Mike Dillard UNFOLLOWS 10,000 People on Twitter?
Written by Jeff Schechter on Mar 16, 2009 4:41 pm
Read More: Gossip | Marketing | MLM News | Social NetworkingToday I received an email from Mike Dillard, stating that he has had a change of heart regarding his Twitter account. Orignally, Social Media Maven Perry Belcher had convinced him to follow everyone that followed him, out of politeness, and to increase the number of Mike’s followers. but now, Mike is going to UN-FOLLOW 10,000 PEOPLE? That seems crazy!
In Mike’s own words, here is his logic….
“…It’s not the number of people who follow you on Twitter that matters, it’s the number of people who actually listen to you.
And if everyone is just “reciprocal following” everyone, it’s not because they WANT to listen to that person, but because they’re trying to increase their exposure and number of followers…”
In the end, reciprocal following simply dilutes the power of an application like Twitter because it’s a behavior that’s motivated by greed instead of authenticity, just so we can all enjoy the illusion of having more followers…”
OK Mike, I hear what you’re saying, but honestly, I DON’T AGREE. Twitter is a tool for CONNECTING with people. If you only follow the people you know, then how will you network and meet new people? I’ve recently made some great new friends on Twitter. I am currently in a situation where I’d like to add more followers, but I’ve hit the limit at 2,000, until my follower ratio catches up. There are some people who have just started following me, that look very interesting to me. They could be future friends, affiliates, business associates, or even JV partners.
OK, I don’t agree with Perry Belcher either. I don’t follow every single person that follows me. Politeness? Rubbish. I follow MOST people that follow me. If they have interesting tweets (posts), and seem to bring VALUE to the community, I want to follow them. I have gotten some great tips, and been directed to some great links by people who I’ve never met. I’ve never even interacted with them on Twitter. Of course, these are the people who make it to my “special” feed on TweetDeck, as I will try to interact with them at some point. These are the people I want to get to know.
As Twitter goes mainstream, there will be a lot of debate on this subject. What are your thoughts?
Shecky
PS Oh yeah…follow me HERE on Twitter
http://twitter.com/ReallyShecky
Views: 2,340
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Comments: 23 
About the Author: Jeff Schechter
Member Since: 03/27/2008
I'm a Distributor For:: Numis Network
Industry: Marketing and Advertising
Primary Web Site: http://www.JeffsBusiness.com
What Works
On this topic, I agree with Mike Dillard. I think what Mike is referring to is having a list of people you "follow" and using TweetDeck for the people you "really follow".
It's a little deceptive. But regardless, I think the best way to use twitter will vary from person to person... business to business. It's simply what works for the individual and what fits their values and business-type.
So aside from spamming, there really is no right or wrong way to use it.
-Ferny
Should you follow or not follow?
I disagree with Mike Dillard and I agree. I do understand what Mike is saying, and FOR HIM, his stance may be the appropriate one.
It may not be for YOU.
Here's why... it depends on YOUR intention(s) with Twitter.
For the most part, I have to lean more on the disagreement side, because there are more pro's than cons.
Con #1: Your message will reach LESS people.
Sure, maybe everyone following isn't a "true" follower, but maybe they will grow to BECOME one. Also, what if some of THEIR followers recognize you, or identify you? Isn't it beneficial to appear on their stream?
Also, if you post a controversial, funny, interesting, or informative Tweet... then the probability of it being "re-tweeted" is dramatically increased.
Con #2: You may piss people off.
Because Twitter is so new... people haven't quite made up their minds on what exactly a "follower" or a "followed" person is. Some may think you follow someone to receive their updates. Some may think you want broaden your exposure. Some may think you want to be their friend.
Also, because of Twitter "identifiers" some may feel offended. Some people will feel like, because they follow you, if you don't follow them (when they are making an attempt to be valuable) that you are kind of telling them "I'm better than you".
That may not be what you are telling them, but if that's what they HEAR, then that's all that matters. In marketing... their perception matters, NOT yours.
Depending on THEIR viewpoint, which will ALWAYS slightly differ from your own, they may be offended if they feel they also contribute value, yet you do not want to be their friend. I'm not saying to be friends with everyone. What I am saying is that... if say, I requested to be someones friend on Facebook, and they DECLINED the request... then I would likely NEVER send them a friend request ever again.
Do you want to be alienated?
Con #3: You're going to meet less people.
