WTF is Twitter?

…and why would (I) my business use it?

The same reasons that make Twitter so popular are those that make describing twitter problematic.

While that might not makes sense at first glance, once you realize that  Twitter has no real product direction or single “primary use” you may begin to realize just how difficult it is to describe (and figure out) Twitter’s relevance as a businesses tool.

Here’s a parallel challenge:

• Come up with one blanket statement that clearly describes what our existing land line phone systom does.

Why is that a challenge? Well, in your description you will have had to include all uses of consumer land line phones such as fax transmission, internet connections, VOIP phone line connections, 911 ermergency services, automated home alarm warning services, etc. So, that being said, please consider the technology of Twitter just as complex.

That’s all great, but WTF is Twitter?

The direct answer: Twitter is whatever you can make of it.

That’s probably disappointing, but its absolutely the reason people say things like “I’m still figuring Twitter out” or “trying to get used to Twitter” or “I don’t get it.” The unfortunate fact is, once you create your account you are stuck trying figure out what to do with little to no direction and that takes time most people don’t have. Fortunately there are a lot of folks, like myself, willing to spend way too much time writing stuff like this and trying to help out:-)

10 things you can do with Twitter (for free):

1. Connect with fans using Twitter by offering relevant information.
2. Provide updates on your product for active Twitter users (millions & growing).
3. Improve your website by posting updated information to your site via Twitter (RSS) fed widget.
4. Offer scheduled information to anyone interested. May included daily, weekly or random information to customers which could include specials, coupons,
5. Follow experts in many industries for fresh information as it happens.
6. Post last minute deals, specials, emergency information, etc. to customers or other interested parties (because users choose to follow you we can assume they are “interested”).
7. Update any RSS capable reader or product connected to the internet.
8. Get found in real-time keyword searches. *Google, Bing and other search engines are adding Twitter search results to their own first page results and further integration is ongoing.
9. Have your “tweet” reposted in the streams of organizations followed by tens, hundreds, thousands or even millions of passionate people.
10. Publicly comment on anything.

So why use Twitter?

First and foremost, because the simple act of posting information on Twitter significantly increases the chances of being found in search engines and because using Twitter as one of your marketing channels makes for a great introduction to using Twitter.

What did I miss? Got more ways to use Twitter? Do you disagree? Please add your thoughts and ideas in the comments.

If you like this explanation, please link to it in your blog posts > Twitter

Good luck,

@richardbouchez

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The Chicago Small Business Tweet Up! 5/26

Small Business Week In Chicago

City Treasurer Stephanie D. Neely invites you to her Tweet Up for Small Business Week in Chicago.

When:

Wednesday, May 26th at 5:30pm Where:

ING Direct Cafe

21 E. Chestnut St.

Chicago, IL 60611

Workshop:

5:30 – 6:00pm – One of the great secrets to social media marketing

A 60 second video that will change your business.

6:00pm – 6:30pm -Operating lean and efficiently. All you need to change your personal and business finances are “The Plan and $1.”

Social media is the wave of the future towards helping expand and grow your business.

Get started today by attending this FREE event.

Join us at our FREE 9th annual Small Business Expo on Friday, July 16, 2010 at UIC Forum (Halsted & Roosevelt) from 8:30 a.m. – 3:30 p.m.Over 30 workshops, network with other small business owners.

Are you looking to exhibit or sponsor event?

*Information from:

Office of the City Treasurer

Stephanie Neely Treasurer Contact: Public Affairs

(312) 744-8122

**InovediaMarketing.com is proud to be 2009 ambassador for the City of Chicago Small Business Expo. Follow @inovedia on Twitter for updates and information and daily Social Media Marketing tips for business!

Please add us to your RSS reader here. >>click here for a tutorial on using RSS.

You may also be interested in these InovediaMarketing.com articles:

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• 3 Ways to Laser Focus Your Business for Twitter, Facebook and Linkedin.
• Create Amazing Mind Blowing Business Cards NOW!
• Cheap & Easy Web Video You Can Do Too!

—

PROMOTE YOUR TWITTER & FACEBOOK!>>>

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ENTRY ENDS SOON! 2010 Business Plan Contest and Important Updates

Spring is a very busy season for our Small Business Programs. We hope you can join us for one of our great contests or events including The Small Business Plan Contest, The “One-Hour-Mentor” Program and Small Business Expo. Happy Spring!

