I think it’s important to follow people on twitter that are:

1. Adding value – If you’re tweeting your friends and/or boyfriend on twitter non-stop (and nothing else) then you’re probably not that interesting in my twitter feed – and I might unfollow you!

*With that said, my entire family, sister-in-law’s family, boyfriend, co-workers and friends are on twitter and do I talk to them through tweets from time to time? Absolutely. But do I also attempt to also contribute to twitter in the ways listed below? Of course!

2. Teaching you – Tips, great blogs, new ideas and perspectives. I learn from those I chose to follow on twitter.  If you want to know who is teaching me, take a look at those I follow on twitter.com.

3. Sharing relevant information – I’m aware of current events, interesting articles and funny advertisement bloopers because of some of my twitter friends! I follow @Mashable so I’m sure I won’t miss their many interesting and educational blog posts throughout the day.

4. Making you laugh – I follow many people simply because…they are funny, they make me laugh and that’s valuable! @WeirdNews is always interesting, and @DesignerG tweets about his love of coffee nearly every morning, but never says the same thing… always entertaining.

Slimming your twitter following is a good reminder to make sure you add value on Twitter, be creative and interesting! What would your Twitter followers say about you?

I think the transparency of social media can significantly hurt the many young job hunters out there. Fresh out of college want-to-be professionals in the marketing and PR industry probably assume the several social web outlets are to their advantage. (Which they can be.) However, in my opinion blogs, tweets, Facebook “likes” and Tumblr accounts serve as just another means to help companies and recruiters separate the talented from the talent-less and inexperienced. As these companies search for progressive minds — they are linking to more than just resumes and LinkedIn accounts — they are seeing tweets to best friends lamenting about a job search and Facebook posts complaining about current positions.

Unintentionally these pre-workforce enthusiasts can be reflecting work ethic and giving TMI about their personal life. Is social media an amazing tool that can put your career on the fast track when you know how to use it? Absolutely. Did my current employer print my LinkedIn account and see my tweets before my interview? Absolutely. But several newbie job seekers out there who haven’t quite mastered how to position themselves as a young-but-professional mind — have no idea how they are hurting themselves. Kudos to you for being active via the social web during a job search, but think before you tweet. Transparency isn’t always good…

Social Media Today made some fabulous points as well about why Twitter is PERFECT for listening, not just talking…

1. Twitter has real-time results. We’ve all heard examples of how breaking news spreads immediately on Twitter. Because of Twitter’s real-time search engine, you can get a quick pulse of public opinion. Even when you tweet, if someones not looking at their feed, it’s there for a second and gone – and the trends and conversation are constantly changing.

2. Wide reach. Twitter is useful to many different types and sizes of businesses. The amount of different types of companies and professionals on twitter are endless…

3. Direct feedback. You hear what people are saying as they say it.

There are many powerful social media tracking and analytic tools available which help you monitor your Twitter feed. Why do you think there are so many applications to help you follow and track Twitter? Because it’s important to listen! If you are having trouble with following on twitter. Keep in mind it might be because you’re only talking. If you just ramping up your company’s twitter account. I can’t stress it enough… Keep talking, but make sure you listen.

Set a goal:

1. Tweet 3 times a day
2. Reply 3 times a day

The key is to make sure you are replying just as much as you are pushing out useful information, this well help you to first, join the conversation and second, prove you are listening, not just gabbing!

And while we’re talking tweets, here’s some twitter humor for you….

I meant to post this ages ago, and am just now getting around to it. (So my apologies if you find this a little outdated..) However, as many PR professionals have given in and joined twitter for their firm or clients, I know for a fact many don’t tweet on their own. I think this is a mistake, and in this post I’ll tell you why. I think the “Trouble w/ Twitter” is hilarious but I do see the real value in twitter beyond being able to share w/ your followers that you just tried a really great new herbal tea. I found these 10 reasons on Social Media Today’s website months ago, and I’m not only backing them up, I’m adding to them….  I think the important difference between this post and many others that argue for PR folks to start tweeting is that these reasons are more about why YOU as an individual should be on twitter, not just your brand, not just your clients but you personally. So read on, and then start using your twitter account that you signed up for 6 months ago and don’t use! (Or go to www.twitter.com and sign up if you seriously still don’t have an account….)

1. Twitter is an influential medium

As SocialMediaToday puts it – as influencers it makes sense that we should be active in an medium that is rapidly influencing and engaging more and more people. 35% of tweeters are social network users which means they are plugged into other social web outlets as well, and they will spread your information (and therefore your brand) if it is interesting or helpful. Being on a personal twitter account with your name allows you to get to know other influencers in your field. Not just their companies (or competing firms) but who they are, what they do on the weekend, what articles they are reading etc. Get to know your industry, professional by professional.

2. Meet clever people

The people I follower on twitter never fail to make me laugh (and not just because my entire extended family is on twitter and my mom says funny things). There is an incredibly diverse range of people on twitter, get on, start listening and learn from them.