Twitter is a social media platform and tool. In otherwords... it is a NETWORKING opportunity. So why would you want to limit your network? If you want to, then thats fine... their is nothing wrong with that, as long is that's in line with your intentions. But you have to be content with your decision and PURPOSE for using Twitter.
In essence, the more people you meet... the more people you're going to know... and the more people you're going to do business with. It's an obvious and mathematical certaintly.
Benefits & Tips for using Twitter effectively AND fulfillingly:
First we'll talk fulfillingly. Twitter is a networking tool, and it is also an update tool. For both reasons... Twitter should be FUN.
Just because you have a lot of friends that drown out your more "immediate" friends... doens't mean you have to alienate/exclude or miss any of their messages, or one's you particularly want to see.
There is nothing wrong with using tools like Tweetdeck, to create friend lists that you want to make sure you see updates from. And it's there's also nothing wrong with "joining the whole public conversion" to network, share, and meet new and interesting people. That's where new relationships, followings, and followers will come from.
So you should really be paying attention to BOTH crowds. Friends, followers, and the followed.
As far as using Twitter effectively...
From what I've seen, you want to follow a few simply rules, that are really nothing less than common sense.
1) You want to provide VALUE.
2) You want to be DIFFERENT.
3) You want to be COURTEOUS.
4) You want to be INSPIRING.
5) You want to be FUN.
Another tip... you want to BE SEEN. The more you are seen by your followers, the more they will recognize and bond with you. On the flip side, this will also determine their judgement of you... so make sure you're putting the right image out. (ie: a valuable one)
I believe those guidelines will turn you into a Twitter rockstar.
So in closing...
Networking with everyone will not mean that they will network back.
Following everyone you want to will not mean they will follow back.
Being everyones friend will not ensure they want to be yours.
However, what being in front of more followers, users, and really PEOPLE will do for you... is give you the opportunity to GAIN MORE ATTENTION, interest, respect, and more followers.
IF you do this correctly... more followers = more friends = more customers = more business = MORE MONEY.
Winning the Twitter crowd WILL take work, it WILL take time, and it WILL take consistancy... but who said it was easy? ;)
-David Schwind
Follow me: http://www.Twitter.com/DavidSchwind
Surprised
I was surprised that Mike decided to follow all of those people to begin with. At Mikes level, he should follow the people that he feels are several levels above him so that he may grow in a direction that he chooses. People like Eban Pagen, Frank Kern, etc. Would most people decide to do this, probably not. But Mike has earned the right to change his mind. I for one will not be one of the pissed off followers. Do your thing Mike. Dana
Social Media Psychological Experiment.
I find the entire conversation and responses fascinating. This is a S.M.P.E in the present, I hope someone is writing a paper on this. Hey I should.
In all seriousness, some people are down-right upset and feel slighted and others I've read are going to un-follow Mike and then others seem to be un-phazed or on the fence.What strikes me are the range of emotions that seem to be involved. Fascinating stuff.
All the buzz will now drive traffic like crazy to Mike D! I don't believe that was the intention but a welcomed rush of Google searches and web-site views are sure to follow. I read his e-mail and found honesty and much agreement on my part. I've listened to Perry and his recommendations as well and thought hmmm. Now comparisons from 14,000+ to 200+ and a Mutil-Millionaire to a Thousandaire :) is Mike and myself. So we have completely different needs and purposes with our businesses but I agree more with his decision then I disagree.
I will continue to follow this interesting turn of events and as always continue to learn.
Thank-you for reading my first post,
Tim Bruce
http://www.fblink.com/TimBruce
https://twitter.com/TimBruce
Unfollow yes or no?
Hi Jeff,
yes, Mike also unfolowed me. Why? I do not know. First I thought it is because I cancelled the "innercircle" after the first issue I received... But than I received the next edition without paying and suddenly PPC Classroom, Mike Filsaine and other also hand out everything for so called "free."
Why is this of interest to you, if Mike follow or unfollow someone? Does it really effect your business?
Is this attraction marketing?
Bernhard
Its almost Laughable..
Why anyone would even care if Mike Dillard is following them or not, come on folks, get to work!
Life Doesn't revolve Around Mike!
