What the heck is Twitter and why should I care?

Well if you are in the marketing industry or any industry where networking and PR is essential, you really should be on twitter or at least know about it. Twitter is a free service that allows users to post anything they are doing or thinking about with one catch...you have to do it in 140 characters or less. Of course, there is no limit to how many times you can tweet a day, and this can become a problem for the overzealous.

The twitter phenomenon has developed into two very unique forums, which I will refer to as Twitter.1.1 and Twitter.1.2. Both of these versions coexist together, but really have very different purposes.

The first, Twitter.1.1, is the version that most people have trouble wrapping their head around. This is where twitter has become an outlet for everyone to tell the world about everything they are doing, regardless of how ridiculous. For instance, one tweeter said "Fact of the day: I just ate 11 servings if apple sauce. :-D I'm happy now. I feel accomplished..." Yes, I probably could have lived my live without knowing that, even if I am your friend. This video sums up Twitter1.1 pretty well.

The second, Twitter1.2, has developed into a new medium for businesses to get special offers, tips, events and messages out to customers (followers in the twittosphere). This format becomes a valuable asset and great tool when used correctly. For example, I follow the companies I am interested in and want to hear from, and as long as they keep the posts (tweets) relevant and don't overwhelm me, I'm probably a follower for life. In this capacity, the twitter home page has become a quick easy way for me to catch up on all the things I'm interested in, without having to check through every email newsletter. The best past of twitter is that the long-winded are forced to be clear and concise. Get the special out and let people click a link if they want more information!

In conclusion, as an individual experimenting in Twitter1.1, have fun with it, but maybe stop and think, 'Would I want to know this about those I am following on twitter?' If the answer is no, skip the tweet for now. As a business, delving into Twitter1.2, keep your posts relevant to your target market and keep your company top of mind. Start a following by following others and putting a lonk to your profile in all online communications. Perhaps even consider an exclusive promotion to only Twitter users. "First 5 tweets back to this message get 25% off!"

Oh, and of course, follow me on twitter!