April 2009

Ok, as a marketer that’s a DUMB question, right…

I discovered Twitter not too long ago. Actually, I “tried it on” when it launched, but only started tweeting when it started to gain critical mass (So  maybe I’m not that much of an early adapter but I shouldn’t admit that, right?) Anyway , now I’m in love with Twitter because it gives me a place to be myself, which honestly, is not necessarily a great thing for business. Hmmm, let me say that another way, it’s not as much fun to use Twitter as a business tool (as an act of transparency, we have two clients currently on Twitter and the team is having a blast sending out tweets).

As a communications professional I should be tweeting about ROI marketing strategies, strategic brand alliances and how to run a successful WOM campaign (I’ve certainly executed my share of them). BUT, I’d much rather start a novel  on Twitter (I did, it was bad), or just write about random, goofy things, that might not make any sense to anyone (“maybe gooseberries are God’s gift to the peeps”) but that make me chuckle. As a lifestyle pr person we know what we should and shouldn’t say (I recently remarked on PETA’s campaign to rename fish sea kittens and wondered if I was asking for trouble since I represent fashion brands and some do fur). But living an edited life IS NO FUN AT ALL. Honestly, all work and no play makes Val a pain in the butt to be around.

So, in the midst of putting together spokesperson and sponsorship deals, launching a new website and television program featuring creative ways to live the good life “for less” (can we possibly afford Kelly Ripa for a guest appearance) I’m going to tweet about whatever strikes my fancy. It takes the edge off. Everyone has to find their own bright spot out there andmine is being silly and strangely transparent (if you know me) on Twitter.

Follow me at http://twitter.com/valival

Follow BBC at http://twitter.com/brandbuildingco