He should have never followed everyone in the first place, but followed most people. Business is management & he cannot obviously manage it all. Twitter is a great tool if used appropriately. Look at Perry Belcher, how often do you see him anymore? It's not right That Mike is doing what he is doing, but we can do nothing about it, so get on with it already. As Perry Belcher commented in a video of his, that those who are not following many, compared to followers, are basically saying a big screw you & really don't care about other people. I get Ferny's point because he is close to Mike & writes for & about him. So of course he's got Mikes' back. But the truth is, if any of us did it, it would not be a good career move, so to say. But it is what it is & we can't do anything about it, so forget it & keep going.
Great Comments
Wow...love the responses....love the controversy....lol!
David....thanks for your amazing insights. You said it better than I did.
Tim....thanks for your first post....rock on, bro!
Many others....this article was NOT intended to be about whether Mike likes anyone or not (including myself). It is intended to analyze some of the finer points of using Twitter, which is becoming an important tool in a marketers aresenal.
Shecky
Tim, Bernhard and Paul are
Tim, Bernhard and Paul are exactly right. Why do people care sooo much about a decision Mike's making about his own Twitter account. Why are there so many emotions attached to this?
I've been following Mike almost since I joined Twitter and he hasn't followed me back - Do I care? Not really. I simply send him a @Reply when I need to tell him something - and he responds when necessary. Job done. Satisfaction and all.
EVERYONE that commented here should go over to the forum and share your feelings - whether you agree or disagree about - The Twitter Backfire
If I Were Dillard, I'd Do What He Did. But I Do It Differently
Mike Has Hundreds of Thousands of people on his email list.
If I were him I'd use Twitter to identify and cultivate key relationships from the audience I already had.
But as someone still building my audience to break my first 100,000 qualified email prospects, I use Twitter differently.
Instead of using it to identify and cultivate a manageable number of relationships at a controllable level, I consider it more like one might consider an email list (you can't network or communicate with them all). I use Twitter to build as large of an audience as I can (mainly only following people who share similar interests or who are clearly active in my industry). When I follow them many follow back. I don't follow everyone just because they follow me. But I do follow others (aiming for my target audience) and do that to increase my following as well.
The result has been nothing short of astonishing.
The other day I tested how many people I could drive to a blog post with Twitter vs. email. Both lists are over 30,000 so it was a good test. I wrote about it thoroughly and more of my thoughts on why I use this strategy here at Mike Morgan's forum post The Twitter Backfire
-Mike Klingler
Who Cares What Mike Dillard, Does? ! !
It's insane to be concerned with who Mike Dillard is following. I'm even aggravated that I got an email about it.
Do What Works For You
Hi Everybody,
I think maybe Mike could have started a second twitter account or something, and just had a specfic group of friends to follow there or something. Although making a dramatic announcement is definitely good for business, though...
That said, because twitter is such relatively new phenomenom, who's to say what's right and what's wrong? There are a hundred different ways that social networking is approached, and some work, some don't. I don't think the name Mike Dillard will suffer any consequences, and it's not about him anyway. What works for you? I personally haven't been active on twitter lately, but I still get 10-20 new followers per day. and I follow them all back....with an invitation to meet me on Facebook (Another controversial subject in twitterville, I know). And you know what? A lot of people do join me on FB and I've met some great people.
The bottom line is you can't get your nose out of joint over what someone else is doing with THEIR business. Just pay attention to growing your own, and you can tweet with as many people as YOU want to. And you also have the option to un-follow Mike Dillard if you want. Imagine that.
Hope you are all having a great day :)
whatever
sure, it might offend some people, but i understand both points of view and agree with both in a way. in the end its up to the individual to make the choice, and mike has made his choice. nothing you or anyone else can do about it. whats done is done. just move on. spend your energy doing something more productive other than worrying about this. whats thats saying?? "no point in crying over spilt milk"??
I Agree
I agree with you wholeheartedly Jeff. It makes sense to follow those that offer value. Did any of us actually meet Mike Dillard face-to-face before we interacted with Magnetic Sponsoring, Traffic Formula, or Better Networker? The majority of us (dare I say 95%) did not. I agree with Mike about authenticity because that's what his business is all about. I also agree with you Jeff that we should seek and provide value as often as we can. That's what this is all about.
Good Article
Nice article on the subject Jeff! I agree with your views too and I mentioned it in the forums.
That's exactly what social media is about: meeting people. imho it's kind of self-centered to only follow people who want to listen to YOU. How about giving a few strangers a chance to show YOU that they're worth your time?
