Twitter - Boring or Brilliant?

I was chatting (electronically) with a virtual business buddy about the value of Twitter.  I admitted that I think Twitter is a fantastic tool for public agencies needing to keep citizens informed.  I also like it as a tool for seasonal businesses, like camps, wishing to stay in touch with campers, staff and parents.  But, my use of Twitter is boooooring.  If you must, you can see what I mean for yourself.  Don't all rush at once!

If you're unfamiliar with microblogging sites like Twitter, think of it as a walkie talkie in which anyone who wants can tune into your "frequency."  Twitter post's or Tweets very short -- no more than 140 characters) and offer the opportunity for quick updates.  As a camp you might look to Twitter as a great tool to keep campers, staff and parents abreast of facility improvements, real-time registration information, changes in staff and even newsworthy weather that might be impacting camp. 

I thank my on-line friend, Ron Graham  who, in the blink of an eye, pointed me to the following article by Community and Social Media Blogger, Chris Brogan, which covers "50 Ideas on Using Twitter."

Here's an excerpt from the article

Ideas About WHAT to Tweet

1. Instead of answering the question, “What are you doing?”, answer the question, “What has your attention?”
2. Have more than one twitterer at the company. People can quit. People take vacations. It’s nice to have a variety.
3. When promoting a blog post, ask a question or explain what’s coming next, instead of just dumping a link.
4. Ask questions. Twitter is GREAT for getting opinions.
5. Follow interesting people. If you find someone who tweets interesting things, see who she follows, and follow her.
6. Tweet about other people’s stuff. Again, doesn’t directly impact your business, but makes us feel like you’re not “that guy.”
7. When you DO talk about your stuff, make it useful. Give advice, blog posts, pictures, etc.
8. Share the human side of your company. If you’re bothering to tweet, it means you believe social media has value for human connections. Point us to pictures and other human things.
9. Don’t toot your own horn too much. (Man, I can’t believe I’m saying this. I do it all the time. - Side note: I’ve gotta stop tooting my own horn).
10. Or, if you do, try to balance it out by promoting the heck out of others, too.

Read the entire article here...

HOW ARE YOU USING TWITTER IN YOUR AGENCY? DO TELL...