I started ‘tweeting’ regularly in October 2008. Since then it’s become a major distraction/addiction/pastime and strategic tool for business. When people ask: “What is Twitter?” I often reply by saying “it’s a micro-blogging platform that allows you to share information using 140 characters at at time”. Then… I realise I’m telling them the FEATURES… but what they really want to know are the BENEFITS. So, here is what the BENEFITS have been for me. I have been able to:
- Network with like-minded people across the globe with whom I can network, exchange ideas and learn from and with
- Be inspired by thought leaders I respect
- Find resources that I can share with my network members
- Share ideas and the lessons that I’m learning as I navigate the business owner journey
- Make new friends and laugh at the silliness that is sometimes my life
- Sharpen my writing skills and ability to be succinct in my written communication
- Discover new resources and tools to help my grow my business
- Be a part of an interesting community that enriches me
And, it’s been the major contributor to my team of thought leaders, friends and resources. It’s also a way for me to share knowledge, resources, and support my community of women in business. All that said, here is the best explanation I have heard (by whom I cannot recall but it was this week at the South by South West Festival): Twitter is like a box of Lego. It’s whatever you make of it.
So, go play.
1. Sign up at www.twitter.com (choose a name that makes sense and don’t try to be cute ;-)) 2. Look for thought leaders to follow (If you need some hints look thru the list of people following me – there are some great thinkers there.) 3. Sit back and watch the conversation 4. Contribute in a way that adds value
Cheers, Suzi
P. S. Just an FYI – I am soooo bad at Lego. I’ve never been able to make anything more than a, um… , tower! I’m in awe of people that can create something to look like anything!
