Following is a recap and transcript of the June 9 #smbiz chat where Kim Fenolio (@kfenolio on Twitter) of America’s Best Companies gave tips on the best ways to use Twitter for business.

@smbiz Q1 Is there a right way to use Twitter for marketing your small business? #smbiz

@kFenolio Q1) Many argue there isn’t 1 right way. I say lots of wrong ways. So if there are wrong ways, there are definitely right ways. #smbiz

@kFenolio Q1) There is no one right way to use Twitter for marketing your business, you have to find the way that’s right for what it is that you do. #smbiz

@merylkevans Q1 What may be right to one person could be wrong to another and vice versa. #smbiz

@kFenolio Don’t use Twitter solely for self-promotion. If you don’t want other people’s adverts in your face, don’t do it to them. #smbiz

@kFenolio Snobbery. If you’re not social or even acting interested in others content you come across less approachable. #smbiz

@kFenolio @parisiensalon Twitter is part of social media, lending to the need to being social within it. Social and human. #smbiz

@smbiz Q2 What’s the worst way (or some of the worst ways) to operate a business on Twitter? #smbiz

@kFenolio Q2) Don’t claim to be something you’re not. Eventually you’ll be found out and it will be far worse for you. #smbiz

@merylkevans The definite no nos — doing nothing but linking to your site, nothing but quotes, and nothing but RT (no original ideas of your own) #smbiz

@SternalPR @kFenolio Are there certain “social rules” unique to the Twitter experience - compared to real life biz? #smbiz

@kFenolio Good Q @SternalPR! Twitter leaves pretty much a pernament footprint of interaction. A digital record. Not the quite the same offline. #smbiz

@nathanegan Q2: Best way: Strategically map it to your business model. #smbiz

@kFenolio Q2) Always using the buzz/ big words. They’re cool and all, but you have to relate to people. Be approachable! #smbiz

@nathanegan Q2: Keep in mind that ALL social media is just another communication and public relations tool, like the TELEPHONE. #smbiz

@smbiz Q3 How do I get more followers? #smbiz

@kFenolio Q3) Start by following people 1st. Find /follow in chunks, not hundreds or thousands at a time, otherwise u come across as a spammer. #smbiz

@SternalMrktg Q3: Be patient, follow slowly a few every day not hundreds all at once. People watch ratio of follows to followers #smbiz

@kFenolio Q3) If you’ve made some contacts on Twitter already, consider asking them to share with their network why they should follow you. #smbiz

@SternalPR @kFenolio How do u feel about those technologies that auto boost your follow numbers? Good for business use? #smbiz

@merylkevans Q3 If you use twitter in a genuine way, the followers will come. @kfenolio correct that following too many at once is spammy. #smbiz

@wordpost Q3: Follower count alone means little (cf http://bit.ly/11XeKc ) Better ?=How do I build better relationsihps w/ followers? #smbiz

@kFenolio Q3) Try to keep your following versus follower counts about even. It shows reciprocal interest and not 1-sided from you. #smbiz

@merylkevans Q3 @kFenolio exactly — if you find your numbers getting lopsided, do a little weeding. It takes time to build your numbers right. #smbiz

@SternalPR @kFenolio Are there any twitter apps that “advise” you and ur twitter account as you build your network? #smbiz

@marcbitanga Q3: Post RT worthy content & use hashtags. People will follow if you post worthy content. #smbiz

@kFenolio @DIYMarketers Twitter does not have a “governor” for followers/following lopsidedness. #smbiz

@Whistletree @merylkevans For weeding through who we are following I like Untweep and Tweepular. Any other suggestions? #smbiz

@parisiensalon Q3 @marcbitanga - Isn’t using too many hashtags make it look like you’re trolling for hits? #smbiz

@kFenolio @SternalPR That’s a good question about an app to advise you as you build. I’m unaware of one. If there is, I’d recommend it! #smbiz

@smbiz Q4 How do I keep my followers interested in my business? #smbiz

@kFenolio Q4) Make sure there’s a person behind the business who they can get to know and trust. Be relatable and personable. #smbiz

@merylkevans People can instantly tell when you’re racking up numbers instead of being genuine in building your network. #smbiz

@kFenolio Q4) Offer incentives for them to keep customers coming back. Entertain or Educate are the 2 most important things. #smbiz

@marcbitanga Q4: Post with the audience in mind. WIIFM test (What’s in it for me?) #smbiz

@kFenolio Q4) The wrong way: Don’t send auto DMs. Don’t badger. Don’t tell them that they SHOULD be interested in you. #smbiz

@smbiz Q5 What are some ways to get your business attention and get noticed on Twitter? #smbiz

@kFenolio Q5) Try to be the first one there. Be original. Be creative. Pursue those who can help you reach your goals. #smbiz

@kFenolio Q5) The wrong way: Don’t just do what everyone else is doing. The same thing gets boring and monotonous. #smbiz

@SternalPR @kFenolio If u have a blog, is it ok to promote ur own blog postings? If so, any rule on frequency? #smbiz

