I agree. $400 on a class might be a waste. Here’s what I’m recommending…

First things first. If your business does not have an basic, ongoing, professional email marketing program, then you’re not ready for Twitter. BUT, if you have a basic, ongoing email marketing program, then Twitter might be a useful, easy add-on to it. And it can enhance even a lame web site.

Using professional hosted email marketing services makes it easy to Twitter email. (And do a lot of stuff you can’t do from your computer.)

What happens when you added Twitter to your email efforts? It depends, but if you work it right, it’s useful. For example, I set up the Midlothian community email network this week where broadcasted emails can be twitted to the new Midlothian Twitter account. Using the free wigget offered by Twitter, the email’s headline is posted on the Midlothianva.org web site automatically, with a link to the email. So, with one email we have broadcasted via Twitter and updated the web site at the same time. The organizations in the Midlothian network have done their duty to reach out to the community with one email. If people really want to know what’s going on, they can follow on Twitter. Or, they can back off and just get the email. Or, they can just check the web site when they think about it. Whatever.

How much more did adding the function cost the Midlothian Communications Committee? Nothing. How much more work? One click after it was set up. Set up? Easy, if you’re using a professional email service.

Bottom line: It’s time everyone look at the email marketing with a fresh eye.