1. Twitter 101 Christy Hammond

2. What is Twitter? Micro-blogging Platform 140 character limit in each tweet Originally started as a “What are you doing” social media platform (think just Facebook’s status updates), but now it’s much more Over 6 million users Started in 2006

3. Twitter Usage Median Age: 31 19% of online adults 18- 24 20% of online adults 25- 34 Slightly more diverse & more urban than general population

4. Basic Twitter Terms DM - direct message RT - retweet #topic - hashtag used for threads @username - reply to another user TinyURL.com - a website that shortens the URL so you can fit it in your tweet

5. Twitter and the News Great for breaking news & providing unique content US Airways crash Mumbai attacks Inauguration Day Presidential Debates

6. Reporters Using Twitter Rick Sanchez - CNN anchor (link)link John A. Byrne - BusinessWeek Editor-in-Chief (link)link Jim Schacter - NYT Digital Initiatives Editor (link)link Julio Ojeda-Zapata - Technology Writer/Columnist for St. Paul Pioneer Press (link)link Colonel Tribune - Chicago Tribune ambassador (link)link

7. Example: Ron Sylvester Court Reporter for the Wichita Eagle Tweets about jury selection, comments made during the trial and more On Feb. 24, federal judge approved him tweeting during a case Newspaper website inserted his Twitter feed on his blog (What the Judge Ate for Breakfast) Follow him @rsylvester@rsylvester Over 800 followers

8. Twitter & Social Media Branding Comcast Cares (link)link Customer Service Giving a personal face (Frank Eliason) to the brand Resulted in plenty of media attention (link)link Dell (link)link Offered a special holiday promotion Got over $1 million in sales Methods: Prize Giveaways, Unique Content (pictures, stories, links), etc. Top 40 Brands on Twitter (link)link

9. Personal Branding Make connections with people in your field Show that you know your stuff Point you to articles and blog posts you wouldn’t have found otherwise Gives you an online presence (i.e. if a prospective employee googles you)

10. Sports & Twitter Athletes: Shaquille O’Neal, Lance Armstrong, Natalie GulbisShaquille O’NealLance Armstrong Natalie Gulbis Teams: Detroit Red Wings, Phoenix Suns, San Diego Chargers, SF GiantsDetroit Red WingsPhoenix Suns San Diego ChargersSF Giants Leagues: PGA, IndyCarPGAIndyCar Schools: University of Iowa, University of MichiganUniversity of IowaUniversity of Michigan Super Bowl Twitter Usage (link)link

11. How to Use Twitter Effectively Focus on quality, not quantity Promote your blog posts, ideas Interact (most important) Ask Questions Retweet other people’s interesting tweets Share links to articles & blog posts Don’t spam people or use auto DM feature Don’t share too much personal info (avoid stating what you had for breakfast, etc.)

12. Why should you tweet? If you want to go into a communications career, knowing social media is becoming increasingly important. Can develop your personal brand Makes you practice writing concisely Opens your eyes to new topics & reading materials

13. How do I get started? Go to Twitter.com Sign up for an account Create a bio, upload an avatar, and select a background Start tweeting After you have some tweets up, start following people

14. How do I know who to follow? Search Twitter for names or brands Use directories like Twellow.com to find users with similar interests & hobbies (ie. CNN, hockey, social media, etc.)Twellow.com 50 people to follow to help with your job searchto follow You can follow me @ behindthejersey