Twitter is a free micro-blogging service made up of many different self-organized networks of friends and communities, where members send and read each other’s updates. These updates are called “tweets”. Tweets borrow the concept of texts and are 140 characters long. They are sent to a member’s followers and are received on the Twitter site and other affiliated websites, via cell phone text messaging services and other applications such as twhirl and tweetdeck.

Here is how you can put Twitter to use in your business.

Get hooked up with business mentors and partners on Twitter

Twitter can open up your way to a great discovering and learning journey. You only have to follow the right kind of people. You have the chance to network with like-minded people who you can network, partner or collaborate with or look- up to for information, ideas or guidance.

Use Twitter to Improve Customer Service

It provides a friendly, informal environment to relate with your customers. It is also easier and faster to reach your customers.

Direct people to your company, product or service using Twitter

If you can get a large network of followers, Twitter can be a free-ad, personalized service. Get as many people as you can to follow you. You can add your twitter feeds to other social networking profiles and bank on the influence these people have to reach more people. Don’t join Twitter with the aim of selling your products only; socialize to get an added advantage – be interesting and professional at the same time! Many companies on Twitter such as Ford and Starbucks take advantage and post new offers to their followers.

Use Twitter as an Opinion Poll

Twitter can be a source for free, fast and reliable feedback on a service, product or new idea. Coming from a potential market segment, this information is very vital.

It is a Great way of posting company updates, news as well as organizing meetings

It is possible to post news updates and headlines on the happenings in the industry on a company’s website on the company’s Twitter account.

You can also use Twitter as a group-sending tool to broadcast meeting announcements. Use hash-tags when sending your message so that you do not end up sending your message to the wrong people.