Twitter’s Link to the Business World

I just read Chris Brogan’s blog post 50 Ideas on Using Twitter for Business. I am a new Twitter user and I found Brogan’s tips helpful. Brogan’s tips make it easier for me to understand how to use Twitter. Businesses are using Twitter to explore the social media world. Some of Brogan’s tips that helped me include:

• Listening is important. Build a Twitter account and start using Twitter search to listen for your name, competitor’s names and other key words.
  
• Talk to people about their interests, it makes you human.
  
• Instead of answering the question, “What are you doing?” Answer the question, “What has your attention?”
  
• Ask questions. Twitter is great for getting opinions.
  
• When you talk about your stuff, make it useful. Give advice, blog posts, pictures, etc.
  
• Follow interesting people. When you find someone who tweets about interesting things, check out who they follow.
  
• Use services like Twitter Search to make sure you see if someone’s talking about you. Try to participate where it makes sense.
  
• Commenting on others’ tweets, and retweeting what others have posted is a great way to build community.

Twitter can be used by companies as an opinion poll. Companies can see what people think about their products or their company in general. Twitter provides your reviewers with a place for discussion that allows you to study and listen. Twitter can help enhance customer service. Twitter can help you respond to people’s comments and criticisms. Listen to what people think and respond accordingly. People on Twitter are going to continue to have discussions; it is up to you to join in those relevant conversations.

I am still getting the hang of Twitter and learning about all the benefits it can offer. It is important to realize and understand how these social media tools can benefit you and your business.