Skip Prichard, is the President and CEO of the Ingram Content Group. He’s a new blogger who posted “Why You Shouldn’t Avoid Twitter Any Longer.” I would encourage you to read the entire post. He outlines a number of reasons why non-users aren’t using Twitter and then follows by making a compelling case for why non-users should get on board including:
- It can be used as a customized News Service
- You start to understand and get to know the person you are following.
- You can meet people. (And broaden your network)
- You may become an expert on a topic. Follow certain topics you sign up to follow. It can be like a classroom.
- You can solicit help.
- You can use it for instant messaging.
- Whatever or whomever interests you, you can engage on Twitter. (You can “Follow” and always “Unfollow” anyone at anytime.)
From personal experience, I can state that all of Prichard’s reasons are on point. I have also learned that without some controls and discipline, Twitter can quickly morph into an unmanageable deluge of information (think Facebook on Steroids). That being said, I do find it to be a useful source of real-time information, and like Prichard, I encourage you to give it a test drive.