The document outlines five basic rules for effectively using Twitter for business, emphasizing the importance of understanding Twitter's culture and language, engaging in conversations rather than selling, and building meaningful relationships. It cautions against merely broadcasting information and suggests that success is about quality engagement rather than quantity of followers. Following these guidelines will help create a strong presence on Twitter.

1. Social Networking for Business Using Twitter The Five Basic Rules

2. Rule 1 Before you start on Twitter, you need to start on Twitter You. Not your business, YOU! If you do not take the time to understand the culture of Twitter, you will fail. By spending time, as you, on Twitter, you will build a group of people (followers) who you will be comfortable talking to. You will get to understand the dynamics and conventions of Twitter conversations. Remember that word – CONVERSATIONS

3. Rule 2 Learn the language Twitter isn’t just about using text abbreviations to ‘get down wid da kidz’. Twitter has its own language. Re tweet other people’s tweets using RT Message people publically using @username Message people privately using d username Mark key messages with a # tag If in doubt, ask your followers. We were all newbies once.

4. Rule 3 You can’t sell on Twitter Seriously – you can’t. Still want to be on Twitter? If you try to sell, you will find yourself alone, talking to yourself in an infinitely empty room. Twitter is about conversation and engagement. If you display the attributes of someone that people want to do business with, they will do business with you. If you have no social skills, social networking may not be for you.

5. Rule 4 Talk to me There is nothing worse than a Twitter account that just posts press releases. Twitter is not a newspaper. Press releases are for the press – the clue is in the title! By all means tell people what you are up to but remember that you are there to converse with people. Conversation is two way. Talk ‘with’ not ‘at’.

6. Rule 5 Build relationships Collecting a large number of followers might seem like the key to success on Twitter but it is not that important. If you have 1,000 followers but nobody is willing to be your advocate and spread your news, you will reach 1,000 people. If you have 100 followers and 20 of them (who also have 100 followers) are willing to be your advocate and spread your news because of your relationship with them, you will reach 2,100 (20x100 plus your original 100) people. Building relationships and trust is the key.

7. Just the Basics Every industry and sector will use Twitter in different ways but the basic rules are always the same. Before you start on Twitter, you need to start on Twitter Learn the language You can’t sell on Twitter Talk to me Build relationships If you follow these five steps, you will have the basis for a good start on Twitter.

8. Say hello! If you decide to take Twitter for a spin, come and say hello to me. My username is @jamesmb < that’s how you write a Twitter name! This presentation has been made available under a Creative Commons Licence. The licence is called ‘Attribution-No Derivative Works 2.0 UK: England & Wales’ More information about the licence can be found at http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nd/2.0/uk