This question has actually been plaguing me for about three months now. Here’s how it started…
One day an issue was raised by one of our very astute video producers: “I have no idea what everyone in the company actually does on a day-to-day basis. But, I’d like to.” He recommended that we implement a password-protected Twitter system, where all employees would tweet about their various daily activities, describing their successes, failures, on-going projects, and general musing about the world. The purpose of this was to communicate valuable information to keep up momentum, boost company morale, and generally build a sense of community amongst people with very different personalities and daily responsibilities.

So we started it and to be completely frank, I would give it mixed reviews. Some people use it religiously, tweeting daily about their schedules and goings-on. Some people I have yet to see tweet once. But, this did cause me to get involved with Twitter and actually use it far beyond this very confined purpose. This begs the question, “Is Twitter actually worthwhile?”

I’d say yes, and to back-up my assertion, I offer my Top 5 uses for Twitter. Note: These are not the BEST uses, but just the ways that I find it valuable.

1. Read the News: This is by far my most valuable use. I follow the Tribune (actually a couple different ones), CBT, KOMU, Wall Street Journal, AdWeek, BXR, and couple more that I can’t seem to recall right now. Between my news feeds, I am able to keep up with current events with far less time and effort than with traditional methods.
2. Track-Down Needed Resources: We’ve been hiring quite a bit and it’s sometimes difficult to track down talent. Twitter helps get the word out and allows for quick interactions. But, it’s not just for hiring. I’ve also used it to help out some non-profits I work with and found out a good place to get my car worked on.
3. Follow Events: Where are bands playing? What’s happening at Wimbledon/US Open/Tour de France? Great use…
4. Intra-Company Communications: I do have mixed feelings, but it has proven to be worthwhile and I think it will continue to grow stronger as more people use it more frequently.
5. Curiosity with Politicians: This is sort of the equivalent of reading People Magazine (which I will never actually admit to doing). I just love following various politicians and seeing what they’ll say. Some have a very professional tone, stiff and seasoned politician-like, while others will actually make fun of other politicians. My favorite is from a MO State Rep who said, “Rep. XXXX just picked his nose.”

Sorry Erica (my wife) but it appears Twitter is here for good.

Tags: CBT, Columbia Daily Tribune, KOMU, Politics, Tweet, Twitter
Categories: Advertising, Business Development, Marketing, Tech.

Posted on Sunday, July 12th, 2009 at 1:15 pm
Discussion: Follow: RSS 2.0 feed. Discussion is closed.