@SternalMrktg Q5: Search out both customers and influencial people in your industry #smbiz

@kFenolio Q5) Beyond conversations: Run contents, give-a-ways, trivia. Require people to RT your messages to enter. #smbiz

@marcbitanga #smbiz Use Twitter search or Y! Sideline to listen for topics relevant to your biz; then join the conversation or offer help

@kFenolio @SternalPR You’re there to make money for your biz, so yes promote yourself. Think how often you’d want to see someone elses promos. #smbiz

@kFenolio Moderatoin is the key in any self-promotion. You’re there to increase your bottom line so be smart. 80/20 ration = not bad! #smbiz

@SternalMrktg Q5: Share info about your industry, help people learn more and they will appreciate you plus RT #smbiz

@vpbx Q5: It’s good idea to find vocal niches. Ex: we’re big proponents of women in business exp has show that. You can build on that. #smbiz

@kFenolio The wrong way: Don’t jump in /out of social media. Maintain consistent presence, even if it’s only 1-2 msgs here & there. #smbiz

@kFenolio Don’t forget you’re creating relationships here. All relationships require time, energy, effort and attention. #smbiz

@smbiz Q6 What’s the best way to get into a specific niche or find someone’s specific need? #smbiz

@kFenolio @SternalMrktg Incentives can be discounts, coupons, a free year membership. Right now there’s one giving $50 Amex gift cards. #smbiz

@kFenolio Q6) I’ve found using Twitter searches to locate people who need what u have or have what u need works best. #smbiz

@TSFsmallbus Q6 Before entering into a niche one should make sure it consistent with the current business. If so, find mentors. #smbiz

@kFenolio Q6) Example at America’s Best Compaines we have health care discount plans w/in our membership (cont..) #smbiz

@ScottBradley @smbiz Best way to get into a specific niche is to first research what you are looking for…then create a strategy to approach mkt #smbiz

@kFenolio (..cont) So I could do http://bit.ly/sYzhS  to find and follow people who I could help. #smbiz

@SternalPR @kFenolio Any ideas on how ppl can do a local search on twitter? #smbiz

@dslatter @kFenolio for your survey you could try offering to make a contribution to a charity for each response, works well for me #smbiz

@SternalMrktg @TSFsmallbus Finding a niche is so important. Really building a natural relationship with the people in your niche is the way to go. #smbiz

@kFenolio @SternalPR Local search is much easier now with http://search.twitter.com in location and also pure search terms. #smbiz

@kFenolio Another great service is http://Twellow.com that allows you to categorize your Twitter ID and detaile search. #smbiz

@smbiz Let’s open up the chat and make it an open forum. Any specific questions or topics on Twitter 4 biz you’d like to discuss? #smbiz

@kFenolio I recommended specific term search, follow and connect. It can get touchy because you don’t want to come across too spammy. #smbiz

@SternalPR @kfenolio what is the best use of your twitter profile (what ppl read when they click on ur page) for your business? #smbiz

@kFenolio @ScottBradley I’m with you there Scott. Too many people talk the talk, but just because they’re on Twitter doesn’t mean they walk it! #smbiz

@merylkevans I created a Twitter landing page for whenever people click my profile link. Sums up who I am and what I do. #smbiz

@kFenolio @SternalPR Use your Twitter profile to say what you’re here on Twitter to do. State your purpose. Make it personal. #smbiz

@SternalPR @merylkevans Is it difficult to custom design a personalized “landing page” for ur twitter profile? How do u do it? #smbiz

@ScottBradley @TSFsmallbus Because the majority of them have the following because they followed them first…not the other way around #smbiz

@merylkevans My web site’s About page shoves too much info — so twitter landing page is lite version. Easy with WordPress. Create new page & link #smbiz

@kFenolio Remember that not everyone is going to click on your website link on your Twitter profile. #smbiz

@ScottBradley @SternalPR There are definite twitter backround creators search in google “custom twitter backgrounds” #smbiz

@TSFsmallbus We look at the quality of tweets on your page. If you have interesting comments we will follow you and hope you do the same. #smbiz

@KayHunter @merylkevans Checked out your landing page. That’s nice. Gives people an understanding of you right off the bat:-) #smbiz

@merylkevans @SternalPR No. I just took my logo, turned it sideways and it worked. So many image editors online now to make it easy. #smbiz

@kFenolio Custome Twitter profiles aren’t that difficult. Some people will create for free, or there are services you can use. #smbiz

@kFenolio The key here is to be as creative as you can. It keeps the interest in you high and encourages them to keep coming back for more. #smbiz

@ScottBradley @vpbx By using it effectively FIRST before claiming anything later….everything must be backed up with credibility #smbiz

@kFenolio ALSO! I get lots of response to my job title: Interface Monkey and New Media Super Hero. Choose a title that’s memorable and fun! #smbiz

@kFenolio I wrote a How-to for Twitter in America’s Best magazine. You can see it online here: http://bit.ly/A8Oki #smbiz

@kFenolioThe company I do my social media for is a national-level small biz association. We work to help small biz stay in business. #smbiz