VIDEO: A beginner’s guide to Twitter
by David Chandler

STOCKTON
March 2, 2009 12:02am

Social networking site Twitter made headlines when Barack Obama used the application to mobilize his thousands of followers during the U.S. presidential election.

Twitter allowed Mr. Obama’s team to communicate directly with grassroots supporters to organize campaign and fund raising activity, bypassing traditional media communications routes.

Just as Mr. Obama used it as a campaign tool, Twitter has great potential for your business. For businesspeople wondering how to get started with Twitter, here are the four essential things you need to know:

• Understand what makes Twitter different to other social networks

You can follow your idols without them having to follow you, as they would on most other online networking platforms like Facebook. Your posts take the form of ‘tweets,’ 140 character long posts about what you’re up to at that moment. Tweets need to be focused and succinct.

• Create a great profile

If you’re looking to build valuable business relationships through Twitter, then act like you mean it! Make sure you add a photo and a short bio to your profile. You want to be seen as a real person, so be open and honest.

• When in Rome…

Twitter has a few basic rules of etiquette that you need to follow to fit in. Spend some time listening to the conversations that interest you before jumping in. Add real value to the conversation, like a new idea, insight, or link. Always be yourself.

• Use Twitter applications to leverage greater value

Plenty of great applications have been developed for Twitter to help you manage your messages and contacts. Three essential Twitter applications: Tweetlater stores up multiple tweets to be sent later; Tweetdeck manages all the Twitter feeds you are following; and Tweetbeep scans for selected keywords.

Watch today’s video from yourBusinessChannel about Twitter and its uses for business by clicking here:

The longer you use Twitter, the more business uses you’ll find for it. Remember, the best way to access the latest tips and advice on using Twitter is to go out to the Twitter community itself. People are only too happy to help.

(A memo from marketing)

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