Thursday, September 10, 2009

Insurance Provider Shows the Way: Simple TIPS for Getting Started on Twitter

An industry leading insurance provider recently launched out into the Twitter world with their (here’s an article with more information: from the Cleveland Plain Dealer).

It’s inspiring to see Healthcare providers taking this step to better address customers needs, first by listening to what they are saying and then by responding and providing a gateway to answers, wherever those customers are seeking help.

Everyday people ask for advice on how to use Twitter - and sometimes even why they should bother.

The Why is easy:

  • Twitter is a viable business information, interaction and customer service micro-blogging tool.
  • You can gain access to a tremendous amount of information on Twitter.
  • More and more companies will offer the Twitter option for Customer Service.

If that's not enough, some experts say there probably will come a time when a Twitter address is as common as email.

As with anything, getting started is hard.

Here are some tips that may help:

  • Listen to the conversations that are taking place. Use keyword search (#yourname here) to identify what’s being said.
  • Don't expect too much too soon. It takes time. And you will often hear from those with problems moreso than those that like what you do.
  • Use the search tool to find topics of interest to you and people that follow you.
  • Say something of interest ... join the conversation.
  • Tell people you are on Twitter ... add it to your signature line on email.
  • Stick with it. 

Twitter is a simple tool that enables better communication on all sorts of topics. It’s also your chance to better serve customers.

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Pam Argeris is a thought leader in the Healthcare Industry and possesses extensive, hands-on experience with CMS compliance, and multiple regulatory bodies such as NCQA, JACHO, and DOI. In her role at Merrill Corp., Pam focuses on developing solutions for compliance and quality assurance, delivered in a cost effective manner to improve beneficiary and prospect communications. You can contact Pam at Pamela.Argeris@merrillcorp.com.   

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