by Cheryl Rickey

Created on: April 15, 2009

You're not using Twitter yet? It's time to start! Twitter is an incredible way to network but beware: it is very addicting. If you are new to Twitter or haven't taken the time to try it, here are a few tips to help you make the most of the fastest growing social network on the internet.

Before you start "tweeting" make sure you have a "Bio" written and a link to your blog or website. People want to know about you! You can only make this "bio" 140 characters long so make sure you make your message unique. EVERYONE is a 'social media specialist' so you do not have to mention that. If you are on a social network, then you are a specialist. Tell everyone something they do not know! Make people want to follow you by standing out in the crowd.

Post a picture or at least a memorable icon. With thousands of new "tweeters" joining Twitter daily, you need to be more than that little brown box that they give you as a default icon. Think of your icon as your personal brand. A real photo is great so you appear "human" in this very impersonal world we live in. If you choose not to use a picture, use an eye catching icon. Your business or blog logo would be a good choice!

Don't get caught up in the numbers game. I do not want to have a thousand friends I have nothing in common with in real life, so why have thousands of Twitter followers who are of no interest to me? Follow people who interest YOU and follow back the people who you want to communicate with. No one is impressed if you have lots of followers but never engage in conversation on Twitter.

Don't be a link piggy. If you go on Twitter to just post links to your blog or business site, you'll put people to sleep or they will eventually un-follow you. Show your human side and connect with people about more than just your blog or business. This is social network, remember?

Do not follow people and then forget they exist. Try to respond if someone tweets you. If you are anti-social, then why are you on Twitter? As your Twitter following grows, you may find it difficult to respond to each and every tweet, but it is very important that you at least try. If you do not have the time to respond to tweets and are just on the site to broadcast your self-promoting links, you will not make good social connections. Cultivate relationships without being spammy and self absorbed. People gravitate to those who show them attention.

Most of all, have a great time! To me, Twitter is like a party you can come to any time of the day or night. The people you "meet" at this party may become great friends or fabulous business connections. Settle in, grab something to drink and tweet away. Just remember that it's OK to leave Twitter and go to sleep. It will be there in the morning.

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