Twitter users are fed up with the auto responses they’re being deluged with from people they’ve just met.  And, frankly, I am too.  And the question I’m being asked is “Why are they doing this?”

So, here’s the skinny on the why:  Even though a site like Twitter may be the closest thing to a face-to-face contact on the internet, the interaction still lacks a physical presence.  No eye contact.  No voice.  No body language.  For a lot of people, that lack of a body puts a dent in or actually removes their social etiquette. (I didn’t say it was right, this is only an explanation of “why.”)

Add to that the current economy, bad business advice, and the hype from media and sales programs (Make Money While You Sleep! Get Rich Quick!).  People who are feeling financially desperate buy into the hype easily.  And when you translate that hype and those programs to social media, once again the filter required for social appropriateness disappears.  So perfectly nice people turn into perfectly not-so-nice jerks - fast.

It also doesn’t help that: 1) many of these ‘get rich quick’ schemes that target using social media sell the lack of connection via number generators and auto responders as part of the package. 2) many people in the twitterverse who normally do know better are using these practices simply because they believe there’s an opportunity to make money by using them. And 3) people don’t vet the so-called experts they’re learning from and, therefore, are modeling inappropriate behavior. 

So, if you’re being annoyed - that’s the basics of why they’re doing it.  If you’re reading this and you’re a guilty party - you may want to reconsider doing what you’re doing.  And if knowing that you’re annoying people isn’t enough to make you stop, consider this:  the very tactics and behaviors that you think you’re using to gain potential clients are actually turning them off - big time!

That’s the why.  But I came up with another question:  Why are we getting so upset about this?  Aren’t the auto responders just another version of junk mail and telemarketing phone calls?  You think?  They’re not. 

Come on over to the Power Blog where I’m taking on this issue along with how and why the use of these auto-responders is not only damaging your branding but killing your business.

In the meantime, anybody up for a “Do Not Spam” registry for twitter or a “Stop The Spam Tuesday”?

Before we get started let me tell you what we’re going to do….

Guys, take off your ties and loosen your collar. Ladies, kick off your heels and put up your feet. Because we’re going to get comfortable, casual and conversational. And we are definitely going to ….POWER CONNECT.

Let’s get to the bottom line of every aspect of business, from branding to your product to social media and social networking. Let’s discuss how it affects you personally, how it affects your family, your community, your health and even your aging. And ultimately, how all of these factors affect your business.

We’re going to take a look out there and see what’s being said, what isn’t being said and what should be said.

Come with your questions and let’s get them answered. Share your ideas and let’s start a discussion. Write a comment on my blog, send pictures of your pets and when we figure out how to post them…we will!!

THIS IS AN ANIMAL LOVER’S SITE!

So are you ready?? Because I’m psyched! Get a cup of coffee, have a glass of wine and get comfortable, because we’re going to get constructive and connect.

There’s just one stipulation: Check your collars at the door, because on this blog…

Dr. K is UNLEASHED!!

…and so are YOU.

P.S.  We may be UNLEASHED, but we never ATTACK!