I’ve been on Twitter for about 5 months now and I absolutely LOVE it!  Let me tell you why.  First of all, the JV possibilities are awesome!  I’ve connected with people that may never have known me otherwise and we’re forming some really cool partnerships.  I’ve also been in front of potential clients that I didn’t even know existed yet.  So, that network has expanded.  The best part about Twitter is that I now have a network of people that I can throw questions out to (and get answers).   Since I’ve connected with a lot of techie/marketing type people, I can ask those kinds of questions and get some really great resources, links and advice.  Many people are also sharing tips and tricks that are quite useful.  Oh, and not to mention, I’ve already gotten a client directly from Twitter (a few others from Facebook, but Twitter made them actually contact me).

As a Coach, Twitter is your opportunity to lead and set the example.  You can essentially microcoach.  Challenge people on Twitter.   Share a philosophy that will split their brains.  Respond to someone’s post and let them know that they are not alone.  Point out when someone is doing something you coach.  When you catch yourself practicing what you preach, let your Twitter followers know what your choice was and how it affected you.  Get in there and let them know what life can be like if they work with you.  Don’t pitch them.  Share your links and your newsletter etc…, but don’t pitch your services.  Show them.

As for strategy, follow your target market and they’ll start following you back.   Offer some useful information, but also let them get to know who you are as a person.  People really appreciate conversation on Twitter, so respond to posts when you see something interesting (even if it’s off-topic).  Have fun!  Twitter is a great social network filled with generous people.  Enjoy that and play.

As for tools, I have been using http://www.twhirl.org, but lately I’ve been trying out http://www.tweetdeck.com (it’s not ready for regular consumption yet…no multiple accounts and it doesn’t have Friend Feed yet…we’re hoping, soon).  http://www.ping.fm is the most handy resource I’ve found yet.   It will post to almost every social network out there that has a status update.  I use that when I want all my networks to get the post.  Mostly I stick to the desktop app though.  Yes, I have Twitter posting to Facebook too.  It’s just so easy.

I have days where I post 30-40 posts in a day.  Other days, I only post once.  Most days, I think I’m around 10 or 15, but I’m not sure.  If you join the ranks of Twittering marketers, post once a week day (minimum).  As your network grows into several hundred people you are following, it can be hard to keep up.  Don’t try! Check in on a few people that are important.  Then think of it as a stream of consciousness.  Jump in when you can, look at what’s around you that you want to add to… then jump out after 10 or 15 minutes.  It can become addictive. It may be helpful set a daily time limit.

Most of all, have fun on Twitter!  That’s what it’s about.