2010 Business Plan Contest to End Soon Just a reminder that the deadline to enter your 2-page business plan template into consideration for the 2010 Business Plan Competition has been extended to Friday, April 9th.  Enter for you chance to share in $10,000 in prizes. Deadline April 9th – Enter today! Any questions call 312-960-0324. Elevator Pitch Winner Congratulations to our 2010 Elevator Pitch Winner “Second Act” Thank you to all of our outstanding contestants. Please consider entering our Business Plan Competition (see box above) Small Business Expo The 2010 Small Business Expo will be held on Friday, July 16th at the U.I.C. Forum. Join us for one of the best networking days in Chicago with over 130 exhibitors, 30 FREE Small Business Workshops, and 2,000 attendees. Sponsors, Exhibitors, and attendeess can find more information at FREE SMALL BUSINESS EXPO. The “One- Hour- Mentor” Program for Chicago Small Business Chicago business leaders come together 4 times a year to help Chicago small business owners to brainstorm and problem solve. Workshops fill fast – NEXT One Hour Mentor May 26th at 10am. click to share *Information from: Office of the City Treasurer Stephanie Neely Treasurer Contact: Public Affairs March 26th, 2010 (312) 744-8122 **InovediaMarketing.com is proud to be 2009 ambassador for the City of Chicago Small Business Expo. Follow @inovedia on Twitter for updates and information and daily Social Media Marketing tips for business! Please add us to your RSS reader here. >>click here for a tutorial on using RSS. You may also be interested in these InovediaMarketing.com articles: DIY PR: How to pitch your news story idea and get news coverage! Creating Web Video That’ll Work for Your Business 10 EASY Ways to Inject Twitter and Facebook into Everyday Business! 3 Ways to Laser Focus Your Business for Twitter, Facebook and Linkedin. Create Amazing Mind Blowing Business Cards NOW! Cheap & Easy Web Video You Can Do Too! — Twitter Specials 1 CUSTOMIZE IT! blk 1sd dashes by twitterfunny> ru following me? Double sided skinny grn by twitterfunny Choose your own background color & add your twitter on back!>>> Click image to add your Twitter name!

Update 2010 Business Plan Competition: Time’s Tickin’!

There are less than 10 days to enter the City Treasurer’s 2010 Business Plan Competition. Submit your two page executive summary by April 5^th, for your chance to share in $10,000 in prizes and be featured in the media. Visit www.chicagocitytreasurer.com BUSINESSCONTEST.

Winners will be announced at the Small Business Expo, July 16^th at the UIC Forum.

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*Information from:

Office of the City Treasurer

Stephanie Neely Treasurer Contact: Public Affairs

March 26th, 2010 (312) 744-8122

**InovediaMarketing.com is proud to be 2009 ambassador for the City of Chicago Small Business Expo. Follow @inovedia on Twitter for updates and information and daily Social Media Marketing tips for business!

Please add us to your RSS reader here. >>click here for a tutorial on using RSS.

You may also be interested in these InovediaMarketing.com articles:

• DIY PR: How to pitch your news story idea and get news coverage!
• Creating Web Video That’ll Work for Your Business
• 10 EASY Ways to Inject Twitter and Facebook into Everyday Business!
• 3 Ways to Laser Focus Your Business for Twitter, Facebook and Linkedin.
• Create Amazing Mind Blowing Business Cards NOW!
• Cheap & Easy Web Video You Can Do Too!

—-

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Win Cash & Free Booth at the Chicago Small Business Expo in just 30 seconds!

Will we see you at the top in Chicago business?

The 2010 Business Elevator Pitch Contest entry deadline is 3/18!

Can you write a: 30 pitch that clearly sells and explains your business?

Enter your :30 script:

http://chicagocitytreasurer.com/events/elevatorspeechvideo2.htm

More information:

http://www.chicagocitytreasurer.com/events/elevatorspeech.htm

Expert feedback – winner gets cash and a free booth at the City Treasurer’s Small Business Expo, Friday, July 16^th at the UIC Forum.

Get on the doors are closing!

Full details posted on www.chicagocitytreasurer.com

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*Information from:

Office of the City Treasurer

Stephanie Neely Treasurer Contact: Public Affairs

July 02, 2008 (312) 744-8122

**InovediaMarketing.com is proud to be 2009 ambassador for the City of Chicago Small Business Expo. Follow @inovedia on Twitter for updates and information and daily Social Media Marketing tips for business!

Please add us to your RSS reader here. >>click here for a tutorial on using RSS.

You may also be interested in these InovediaMarketing.com articles:

• DIY PR: How to pitch your news story idea and get news coverage!
• Creating Web Video That’ll Work for Your Business
• 10 EASY Ways to Inject Twitter and Facebook into Everyday Business!
• 3 Ways to Laser Focus Your Business for Twitter, Facebook and Linkedin.
• Create Amazing Mind Blowing Business Cards NOW!
• Cheap & Easy Web Video You Can Do Too!

—-

Twitter Specials 1 CUSTOMIZE IT! blk 1sd dashes by twitterfunny>

ru following me? Double sided skinny grn by twitterfunny

Choose your own background color & add your twitter on back!>>>

Click image to add your Twitter name!