Jump-Start Your Twitter

Get into a conversation these days with just about anyone – client, journalist, talk show host and friends – and the topic inevitably turns to Twitter. Leave MySpace to kids; Twitter is appealing to grown-ups, many of whom are seeking to expand their network of contacts in challenging economic times.

I am asked – as if I’m the expert (which I am not) because I’ve been on Twitter since last October (I think) – how Twitter works and how to build a network of followers. My answer always begins something like this … just as I think I’ve got a handle on Twitter, something new happens, and it changes. Twitter is forever changing.

Is Twitter a waste of time? More often than not, it slides into that category, but it’s a more informative and constructive waste of time than other things, like gossiping, sharing jokes over email or taking a cigarette break.

There seems to be a sort of Twitter protocol emerging from within the culture – Be polite and friendly. Tell the truth. Don’t kid around, too much. Correct inaccuracies. And, most of all, share, share, share. The more Twitter users share, the more popular they become.

The next question I hear is … who to follow and how to form a Twitter group? Tricky question to put together a list because there are so many good people on Twitter, and I do not wish to offend anyone I might leave off a list. Here are a few people … among MANY, I should underscore … who always seemingly have something informative to share. Thanks to friends on Twitter for contributing to the list. My apologies to those I have not included.* Ultimately, however, who you follow depends on your interests and personal reasons for joining Twitter:

@chrisbrogan
@DMScott
@stevekayser
@PRsarahevans
@stanice
@briansolis
@rainnwilson
@M_Cullen
@Gayla
@guykawasaki
@DonnaTocci
@IGoByDoc
@NewsHour
@PragueBob
@SavvyAuntie
@kathysena
@newmediajim
@strategicsense
@dannybrown
@Figliuolo
@ralphclaxton
@AmandaSena
@TDefren
@bareboot_exec
@MarshaFriedman
@nettiehartsock
@MillerMosaicLLC
@LouisColumbus
@rtsadvocate (full disclosure – my wife)
@dreaminaction
@jsnell
@tkpleslie
@uberbabyboomer
@zappos
@mackcollier
@scotthepburn
@jasonfalls
@briancarter
@SuzeMuse
@AmberCadabra
@ValerieStevens
@davefleet
@Pearsonified
@KingdomGeek

* This list will be continued and will grow … promise. Because there are so many terrific people on Twitter.

Who to be wary of on Twitter? Those with weird-seeming bios, no legitimate photos, no links to a blog or Web site, and Twitter posts that attack and insult others.

Filed Under: Featured • Social Media

Tags: Social Media • Twitter