I don't use Tweetdeck, I don't make lists, and I'm reaching 1200 followers and followed. I open Twitter everyday and randomly look at what's on my first page, and I randomly RT people and I randomly @ reply to people, and everyday one of my random followers or followed stops being random and becomes a real contact. And to me, THAT's what it's about. Not so much about the amount, but about adding new people to my life.
cheers
Caro.
Mike Dillard has a Point,
Mike Dillard has a Point, and he's proving his point to others so they can open their eyes and see what's really happening here. Yes it can be more business for a selected few,but for most it's like crossing your fingers behind your back and hoping someone "Reads What You Have To Say" and maybe just maybe have someone join you on a venture or opt in to your page. Look around how many friends online do you know more than their website? It's a sad game for the most part. I'm no Mike Dillard but I'm educated enough to know it doesn't take 10,000 friends to be successful , a handfull of friends its all it takes.
Mike Dillard has a Point,
Mike Dillard has a Point, and he's proving his point to others so they can open their eyes and see what's really happening here. Yes it can be more business for a selected few,but for most it's like crossing your fingers behind your back and hoping someone "Reads What You Have To Say" and maybe just maybe have someone join you on a venture or opt in to your page. Look around how many friends online do you know more than their website? It's a sad game for the most part. I'm no Mike Dillard but I'm educated enough to know it doesn't take 10,000 friends to be successful , a handfull of friends its all it takes.
Mike Dillard has a Point,
Mike Dillard has a Point, and he's proving his point to others so they can open their eyes and see what's really happening here. Yes it can be more business for a selected few,but for most it's like crossing your fingers behind your back and hoping someone "Reads What You Have To Say" and maybe just maybe have someone join you on a venture or opt in to your page. Look around how many friends online do you know more than their website? It's a sad game for the most part. I'm no Mike Dillard but I'm educated enough to know it doesn't take 10,000 friends to be successful , a handfull of friends its all it takes.
Gimme a break
Mike D is fine doing what he does guys. It's just like in real life.
When you read a newspaper don't you just follow the news items that are of interest to you? Similarly you'd follow tweets that follow your interest, simple!
Who cares what Mike does?!?
You know what, Mike has a view on this and it was to un-follow people. Others just follow whoever and never look at Twitter. If you have thousands of tweets to look at everyday, you could be there for a very very long time and given the BS that a lot of people post on there, what a waste of time!!!
Twitter can be a great resource and each and everyone can use it the way you want. I am not sure if Mike deleted any random people or specific one that bothered him... sounds hard to do with 10 000 people! But I am not sure he needs twitter anyway.
Sandeep puts it very simply and truly. Twitter is like a paper, you get what catches your eyes. If it gets too much for you, vaccum your list!
Post things of value, to people of similar interest and you'll see that you can get somewhere. Take the advice you want from whoever you want1 But the most important thing is that you make it enjoyable, as well as profitable for your followers and yourself at the same time!!
oh, and here I am: http://twitter.com/FlorenceBernard
I have a hard time keeping up....
I have a hard time keeping up with the people I know. I just started my twiter account and I want people to follow me. I would like someone with a great big list to follow me and jump in and join me in my adventure. Isn't that what most are doing there. I think that is what Mike had in Mind when he joined. If Mike was following me, and he was not, and he stopped. I would think, " He never looked at a thing I was doing. He was just pretending to be interested in me so I would be interested in him." There is a lot of that going on. So don't follow me unless you know me. Get to know me a little or mind your own business. Just kidding. If you want to know more about me just google my name. I'm Bob Polan. Not the one cooking the ribs. The other one.
Intentions and situations change.
Peoples intentions and situations change and we just have to respect that. So, we as marketers must take time out for introspection and know before hand our intentions and desired end result with twitter; or any marketing platform for that matter. Nothing is set in stone either, like Mikes decision.....responsibilities, situations, and people change so respect it!
If you need help in using or understanding twitter like me, head over to Mike Klingler's and Ann Sieg's new blog for training videos from beginner to advanced. For those of you who know Mike, you know how thorough his training is.
http://mlm.renegadeprofessionalblog.com
Take care,
JC
NO RIGHT OR WRONG - IS RIGHT!
You can only have that many followers if people believe you are delivering value. For the time being, I can only say that I have benefitted from followers already. And the more I learn, the more I realize how much I don't know. Wisdom or arrogance is all in the way it is perceived. That being said, Mike Dillard has always spoken from a position of abundance and this is totally consistent with what he has always taught.