In the last week, I have two separate conversations with business people who have asked the same question, why bother with Twitter?

They also went on to say that Twitter is just full of people who talk about their breakfast, toilet habits and other inconsequential rubbish. Yes that is true, there are those who send out messages like that. I take no notice of them at all.

Perhaps I should explain Twitter for those who are unaware or unsure of what it’s all about.

What is Twitter (my version)

Each person on Twitter has an account. They can send out messages for the world to read (this is often referred to as ‘micro blogging’), as long at they are no longer than 140 characters in length. These messages appear on what is called the ‘public timeline’, a continuous stream of short messages from everyone. Considering how many people use Twitter it would be extremely difficult to see what your friends are saying.

Twitter provides a feature where you can follow friends and others, like celebrities or people you like. This means that your own private timeline will contain tweets (messages) from only those you are interested in. Don’t want to read rubbish? Then don’t follow those who write rubbish.

Tweets that mention you will appear in your private timeline. You can also send and receive private messages that will only be seen by the person you are sending to.

Being social

Twitter is a social network, a way of keeping in touch with friends and family. It is also a way to get in touch with new customers, people who can help with problems and to share thoughts and ideas.

When you share your knowledge of what you do, you can show people that you know your stuff. Help people out and get known as source of good information. In effect, you build up trust and at the same time people will follow you.

For example, I follow professional bloggers. I do that because they share their knowledge and it is useful to me. I follow expats in France who are friends, those who are in business and those who are just plain interesting. I am not going to follow anyone who is boring or talking rubbish.

So what is the point?

By building up your followers who like your tweets, you can share with them your most recent blog post. Tell them that you have a late availability for your gite. Offer them a discount on your products or services. In effect you can extend your reach to a whole new audience of potential customers.

How to loose followers

As a general guide, it is better to share more often then you mention your own blog posts or offers etc. You may be seen as the equivalent of a spammer, or at the very least boring and talking rubbish.