How Twitter is Changing the Face of Recruiting
As one of the hottest social media tools available, Twitter is revolutionizing the way we communicate with each other. The following article is an excerpt from an interview with Chris Krause of the National Collegiate Scouting Association and the association’s Social Media Director, Brian Davidson. The two provide some interesting insight into how this social media phenomenon might impact the world of college recruiting.
Chris Krause: How long has Twitter been around? It seems like recently it has exploded in terms of popularity. What do you attribute this to?
Brian Davidson: It has only been around since 2006, but in March 2009 alone, Twitter had a growth rate of 1382%! I attribute this to a few factors. One, it is extremely easy to use for users and developers. This allows users to master it quickly, but also allows developers to create new computer programs to enhance the service.
Two, it is a very authentic relationship. Users “follow” other user updates. The conversation does not have to be two-way.
Also in sports in particular it allows users to control the message they send the world. Coaches do not need to use ESPN to talk to fans. They can communicate directly.
Chris Krause: How is Twitter currently being used in recruiting?
Brian Davidson: It is fascinating. At first Twitter was unquestionably best known in the Tech world. However, in the past 6 months, the amount of athletes and coaches using the service has taken off. At first, Shaq was the best known user but soon multiple athletes were using the service and their use brought a great deal of mainstream media exposure.
The first college coach to use the service that I know of was Pete Carroll. But now dozens, if not hundreds, of coaches are currently “tweeting” about their programs to showcase both their personality and their recruiting message.
Chris Krause: What is your opinion about the future of Twitter in recruiting?
Brian Davidson: I believe two things will happen. One, coaches will push the limits with Twitter and begin using it to contact recruits directly. Since it really is not a text message, the NCAA cannot regulate it like they can a phone. Coaches are essentially updating a website which would be very hard to legislate.
Secondly, I believe the NCAA will find a way to restrict coaches’ use of the service. At this point, I believe coaches will set up separate accounts only for recruits and ask them to contact the coaches directly. This would work the same way that coaches can currently take a phone call from a recruit at any time, but cannot always call a recruit.
However, in all honesty, the service is so new that it is very possible that someone will invent a new way to use Twitter for recruiting. My eyes are definitely watching to see what happens.
Chris Krause: What advice would you give recruits who are currently using or are thinking about creating an account?
Brian Davidson: I would make sure they keep their updates very professional, and be willing to share their updates with any college coach on the service.
Editor’s Note: Thank you to the NCSA for this valuable article.
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