People often ask me, “What is twitter? Why do you do it? What’s the point?”

Twitter helps you build your brand and reach out to new customers: this is true. However, just as traditional in-person networking such as sporting events, seminars, and lunch meetings, creates and develops relationships, twitter exposes both you and your business to new ideas, alternate perspectives, and puts you in touch with your peers, not just potential clients.

In the article “Twitter: A Business Tool You Can’t Live Without” from the OCMetro (@OCMetro) the following quote rings true:

“One of the best analogies I know about social networking is that networks like Twitter, Facebook, LinkedIn, etc. are like going to parties. One advantage different from a normal party you attend in person is that social networks obviously let you meet more people, and geography is not a barrier. I’ve heard many people say Twitter is a waste of time, but if your customers are there, why aren’t you?”

–  Bryan Elliott, SoCal Action Sports Network, @bryanelliott

On Twitter we, as the community of followers, build relationships, ask questions, share links and information, exchange ideas, peer review work, engage in customer service, and laugh a little.  It’s an electronic think-tank at your fingertips.

Social media is very forgiving; don’t be afraid to step out and try something new.  The key to learning and adapting to twitter is frequency, not duration.  Spend five to ten minutes a day using it; it’s just like learning a new language.