In today’s #DIYMKT Tweet Chat we confronted the issues of connecting with customers.  We all know it’s good to connect with customers, but actually doing it leaves most of us a little confused.

What does connecting with customers mean?

Laurie Burkons (@burkonsconsult) said “Connections are mutually beneficial. Reaching out is one-sided, although the first step in making connections is reaching out. “ That’s helpful because when we use the word “connect” we’re thinking MORE about a sort of emotional connection, instead of mass mailing or even a newsletter.  We’re using the word “Connection” to allude to building relationships.

Cool Ideas for Connecting with Customers using Twitter

I did a little snooping on the internet and found some ways that both larger and smaller businesses were connecting with customers:

• A bakery in the UK (Albion in Shoreditch (@albionsoven)) actually twitters their followers when fresh bread comes out of the oven!
• Koji (A Korean BBQ) has a truck that roams around LA and promotes its location via Twitter
• @nathanegan: Make it as easy as possible for clients/prospects to follow you (put your handle everywhere) – great business will happen!

Best Tools for Connecting with Customers

• @nathanegan: Human Capital SEO – Empowering workforces with a protocol for social presence, blog out soon, subscribe: http://bit.ly/tYb2
• Use www.whistletree.com and schedule regular webinars and training sessions where you can share best practices.

How to Use Twitter to Connect with Customers

• @nathanegan: Make it as easy as possible for clients/prospects to follow you (put your handle everywhere) – great business will happen!
• Schedule a Tweet Chat.  Pick a hashtag keyword, pick a day and time and have a chat around key issues in your industry.

Why are We Afraid to Connect with Customers?

• @nathanegan: We don’t want hear what they would actually say! Social media levels the playing field of sitting back on your past successes

Here are two questions that we didn’t have time to address on the tweet chat:

• One Way to Connect that I’ve Wanted, But Haven’t Figured Out How
• How do you know you’re connected and not just reaching out?

Tell us what your best tips are for connecting with customers!