Firstly, a few definitions. Twitter is a real-time short messaging service (maximum of 140 characters) that works over multiple networks and devices. Essentially text messages via different media. It has grown exponentially and the way it is being used has also evolved.  Initially a “what are you doing now?” update that gave scintillating information such as “reading a book” it has now also become a defacto news source that it is providing breaking news. A good example is the demonstrations in Iran; where Twitter updates (called “Tweets”) from the streets were often the only news source available to Western journalists and were regarded as so important that Twitter postponed a server outage/upgrade to ensure uninterrupted information.

Personally I am more interested in world news than what you are reading, but the basic premise of Twitter is you can say what you like. Most users sign up and then do nothing, which is true of many social networks; more on other social networks in future articles.

The basic premise of search is that you are trying to find people. In utilising as many tools as possible to get in touch with people, twitter has a useful role to play, either because candidates have decided to be “followers” and be updated by your tweets or by sending out tweets to people you have identified. It doesn’t matter if you don’t use twitter, as we will still find you if you are good at what you do, but, there is nothing wrong in putting yourself in to the social networking space in two different profiles. You can have a personal profile and then a working one that targets different people.

If you want to join Twitter, follow the link below. Future articles will focus on LinkedIn, another terrific networking site that is worth joining.

To find out more go to http://twitter.com/