I’ve been asked many times if it’s a good idea to have a professional Twitter account in addition to a personal one. I created both but ended up deleting my personal account after a sales guy found it. I didn’t post anything controversial, nor did I keep my tweets private because of swearing. I just wanted a space to share my thoughts without a client, for whom I was promoting a white paper, having to scroll through my conversations with my cousin in Rhode Island.
But I learned something the day that sales guy contacted me. Underneath his pitch were the following words:
I liked that one of your twitter handles is life, love,humor. A great combination.
Let’s stay in touch… I will put you on our newsletter list, and please do same.
Although it was a sales pitch, I was impressed with his online “footwork.” He found my personal account, mentioned it in a note and kindly said he’d be adding me to his newsletter list and offered me the chance to do the same. Well played, sir.
I started to consider the advantages and disadvantages of having both a personal and a professional Twitter account. Was there really any difference? Why was I trying to hide who I am online? So, I deleted my personal account and focused on my professional one. There, I tweet about the latest product we’re promoting, trends in social media, my newest post on my mommy blog, and more. You don’t wear a mask when visiting family, friends, or your partner, so why disguise yourself online?
If I haven’t convinced you and you’re still thinking of creating personal and professional Twitter accounts, here are a few things to consider:
Are you going to keep the two active?
What will you share on each?
Do you plan to make your timeline private?
Will you be promoting yourself in a positive manner? (Remember, anything and everything you post online can be retrieved)
Can you share any pros and cons to having two separate Twitter accounts?