I’m all over Twitter these days (follow me) for multiple reasons, but since I still hear people griping that they don’t have time for Twitter, or that there is no point to Twitter, I thought I’d share what I find to be the most beneifical thing about Twitter…

It’s the Networking

We’re all still figuring out to how to use Twitter, and we’re all using it differently, but there’s no denying that Twitter is the most effective networking web tool available. Don’t believe me? Then, you’re either not using Twitter or you’re not living up to your Twitter potential.

Here’s a crash course, with examples, on how to network on Twitter.

Twitter Networking for Beginners

1. Follow the people you want to meet. The easiest way to introduce yourself to someone important at an event, is to say, “Hi I’m XXXX. We’ve never met, but I’m following you on Twitter.” It’s such an easy conversation starter and an excellent way to get a new follower. I’ve personally used this approach several times and it’s always successful; a mutual appreciation for Twitter is an immediate bond and instant way to make yourself relevant.
2. Use Twitter as a substitute for email when connecting with a new contact. First, make sure you talk with someone long enough that they’ll remember you (that’s a basic rule for all networking). Second, ask them if they’re on Twitter. Third, whip out your cell and send an SMS message to Twitter with “follow [twitter name]“. It’s fast, simple, and less intrusive than following up with email. If done right you’ll get an immediate new follower, and you can solidify the professional connection through replies or DMs, especially if you’re attending the same sessions or events later in the day/week.
3. Put your Twitter name everywhere, especially your name tag. Most people on Twitter know me as “jbruin.” I never want to miss an opportunity to connect with fellow twitter users and I find this tactic to be a conversation opener (either “oh you’re on twitter,” “what’s jbruin?” or “oh hey I follow you”), and a way to reinforce my online identity in offline settings.
4. If you’re hanging out with recognizable Twitter names, you should be tweeting about it. Chances are you’ll get some immediate street cred, and/or new followers.

Twitter Networking for Rockstars

1. The DM feature is powerful; use it! If you’re following someone and they’re following you back, you really should take advantage of direct messages (DMs). Most people have their DMs sent directly to their phone (or via email at the very least), this means that when you DM someone they’re likely to get an immediate notification. Speaking from experience, DMs are way more effective in getting an immediate response than email. Maybe it’s the 140 character limit (you’re respecting someone’s time by being succinct) or the novelty of getting a private message, either way you’ll connect with someone faster and more efficiently through Twitter. Now that I blog for StartupSD, I use DMs to reach out to the people I want to interview. So far I’ve always received an immediate response.
2. Use your Twitter network to get a job. You can do this multiple ways. You can tweet that you’re looking for a new career opportunity (and ask your friends to retweet), you can create keyword RSS feeds specific to your job search via Summize or TweetScan, or you can simply wait for job notifications to show up in the public timeline.

So what’s your take? Do you use Twitter to network, and if so what are you doing?

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