Using Twitter To Make Connections

When Twitter started a couple years ago, I really fought the urge to add yet another social networking site to my list of things to keep up with. Like Marshall Kirkpatrick said in his post How We Use Twitter for Journalism, I thought Twitter was the stupidest thing ever. I was wrong. When I wrote my last post about social networking sites, I had just started becoming more active with Twitter and was getting a feel of how things work. I've actually had an account for awhile, but completely forgot about it. However, now I can say that I am a big fan of Twitter and highly recommend it to anyone in business. I was so caught up in Twitter fever that I even wrote a Twitter Haiku to profess my love ;) The best way I can describe Twitter is: Instant messaging on crack - but, it's good crack ;) I also like to think of it as micro-blogging. I've been able to reconnect with people I've known before Twitter came into my life, like Jeanette Fisher and Rosa Say. I've also discovered other great bloggers who are connected to them. My original title for this post was, "How to Market Your Online Business on Twitter" - and yes, you can do that, but I think first and foremost it's about connecting with people. Start up a conversation. Really get to know people. Help people out by providing resources that will help them. You'll discover that when you provide value, people will take an interest in you and want to see what you're all about. Mari Smith has some great tips for Twitter beginners. I also really like this video: Twitter in Plain English. Update: Here are more great thoughts about Twitter and Business by Laura Spencer... Are you on Twitter? Let's connect! If you liked this post, please consider making a donation... Discuss this post in the forum... Subscribe to Online Business Resources!