Here are some snippets:

So, here are some reasons why you should dive into the world of Social Media:

• You’re curious. I didn’t know what Twitter was or how it could help me until I started using it.
• It’s a great idea-generator. You never know when your next great idea will hit you, but spending a few minutes a day on Twitter could spark something.
• Get some perspective. You have the chance to see the world through many other people’s eyes – including your customers’.  Having that perspective can be invaluable.

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There are many more reasons to participate in Social Media.  But what about the reasons you shouldn’t?  Here they are:

• You want someone to do it for you. Forming connections with people and representing your personal and professional brand is something you have to do yourself.  If you can’t commit the time, don’t bother.
• You want to use it to “advertise”. Social Media is not conventional media, so using it to do conventional marketing just won’t work.
• You want to do it just to do it. It’s fine if you want jump in and test the waters, but don’t spend significant dollars on your Social Media presence until you have goals and a strategy for meeting them.

Read the whole thing. What did I miss?

Photo credit: jurvetson

The answer is simple. Be creative. Take advantage of opportunities that present themselves.

An excellent example of Twitter marketing is happening right now in my hometown of Milwaukee.Two local bars, each claiming to have the best burgers in town, are staging a contest to settle the matter.

#BURGERCHALLENGE pits three burgers each from Stack’d Bar and AJ Bombers. Customers order their burgers and Tweet their rating on a scale of 1-5. The promotion runs Aug. 31 through Sept. 6 and includes specials on food and drinks. It is taking place exclusively on Twitter. No other advertising or promotion. No strategic planning.  No board room meetings with ad executives.

Organic. Spontaneous. Cheap.

I spoke to the two bars, @stackedbar and @AJBombers, (on Twitter, of course) to ask them about the contest.

As you might imagine, #BURGERCHALLENGE started on Twitter. “We were issued a challenge by @AJBombers so we ran with it and decided to invite all our Tweeps,” tweeted @stackedbar.

That’s what’s great about Twitter. Ideas often just pop up. To take advantage of them, you have to first be present, and second have the ability to run with an idea.

The other advantage of Twitter is enables you to move fast. Both contestants decided early on to keep #BURGERCHALLENGE exclusively on Twitter, partly because they could get it done quickly. “It was happening pretty quickly,” said @AJBombers, “and at its heart [it is] really just a fun idea that all began [on] Twitter.”

So, the question of course is, does all this work? It’s great that these guys (I think they’re guys) are enjoying themselves, but it’s all just fun and games unless it’s actually doing some good.

Both @stackedbar and @AJBombers are looking for exposure for their two, locally owned independent businesses, with increased traffic being a bonus. Judging by the buzz it’s already generated on Twitter, I’d say their first mission is already accomplished. Indeed, @stackedbar agrees: “…the whole thing is already a success!”

But will it generate preference, loyalty and sales for these two Cream City burger joints? Watch this space for an update with post-game reaction from the two contenders. And to find out who won. I’ll give my ratings, as well.

And if you’re in town, by all means, stop by one or both and enjoy a burger and a beer.