There's a lot of buzz around Twitter these days......and I've received a fair number questions while at speaking engagements and via follow-up emails about the basics of using Twitter. As a result, I've pulled together this list of things I wish I would have known sooner rather than later.

Note: these are Twitter 101 insights....there are a lot of ways you could use Twitter to build your brand, communicate with employees, clients and prospective clients....this list provides some initial "welcome to twitter" information.

(1) Twitter.com is FREE (...there is talk that there will be a charge down the road....time will tell..for now FREE)

(2) My base-line definition of twitter: "Micro-Blog that allows people to share their humor, insights and wisdom in 140 characters or less" @noraburns

(3) There are hundreds if not thousands of applications to help you manage twitter. Some of my favorites: TweetDeck.com and TweetLater.com ......and on my iPhone I currently use Tweetsville and TwitterFon.

(4) When identifying another person on Twitter in a message use the @ symbol before their twitter name --- i.e. "Chatting with @NoraBurns about building a Leadership Development Program" or "Meeting with @NoraBurns at the XYZ Convention"

....this allows other Twitter-ers to simply click on the "@noraburns" portion of the message to see my profile --- it also would also allow me to easily see that you are tweeting about me---- as well as demonstrating that you take Twitter into real life with REAL relationships (please use caution if you choose to identify specifically where you are)

(5) A Re-Tweet is identified by "RT" at the beginning of a message --- this is when you are so inspired by what someone else said or it's information that you feel ought to be shared that you want YOUR followers to know about it as well.

(6) If you want others to RT your messages -- keep them UNDER 100 characters as the "RT @noraburns" counts toward the 140 characters --- and Retweeters often want to add a bit of commentary to the end of your message as well.

(7) To send a message directly to one user that no one else will see.....use "D @noraburns". This is essentially a private chat. NOTE: You cannot send a Direct Message to anyone who is NOT following you......and that also means if you aren't following people they cannot Direct Message you!

(8) Anyone can follow you. It's not like Facebook or LinkedIn where others have to request to be connected to you.

(9) You CAN Block people. If someone truly is obnoxious and you don't want him/her on your "Followers" list you could block them. I use this pretty much only for people who have nude or semi-nude photos up or truly inappropriate messaging.

(10) You'll learn a lot as you start using it -- I like Ford Saeks' (@Prime_Concepts) suggestion which he applies to any social media site -- set up a dummy account to practice and get the hang of it --- then set up your brand-specific account.

(11) Sign up today and secure YOUR brand identity! Unfortunately @Insightful was already taken when I joined the land of twitter and @InsightfulEndeavors is too long (twitter names are 15 characters or less).

There you go -- some basic Twitter info from an avid user (some might say addict). I've been "Twittering since 2008" and have found it to be a fabulous tool for building relationships as well as brand recognition.

Now go -- set up your account ......and don't forget to follow @noraburns! (and for HR Pros who are or looking to obtain/retain PHR/SPHR certification....@phrsphr)


May all your Endeavors (and Tweets) be Insightful,

Nora A Burns, SPHR



Nora A Burns, SPHR is Founder and President of Insightful Endeavors International, Inc. With over twenty years Human Resource and Organizational Development experience, Nora has provided insights to entrepreneurial firms, mid-size organizations and Fortune 50 companies on team and leadership development.

Insightful Endeavors International, Inc specializes in Team and Leadership Development. We are based in Denver, CO and work internationally.