KVR Webtech in Conversation with Social Media Speaker- Mr. John Sparks

John: Attitude and persistence and really understanding that social media in general (not just Twitter) is about helping other people and not about us. When we look at it from a flipped perspective that it is about others and how we can help them and create a positive experience for them online then we are creating value and people will not only follow us but follow us in droves.

John: Great question. After researching all the social media platforms it’s obvious they all have a different purpose. The big 3 are obviously Facebook, Twitter and Linkedin. Facebook has done a great job in branding themselves as the “Friends” network and LinkedIn has done a great job establishing themselves as the professional network. But where do you go to connect with people who are not your “Friends” and not in your professional network that you don’t know? Twitter is the best platform for that. And so growing my following and then sharing those secrets on how it was done and others can do it without much time and money inspired me to write the book. At one level the book is about Twitter, but at a whole other level the book is about other sites you can use with Twitter, Facebook, LinkedIn, and other social media sites to help build relationships and then take those relationships from online to offline and convert them into business!

John: Wouldn’t call anything really a “mistake”. It depends on what the purpose, vision, goals, and end game is. Everyone is different, and there is no cooke cutter approach to Twitter…but having a foundation first is critical. Then develop a strategy that is aligned with this foundation. Once the strategy is defined and you’re looking for more specific ideas that relate back to this purpose, vision, goals, and end game check out the book!

John: I’ve never used Twitter advertisements or advertisements on any other platform to get my message out. There are not any algorithms on Twitter that I’m aware of at the current time.

John: The moment when the first box of books arrived back from the printer. Seeing what I had actually written and being able to physically touch it. I’ve always wanted to put out a book since elementary school; however, one obstacle or another seemed to always get in the way.

John: Relationships. Life is about relationships and so is social media. If it’s not it should be!

John: Always is a pretty strong word. Can’t say there’s an etiquette I always follow. I’m a work in progress. I like to try to treat others how I’d like to be treated, do unto others, and make everyone feel welcome, special, and appreciated in the process. It doesn’t always happen but I like to do my best to try and do this and help others.

Disha: A rapid fire round, few words or a phrase required for the following:
a) Who really is John Sparks?

John:Tweet me & find out @IAmJohnSparks :):)

John: Would really like to perform the Diabolo in a Cirque du Soleil show!

John: Sometime between 5 and 7 a.m. It depends on the day and what is going on.

John: I’ve been blessed with a lot of good friends and acquaintances. Some of my best friends and closest friends you won’t find online.

John: I don’t believe in fear. I believe fears are overcome through one’s confidence in God.

f) Your Favorite Social Media Channel?

John: Twitter

John: I enjoy talking and meeting new people and finding out their beliefs and what makes them tick.

John: Whenever the idea comes. There is no set time.

John: Work is happening on the second book. There’s still a lot more people to meet, share the message with, help, love on, and encourage.

John: I am accepted, secure, and significant. I am God’s child, assured that all things work together for good, and am God’s workmanship. Yes I have faced low moments. My faith in God has brought me through them.

John: Twellow, Pixlr, Manageflitter, Klout, Twopcharts, Tweetchup, and SocialRank are some of my most favorite tools at the time. You can find out more about them in the book 365 Ideas. Check it out at bit.ly/365Ideas.