Resources for businesses new to Twitter

I realized that our previous article on twitter might encourage some readers to sign up and begin using the service. To help you begin using Twitter effectively, I’d recommend taking a look at these resources:

Top Five Types of Twitter Messages to Grow Your Business

The article goes out of its way to remind you not relegate your Twitter account to shameless self promotion all day, every day. As with any relationship (which is what you are creating when someone follows you on Twtter), you should strive to give before receiving.

That brings me to the second resource to help you promote your business on Twitter:

3 rules Market Yourself Successfully with Social Media

I always tell people about the 60-30-10 rule when discussing how to use Twitter in a professional manner. People don’t want message after message about your business. Be social, be funny and make sure you are providing value to your followers. The best way to do that is to entertain and educate.

See how some businesses are using Twitter to promote their products and businesses by taking a look at these accounts:

Myers and Chang is a restaurant in Boston

Peter Shankman is a consultant in NYC

Sprinkles Cupcakes is a specialized bakery in Beverly Hills

And, most importantly, don’t forget to listen to what customers are saying to you, and about you, on Twitter. It’s a two-way medium.