The Women's Book

  Last week I was having a lovely dinner with a few fabulous ladies (you know who you are) and the topic of Facebook and Twitter came up.  I’ve been “twittering” for over a year and admit a slight addiction.  I was trying to explain why I like it, how easy it is and it just wasn’t making any sense.  So, for all of you who wonder what the fuss is.. here’s some info to get you started and help you understand Twitter.  

  First, a few Twitter terms that will make this much easier to understand.

Twitter  is called micro-blogging.  Use 140 characters (or less) to let the world know what you are doing. 
A Tweet is the actual post
RT = Re-tweet.  Often, you’ll see a post that has this term.  It just means that someone found a tweet funny, helpful or interesting and “re-tweeted” it for others to see. 

RT @LibraryJennifer  The JobsMobile is coming to Karl Rd Branch on Thurs, Oct 29th from 10AM-4PM.  Personal help for your employment needs! (see the actual tweet here)

DM  = Direct Message, you can send a tweet privately so that only the person you send it to can see it.  This is great if you want to let someone know your email address or make plans you don’t want the entire twitter world to see.
Twitter names always start with @ symbol.  Mine is @PhyllisNichols.  TaKeysha’s is @TheWomensBook.  You’ll see this when people want to reply to someone specifically. 
# – Hashtag  This is used to mark a topic, business or event.  (below example #quote = you can search for all quotes this way)

 @LoriMoreno: Be faithful in small things because it is in them that your strength lies. ~Mother Teresa #quote 

Now you are ready to start.  Setting up an account is free and very easy.  Pick a name (your name or a nick name is great, or of course a business name) but be careful about getting too clever.  Simple is better. Cutesy names don’t always translate well.  If your significant other calls you boobear, that’s nice, but you might not want everyone on twitter to know you that way.  

Make sure to write a short profile, so people will want to follow you.  Here is a great example.   

 Upload a picture as your avatar.  If you don’t,  Twitter will use a default symbol, and people aren’t as likely to follow you.  Put a link to your blog or website if you have one – lots of people will check it out before following you.
Okay, now you are ready.  The best way is to jump in and start following people.   Here is a list to get you started.   Many people will follow you back and soon, you’ll be connecting with lots of great people and businesses.  TIP A good way to find people is to click on someone you know (like @TheWomensBook) and you can click on who they follow – you’ll be able to see the entire list, and start following those that interest you. 

@Andrea10TV – Andrea Cambern
@TanyaNCB4 – Tanya Hutchins
@CherylHarrison – Cheryl Harrison
@LibbyGi – Libby Gierach
@NancyKramer – Nancy Kramer
@JanineMoon – Janine Moon
@Ted_Strickland – Gov. Strickland
@Ohio_Health – Ohio Health Network
 

If you have questions, ask!  I’ll answer them so others can join in the fun.  Let people on twitter know you are new (everyone was at one point) you’ll find  people are very helpful.   Don’t be afraid to post, just let people know what you are up to!   Here are a few ideas to get you going…Tweet about a good book or movie you’d recommend.  Going to any fun events?  Let others know and ask who else is going, people will answer back!  Twitter is all about the conversation and connecting.  You’ll see people post questions, or ask for info about all kinds of things from restaurant suggestions, job postings, volunteer opportunities; jump in with a helpful reply and you’ll be a twitter friend!

This is a quick tutorial. Next, I’ll write about Twitter for business.   It can be a great tool, but you’ll see best results with a little bit of strategy and planning before jumping in.

Post your questions, and your twitter name in the comments so we can all follow and connect with each other.

Phyllis Nichols, SoundAdvice Sales and Marketing