one.) For moms like me that are on-the-go and often at my clients’ place of business, it’s a critical means of staying in touch. Think you can’t afford the time? In my opinion you can’t afford NOT to do it.
3) How much time does it take?
As much as you want/like. As with any other form of PR, what you put into it is typically directly proportional with what you get out of it. For me, Twitter and Facebook allow me to learn so much from others in the community, and I’m able to share that information with my readers, friends, and clients, so it’s very useful. I subscribe to the Times-Dispatch, The New York Times, and other publications on Twitter so I’m reading the news while I’m learning about what Richmonders are doing. It’s a win-win.
4) What if I’m not a business owner. Should I tweet?
Of course (or as my 7-year-old would say, DUH!) This is another critical outlet that many stay-at-home and corporate moms (notice I didn’t say working moms, because that’s a redundant descriptor) can use to connect with other women sharing the same struggles, challenges, and successes (yes we all hope for a few of those daily!) whether it’s potty training, tantrums, or choosing a college. Imagine wanting to go somewhere fun with the kids, or to a new restaurant, or on a date night (gasp!) and having a whole group of cool technology-minded, friendly folk willing to offer suggestions at the click of a button. Doesn’t get much better than that. There are a ton of cool Richmond mom blogs to read, too, many of which are active Tweeters.
5) OK, give me an actual example of how it’s worked for you.
From a purely transactional standpoint, I had an instance where the Dr. OZ show called me (quite out of the blue–thanks Google!) and asked me to promote their “Real Housewives of Richmond” and needed moms to enter their fitness program. I had JUST sent out my weekly e-newsletter and I’m a stickler about not spamming my readers, and they wanted a quick turnaround. Voila: thanks to posting the link with details on Facebook and Twitter, and all the friends who “shared” the links (or Retweeted in Twitterville) the story went around several hundred times and the Dr. Oz show had a nice batch of Richmond ladies from which to choose. All the while, I was at Great Wolf Lodge with my kids and the word was being spread. Thanks, social media, for giving me a day off!
Have questions? Email me. or better yet, tweet with me: www.Twitter.com/Richmondmom
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