Workforce Prospective Articles

Is Twitter just a tool for soccer moms and teenagers who want to feel connected? Maybe it once was, but not any more.

Twitter is now a secret weapon for businesses of all kinds. If you spend a few minutes on Twitter, you're likely to encounter elected officials, movie stars, news anchors, huge corporations, and small businesses, just like yours. And they're all there, tweeting away, 140 characters at a time.

What does Twitter offer your company? With Twitter, you can connect to hundreds or even thousands of people who are interested in you and then build trust with them.

How does it work? Twitter is easy to use, and it can be free. If you use Twitter on your computer on the web, there is no charge. Charges occur only if you use Twitter on a cell phone or another device where you pay for access.

To sign up for Twitter, go to www.Twitter.com. As you sign up, choose a name that identifies your business. You may have to try several possibilities to find one that's available. Keep it short, because on Twitter, every keystroke matters! And keep it pronounceable and memorable.

On the Twitter website you can also create an avatar for your business, which could be your company logo or maybe a photo of your face. An avatar is a small, nearly square graphic that will be your "face" to the Twitter world. It's one of the ways that people will recognize and remember you. You don't have to upload a photo, because Twitter provides a generic avatar. But a small business needs to be noticed, so your own avatar is best.

Once you have a Twitter account, you can start tweeting, which means to type a message that's only up to 140 characters long. What can you use Twitter for? The answers are amazingly varied:

• Do business-to-business networking. Start building relationships with people who might be your future suppliers or team members.
• Take straw polls. Post a question and see what answers you get. For example, "Which do you prefer: 10% off on an order over $100, or free shipping?"
• Announce a new update to your website or the launch of a new product.
• Find prospective employees. There are many job-hunters there.

Do you have to be on Twitter? Certainly not. But you can be sure that many of your competitors are! To learn more about harnessing the power of 140 characters, see these links:

• A Twitter Basics Primer (Livingstonbuzz.com)
• 25 Small Business Twitter Tips (Kyle Lacey)
• Glossary of Twitter Terminology (Michael Kwan)
• Twitter Etiquette: Five Dos and Don'ts: (CIO.com)