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Have a Merry Tweetmas

Sport | Technology

One of the first discussions Sine Qua Non had with our newest athlete, Paralympic swimmer Charlotte Henshaw was about her Twitter name. So what, we hear you ask, is in a name? The simple answer is: more than you would think.

Twitter handles are important – it has to be memorable, straightforward, and accessible. More generally, as 2012 fast approaches, ensuring Twitter delivers the best results for our athletes will be a core part of the work we do at Sine Qua Non. Indeed, so seriously do we take this that we deliver specialist training for our athletes, the Sine Qua Non ‘Twittorial.’ 

The advice we offer works, so much so that recently retired Paralympic swimmer Fran Williamson became the most ‘followed’ athlete on her team and amongst GB athletes overall. So why all the emphasis on Twitter? In short, because it is one of the most effective ways for athletes to represent themselves to the wider world, to network and literally grow their own following.

Whilst we can’t give away all our secrets, there are five simple points that we suggest athletes follow to help grow a substantial following.  

• Always present your best self. We always say that athletes should think of Twitter like going on a first date: you want to give a good impression of yourself, and you want a second date too! Be polite, positive, and engaging. Ask yourself ‘why will people want to follow me?’

• Engage with others! There is a reason why Twitter is called a ‘social networking’ platform. Talk to people, follow them back if they seem interesting. Don’t just use Twitter as a means to simply broadcast what you are doing.

• Be like goldilocks when you tweet: get the level ‘just right’: The frequency of tweets matters. Don’t tweet too often, nor too infrequently. There will of course be times when you can’t tweet, or when you want to, but try to strike a balance in general 

• Be aware of responsibilities. There have been occasions when, unfortunately, athletes have got in hot water over their use of Twitter. Make sure you follow any guidance given to you by your sports bodies and never tweet confidential information or anything which may get you into trouble.

• Know when to walk away. This last point covers two issues – firstly in terms of not letting Twitter distract you unduly from your sporting goals. It is for your performances in the sporting arena that people will ultimately remember you, not your tweets! Secondly, if you feel people are being inappropriate with you, don’t get drawn into debate with them.

These pointers form the basis for our athlete Twittorials that we will continue to offer as part of our Talent Management packages in 2012.

On behalf of the Sine Qua Non team, @techandsport, we wish you all a very merry Christmas and a happy New Year.  

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