We talked a bit about Twitter here on the Inspiring Speakers Blog last week. So are you tweeting?
Because you really should be.
Twitter is a social network, but more importantly it is an information network. It’s a space where people from all over the world can share what they know, what they want to know, what they’re interested in and what’s happening around them. It’s an amazing way to discover the latest news and information about the subjects you care about – in 140 characters or less.
To get started, visit the Twitter website and sign up for an account. I strongly recommend using your real name as your Twitter handle or username. Since Twitter is about sharing real knowledge with real people, it’s important that those you follow and those who are following you know who it is they’re really connecting with. So no @shygirl1982 or @MotivationalMan Twitter handles, OK? Let the Twitterverse know who you really are.
The next step is to find Twitter users who you want to follow. Start with people you know who are already using Twitter. Twitter can search your email and Facebook address books to see who of your colleagues, friends and family members already have Twitter accounts. Hit the “Follow” button next to their name and – there you go – you’re following their Twitter feeds.
Keep in mind though, that above all else, Twitter is a platform for the dissemination of information. Sure you want to keep up to date on your sister’s wedding plans and the antics of your college buddies, but Twitter is so much more powerful than that.
Look to connect with Twitter users who you may not know in person, but who you find thought-provoking and interesting. Search for people and professionals who you admire, organizations that inspire you and news outlets you read. You can connect with celebrities even! And once you’re following these people, organizations and outlets, go a layer deeper and find out who they’re following, and who their followers are following. With over 500 million registered Twitter users and approximately 250 million tweets per day, the possibilities are truly endless.
For a couple of places to start, why not check out some of the people and organizations we’ve talked about here on the Inspiring Speakers Blog. There’s @TEDNews for all the news about the TED Conferences, TED Talks and the TED Prize. And how about following Brian Clark at @copyblogger for tips and resources about content marketing and online publishing. And don’t forget to follow us! Keep up to date with what Inspiring Speakers is doing via our vice-president Richard Andrews’ Twitter feed at @InspireSpeakers.
Once you’re following a number of people and organizations, your Twitter feed will really start to fill out. You’ll find yourself inundated with information about all sorts of fascinating things. Take the time to really read through your Twitter feed. Click on hashtags and links. Check out pictures. Discover new Twitter users.
Once you’re comfortable with the platform, it’s time to start tweeting for yourself. You may want to ease into it by retweeting or responding to posts that others have written. Or you may prefer to jump right in and start sharing what’s been inspiring you. There are so many things to tweet about: Ask questions. Hold polls. Share links to noteworthy web content. Promote events. You’ll soon find that you’ve built yourself a network of new friends, colleagues and associates who are interested in your message and in what you have to say. So get tweeting today!
For some Twitter resources, visit our Speaker Resource Centre where you’ll find three eBooks on the ins and outs of Twitter. And be sure to leave a comment here or on our Facebook page with your Twitter handle. We’d love to know what you’re tweeting about!
