50 Ideas on Using Twitter for Business

Posted by David B. Wright

August 26, 2008

This one isn’t directly job-search-related, but with a little imagination & creativity, I’m sure you can think of all kinds of ways to apply these tips to a job search.

I’m starting to use Twitter more as I’m seeing more and more value in this seemingly little tool. After all, it is one of the most heavily-trafficked sites on the entire Web. You can follow me here if you’re on Twitter.

Chris Brogan has posted a very useful list of 50 Ideas on Using Twitter for Business.

First Steps

Build an account and immediate start using Twitter Search to listen for your name, your competitor’s names, words that relate to your space. (Listening always comes first.)
Add a picture. ( Shel reminds us of this.) We want to see you.
Talk to people about THEIR interests, too. I know this doesn’t sell more widgets, but it shows us you’re human.
Point out interesting things in your space, not just about you.
Share links to neat things in your community. ( @wholefoods does this well).
Don’t get stuck in the apology loop. Be helpful instead. ( @jetblue gives travel tips.)
Be wary of always pimping your stuff. Your fans will love it. Others will tune out.
Promote your employees’ outside-of-work stories. ( @TheHomeDepot does it well.)
Throw in a few humans, like RichardAtDELL, LionelAtDELL, etc.
Talk about non-business, too, like @astrout and @jstorerj from Mzinga.