3. Build your network

I have met some great people who are in the PR industry who have given me great advice and direction. People like @gregblock have made twitter worthwhile for me! I’ve reached out to several people in multiple cities from San Diego, to Indianapolis, to DC in order to gain advice and friendship from people in my field, or in my similar situation as I’ve gone from job to job. People are willing to help, and when you’ve found them on twitter – it goes without saying that you already have common ground. In my opinion, the “twitterverse” helps you to connect with someone right off the bat.

4. Keep up with trends

As PR professionals we are supposed to be keeping up with our clients trends. Twitter is a trend every industry is jumping into, and therefore one that we should not only follow but attempt to know inside and out. Learn how to use hashtags and lists, and know how to recommend their use for your client!

5. Pitch journalists
6. and/or bloggers

Journalists are getting more active on twitter, and bloggers tend to be pretty involved. Meet them where they hang out, and reach out to them via twitter. Try reaching out to them as an individual too, professional to professional rather than just throwing info or links at them via your client/company twitter account.

7. Tactical execution

Twitter has enough of a presence to now be used as an individual tactic in a full campaign. Learn it now so you are prepared before you realize it’s expected to be a leg of your next full service media campaign.

8.. Get info…fast!

One of my favorite things about twitter is how quickly you can find and share information (search.twitter.com) or simply tweeting a request for information to someone you know or simply to twitter if you have enough followers. You can easily find people with common interest, and common knowledge. Someone asked me recently for some info on the value of foursquare (I’m still learning about this myself) but I quickly directed them to my brother @ryangraves (a foursquare expert you might say who was able to send me some info which I passed along.. (Do you see how this works?) Twitter is largely about sharing knowledge and information with a vast array of people who know a lot about a lot…. use your network to learn!

9. Build your personal brand

I’m young, I’m some-what new in the PR industry – and definitely always still learning. I’m interested in social media – but I’ve got a lot to learn and I don’t have 1/2 the time I wish I did to explore new applications, read more social media expert blogs etc…. BUT I have a pretty impressive twitter following because I reach out to people! I try to arrange as many “meet-up’s” as possible, and I’m interested always in getting more and more involved in social web avenues. You might say… I’m building my personal brand, and my interaction with other professionals on twitter is one way of doing that.

10. Have a laugh

Seriously, I documented my road trip from San Diego to Indianapolis via twitter, tumbr and facebook. Did I annoy some people? I’m sure I did. Is it professional? Maybe not. Were the constant comments about the flat state of Kansas and the horribly long and boring drive hilarious? Absolutely. Tweeting pictures of lost hubcaps and the “come hiking in Kansas” sign was pretty fun. I’m constantly coming across others who are sharing funny things they see, hear and do… and at least once I day I find myself laughing or re-tweeting something that I find interesting or hilarious on twitter.

To leave you on a positive note, part of Scott Monty of the Social Media Marketing Blog’s number one prediction for 2010 is that Twitter will continue to achieve legitimacy! Hooray.

I have found myself in the position numerous times to want to argue with corporate professionals about why social media is worth the time and effort it takes to learn to utilize these new mediums. I’ve even given a presentation to introduce how each site/application could possibly used for different types of clients. This post made me realize that the first step is looking more closely at what is is holding our bosses back.   Then we can more strategically plan our rebuttals! Here’s why the boss is scared of that little blue bird….

Here is a summary of Ochman’s post along with some thoughts of my own.

1- Companies think that employees will waste time with social media.

Many large corporations block their employees from accessing the Internet altogether. Others try to block employees from accessing personal email or social networks like Facebook during work hours.  In May, 2009, according to emarketer, there were 29 million smartphones in the United States. That’s a lot of Internet access available to workers everywhere – and employers can’t stop us from accessing the Internet – on breaks, at lunch, in the bathroom, you name it.  The value to workers of having Internet access – in terms of research, communication, and speed – is far greater than the threat of lost productivity. Companies have a right to make policies and rules about personal use of the Internet, but blocking it during work is just stupid.

This is great one. Your employees are already tweeting in the bathroom.. so you may as well them allow them to at their desk, then maybe they’ll learn enough about twitter/foursquare/facebook or whatever it may be to help you implement it into your overall marketing strategy!

2- Haters will damage our brand.

“What about the haters?” is the first question that comes up at my corporate and conference social media workshops. “What if people say bad, mean, nasty things about our brand?”  Well, there may be things you need to change about your brand, and in that case, you should thank them for letting you know what they are. Then you should make changes.  If you have built an online community that includes people who don’t hate you, that community will rise to your defense and they will handle the problem for you.

I completely agree with this one.  Criticism can make your brand stronger if you counteract it, you will learn where your brand needs to improve. You’re getting free and easy feedback through interactive sites!

3- We’ll lose control of the brand.

Listen up: every person with a computer and even a tiny skill level has the tools to make their opinion about your brand heard by other people. They’re already talking about you. Message control is an illusion. Give it up.= Your workers are talking about you in closed Facebook groups designed to keep you out so they can talk about you in peace. Your customers are emailing, Tweeting, Facebooking, and that old standby – calling – their friends about their experience with your brand. You don’t have control. You might as well join the conversation. At least that way you can influence what is being said.

