Twitter Power 150

Among my New Year’s “emergent resolutions”, I’ve decided to discipline myself and start Twittering much more seriously. Many have recently debated relevancy of the actual business value and uses of Twitter, but those who use it regularly will tell you without hesitation: it is an undeniable source of contacts, knowledge and learning you can’t do without. While Twitter has many uses as a social tool to keep in touch with your immediate friends and contacts, business people have been quick to adopt it as a business development and self-publication platform.

Fact #1: In the business context, Twitter can allow your company to build an online existence and “become a person”. This humanizes your company, and presents it as an accessible entity to the public. Want an example? Follow “SonyPlaystation” on Twitter.

Fact#2: Twitter is a cost-effective media by definition. By gradually yet consistently building a network of followers, your brand (”read “you”) will eventually gather a considerable, qualified community of listeners, whom are genuinely interested in exchanging with “you”. This is called a “relationship”. And I need not mention that relationships based on good communication are lasting relationships. Want an example? Follow Zappos.com’s CEO Tony Hsieh, “Zappos” on Twitter.

Armando Alves at A Source of Inspiration blog recently made a list of the most influential Twitter personalities, using (among others) some statistics from Twitterank and Dapper — two online tools able to rank Twitter authority, thus measuring a Tweet’s influence in the sphere.

If you’re just starting out on Twitter, I would recommend following these Twitter personalities, and see what they have to say. You’ll hopefully learn the ropes quickly, understand what I’ve been rambling about and start taking benefit of Twitter for yourself - or your company.