From following favorite celebrities, tracking breaking news, to sharing thoughts and observations, Twitter is transforming the way people interact. Twitter Chats are a great example of how the fast-growing social network is redefining traditional online chatting (think old-school instant messaging or chat rooms).
So…What Is A Twitter Chat?
Twitter Chats are online discussions connected through the use of a common hashtag, words beginning with #. Generally, they are at pre-scheduled times and moderated by individuals who engage participants, ask questions, and coordinate the conversation. Best of all, these chats can be about any topic at any time–chats exist about virtually any subject of interest.
And…Why Should I Chat?
- Different Space. Twitter Chats are gaining in popularity because they offer a new platform that combines simple form with function. Since the online world is full of noise, the opportunity to experiment with a different forum is almost always guaranteed to provide undiscovered resources.
- Easy To Participate. Unlike some business or professional meetings, Twitter Chats are easy to access and get started with–and are open to anyone. It is easy to search for chats on any topic that accommodate almost any schedule and previous chats are available online for reference.
- Fast-Paced. With so many social media outlets to monitor, people struggle with limited time. Fortunately comments and conversations on Twitter Chats develop rapidly, so the return on a small time investment is very high, including new perspectives and connections.
- Personal Branding. By strategically targeting Twitter Chats, individuals can enhance their online identities as subject matter experts with their ideas, comments, or questions. Likewise, if people are eager to learn about another area or industry, Twitter Chats are a great place to grow and expand their knowledge.
- Community Building. Twitter is about connecting with people who share enriching or entertaining content. Twitter Chats are full of like-minded individuals who want to learn from others and build their network. They are an easy way to find, build, and maintain a community of followers with shared passions or values.
An easy way to get started.
One of the best (and most fun!) Twitter Chats is the Social Workplace Chat (#SWChat) from Stop!ThinkSocial, happening every Thursday at 4 PM EST. Join us for the next #SWChat this Thursday about Social Business Transformation, sponsored by Enterprise Strategies and hosted by Greg Lowe and Andy Jankowski.