Simply put… since they are already talking about you… joining in gives your brand the change to first listen, then TALK BACK and be pro-active and re-active instead of just observing.

4- Social media requires a real budget! It’s not really cheap, or free.

While many social media tools are free, knowing how to use them takes experience and perspective.  The boss’ friend’s high school or college kid can’t integrate social media into the company’s overall marketing. That requires experience and perspective. Having a large social network and a stellar online reputation helps too.

5- They’re scared they’ll be sued.

Oh puh-lese. Next!

Again, agreed.. you could be sued a number of other ways too. Crawl out from underneath that rock you’re living under… and welcome to the 21st century.

6- They’re scared of giving away corporate secrets or that information on social networks will affect the stock price.

If you don’t already have a social media policy, you need to create one.

Eight Twitter Habits That May Get You Unfollowed or Semi-Followed

The article stated that twitter has suddenly become a priceless resource for industry professionals. Record numbers of grown-ups are now using sites like twitter to network, and get in front of new prospects, stay abreast of industry news, and promote products and services, and connect w/ like-minded professionals.

It is an oppotunity that as a business professional – you CANNOT ignore. Get to know twitter. Develop a strategy… and once you do, watch it work for you!

I have been asked several times about my experience job-searching using social media a little over 6 months ago when I was laid off from my first position out of college. Having an incredibly social web-connected brother (Ryan Graves) and having an interest in all things up-and-coming social media, I dove into twitter, this blog, and the world of networking online.  I responded to a funny tweet once from @blockgreg about people shaving their heads at San Diego State for a cancer awareness event, and ended up sitting down with Greg at a Starbucks on San Diego States Campus where he worked. Turns out we knew handfuls of the same people. Since he had also worked in public relations for years, we talked about his career path, experiences, interests, and what excited him about his current role working in media relations and new media!  I shared my situation and experiences and he was able to give me some great advice and feedback.  I had enjoyed this person’s tweets before, but who knew that it could lead to a great conversation, (and a great contact in the industry I might add)  simply because he or I suggested a meet up. Meeting him put a face to an @address and it was definitely a great thing, now he’s someone I’d easily turn to for advice or direction in my field, and I’ve expanded my networking circle. 

Lesson learned – If someones tweets interest you and it seems like they are working on or involved in something that sparks your interest… MEET them! Could lead to a great connection and/or friendship. (Now, of course you have to be safe and smart about these things  – but I’m going to assume my audience has a good head on the shoulders, and that you know to take precautions before meting anyone online. Don’t try this at home kids.)

So, is there value? Many would argue there isn’t. Many will look and you and say… “so I didn’t know you had a blog?” or “what’s this twitter thing, it’s a passing trend, why even sign up?” and then they get that look… you know the look. They are trying to be polite and interested but really in they are thinking, “what a load, this girl thinks people actually care about her dear diary via the world wide web, how nerdy.” Well here’s the thing… I beg to differ, and I know there are many of you out there who might agree with me.  But for those of you who don’t… you’ve just heard my story – I’ve got proof it’s valueable if you’re using these networking vehicles the right way. 

Here’s my break down of why you should TWEET and MEET, and connect and network using the many social media networking tools that are available today.

1. Common Interest/ Common Ground - When you connect w/ people using social media tools there is at least one huge thing you will have in common. The fact that you both use twitter and posterous and appreciate the feedback that you get via the commons on your blog posts!

2. You can easily find people outside your usual circle (but not too far outside)- You might search “public relations” in “san diego” and find someone that knows a lot of the same people as you, since they work in the same industry in the same city – but it’s not someone you would have bumped into otherwise. This is hugely beneficial because not only do you have the common ground of work place, city, industry, etc, but you can talk about the similar people that you might know, and the circles you both run in – that will most likely overlap in more ways that you could have guessed!

3. There are driven creative people out there – I’m convinced social media helps you find them! - So I’m probably wrong, and this one probably isn’t fair, but I’m convinced that the majority of pepole that are active on twitter, have a blog, and are commenting on yours – they are driven, they are interested and interesting, they are seeking to learn more, learn from you and provide content rather than the mass of people who just twitter “watching TV w/ my cat” (if you’ve seen the video Trouble with Twitter, you know exactly what I mean).  I’m not saying anyone who uses twitter has value, but many do, you just have to know how to find them!

4. Favors are waiting for you…I swear.There are so many connected, successful people out there that are online, and the fact that you find them online and seek them out to MEET will be a huge advantage for you over the next guy who is handing a resume or leaving Voicemails. you’ve got that common ground, now USE it because someone who is familiar with your blog and your twitter site is going to feel they know you better than a stranger who walks into their office in an interview suit, and once you’ve formed this bond – most peopla are going to more than willing to pass you along to someone they know, someone you should meet – and there you go. You’ve gone from a twitter friend to a valid contact/connection who’s going to refer you to their old boss who you have to meet… or their brother who works in a field a little more similar to what you’re looking for.

Bottom line -meeting people via twitter (or other social media avenues) is creating an open door for yourself, you can trust me or you can walk through it and find out yourself…