Why You Should Be Twittering
Last week I engaged in a conversation with a young woman who loftily asserted that Twitter is merely an “ego trip for people who feel the need to let the world know what they are having for breakfast.” It’s a pretty common sentiment among those who have never really used the service. And to be fair, if you peek in on any of the profiles, you may have a hard time figuring out exactly why it can be considered a useful tool. I tried to explain to her exactly why I find it so valuable and I thought I’d expand my thoughts here on the blog as well.
For one thing Twitter is not about YOU, per se. Oh sure, you’re there to engage people and you definitely want to participate. But it is as much about getting information as sending your wisdom out into the ethos. If you’ve been following the news this week you undoubtedly saw the hullaballoo surrounding celebrity Ashton Kutcher and his race with CNN for a million Twitter followers. The biggest critics of this nonsense were Twitter users because they understand better than anyone that it isn’t about getting a bunch of people to follow you and spouting off occasionally. It’s about talking–exchanging information. It’s about communicating.
Using an application like TweetDeck, I am able to keep my followers in categories. I have news services like CNN and NPR in one category sending me real-time news feeds all day. When news breaks, I get it via Twitter. My friends and family are in another category. And I also have different groupings of bloggers and businesses by industry. What this boils down to is a non-stop, highly organized stream of information that is coming at me 24/7. If you’re the kind of person that likes to know things NOW, as they happen; and if your business relies on knowing what is going on in the world you can rely on Twitter to get you news and information before any other source.
The other important reason to Twitter is that you actually make excellent business contacts. It is the equivalent of a business luncheon—part socializing, part networking—you can strike up a conversation about anything from sports to astronomy and once you hit it off with someone they’ll help promote you either directly or indirectly through Twittering. I’ve made some excellent contacts—business and personal—through Twitter. When people get to know your personality, they are more comfortable referring you to others. Obviously, you can tweet regularly about your business. But shameless self-promotion and spamming is a good way to get yourself blocked. Be cool and you’ll be fine.
Finally, Twittering is fun. Fascinating conversations about philosophy, religion, politics, economics, relationships and technology take place at 140 characters at a time. Even the most avid user is not exactly sure why it is so addictive. But anyone who is active on Twitter will tell you that there’s much more to it than just reporting on the minutia of your life. Twitter is about the raw, unadulterated exchange of information. It’s fast, it’s easy and it is a part of the future online. You might as well jump in and start using it now.
I’ve not been able to really figure out Twitter yet but I really appreciate articles like this that at least try to explain it to me
Thanks.
Started using twitter not too long ago and does see some benefits, if nothing else you get to exchange mails with top celebrities which obviously is not possible with email. Thanks twitter..i’m a mini celeb bnow..hee haa
Building Twitter is slow but sure. It’s quite a vain endeavor - but I love telling people what I’m up to!
A friend sent me your blog because I have been conflicted about Twittering. I so far have resisted Facebook and MySpace, but am probably going to join MySpace to communicate with family — and now Twitter! I had thought it was too egotistical for the reasons you listed above — but now, I am not so sure. I just didn’t want to be a slave to my cell and I type enough all day w/o texting, too. But I did check out Twitter and I don’t HAVE to text all the time, I see there are desktop gadgets, etc., to use most of the day. I’m almost convinced and have to thank you for your excellent post. Your last line says it all. I can’t really muster any kind of an excuse except maybe I’m lazy….;)
There is really no good reason to not be using Twitter. Twitter can be used to keep in touch with friends, reach out to favorite celebs and athletes, and develop business relationships.
Social media is continuing to evolve and the possibilties are endless. Join in on the scene and build meaningful relationships because you never know who can help you down the road.
There is just something about twitter, I enjoy twitting and feel that twitter will go far as a benefit to any blogger. There is no limits to the endless possibilities of using twitter to enhance one’s blog or website. Feel free to follow me on twitter!
http://twitter.com/avantaUK
I will follow you back!
Just like anything else in life, you’ll reap the rewards with the effort you put into tweeting… For example let’s say you’re in sales and you first spend time developing relationships with your prospects offline, you’ll be more likely to close sales or the at the very least get referrals, well the same goes for the online environment. If you want to succeed with selling in today’s online environment’s,simply having a “Twitter” account is a must for thriving. Not to say you can’t be successful without it but you are more connected and will have more opportunities if you learn how to use twitter effectively.
I love Twitter! It can be a great way to follow your favorite bloggers but my favorite use as a NY Met fan is the ability to get up to the minute scores from Mr. Met directly to my phone.
I’m sure there will be many more uses to come.
twitter seems to be a new blogger idol