Connect With FHA 203k Experts in #203kTalk on Twitter
Twitter chats are a popular way for like-minded people to get together and talk about specific subjects. AmeriFirst Home Mortgage now hosts a Twitter chat on the renovation mortgage program FHA 203k.
Twitter chats begin with a hashtag. That's the number sign, the symbol you see pictured. The hashtag comes before the term so it's easily searched on Twitter. For instance, #203kTalk is the chat subject we're covering each week.
Popular Twitter Chats include:
- #JournChat
- #LeadershipChat
- #usguys
- #contentcamp
- #sxsw
- #blogchat
- and now: #203kTalk
You can find all kinds of resources on Twitter chats. This article breaks it down well: "What is a TweetChat." Tech source Mashable takes a look at how to run a succsesful Twitter chat too. Basically, a Twitter chat is a chance for experts to trade ideas and information. The general public can also get questions answered and suggest other ideas.
Twitter Chat Etiquette for #203kTalk
When you follow the Twitter chat #203kTalk you will see a certain flow. Here's a look at how this works. In the first 10 minutes, we will go through introductions. Jump in, it's a flowing conversation. For instance we'll say something like, "Hi, this is AmeriFirst Home Mortgage in Kalamazoo / Portage Michigan. #203kTalk." Tell us who you are and where you're from. You could also include whether you're a lender, a contractor, a HUD/203k consultant or a buyer looking for information.
Once introductions are made, the questions begin. We will offer up 4 questions; one every 10 minutes. Once you see the question, go ahead and ReTweet it to your followers. A larger, more engaged audience is always helpful. Then, offer up your thoughts. That's the idea behind the chat. We want to hear from all the experts in the 203k world. By the way, we feel that questions are merely suggestions. Feel free to let the conversation take its own direction.
What platform? TweetChat vs. TweetDeck
We use TweetDeck to help follow the conversation. It's not an endorsement necessarily, just what we use. You can also use TweetChat as a web-based tool if you don't want to download TweetDeck. Real-time conversation may differ between the 2 platforms, and there are other ways to follow along. These are 2 suggestions to get you started.
Other Twitter Chat Insights
Be sure to include the hashtag in each reply. This will ensure your comments are seen by the group.
Follow the folks with whom you converse. Networking is a powerful tool, and it's why we're all involved in Twitter and these chats.
The conversation doesn’t have to end at the end of the twitter chat. Keep it going if you’re finding a good talk!
We "record" the chat as well, and post a link after the chat is over. You can share this with your audience, to share the information put forth each week. Here's an example: #203kTalk 08-25-2011
Keep it civil. We're all knowledgeable folks with a real passion for the 203k. But that shouldn't get in the way of sharing ideas, opinions and information.
The Details
Join AmeriFirst Home Mortgage along with FHA 203k experts 203k Forum and Singer Construction for #203kTalk each Thursday morning at 11:00 eastern time zone. Also, follow @203kTalk on Twitter for more information on this chat!
Meanwhile - if you'd like to learn more about the FHA 203k mortgage option, download the free eBook at the button below, "FHA 203k Survival Guide." See you on Twitter!
(hashtag logo: Flickr user Dan Moyle)