It’s “Technology Tuesday” here at helpyourselfblog.com – the day that I give whatever help that I can on all things technological. Today, I’ll be discussing the top three reasons that I use Twitter and a little background on the application. Despite its popularity, I have found that many people still don’t really understand Twitter or why so many of us are twittering. For me, these are the top three best uses of Twitter.

What is Twitter?

To put it most simply, Twitter is a microblogging tool – a social media application used to update your status in 140 characters or less. This status update can be used to communicate breaking news, offers, specials and deals, expert and novice opinions, and business advice. This is how Twitter defines itself on its website:

Twitter is a real-time information network powered by people all around the world that lets you share and discover what’s happening now.

Twitter asks “what’s happening” and makes the answer spread across the globe to millions, immediately.

The Twitter Guidebook

Luckily, the good people over at Mashable have put together a definitive guidebook on all things Twitter. If you’re new to Twitter and have NO idea why in the world you would need a Twitter account, the guidebook is a fantastic place to start.

Why I Use Twitter

Staying Abreast of Current Events

I am a news junkie and as much as I would hate to admit it, I am always “on.” I’m constantly checking my email, my iPhone apps or my Twitter account to stay in the loop. This is the top reason that I use Twitter. At it’s root, Twitter is a content aggregator. I can go to Twitter and find out what is going on at any time – all around the world.  From Apolo Ohno’s Olympic win to the collapse of the corporate credit union system, I “heard” it all on Twitter.

Industry Buzz

Whatever your industry, Twitter is a great way to stay “in the know” with the movers and shakers. When I launched the social media strategy at my organization (you know, the day job I shouldn’t quit?), I started to use Twitter to track what was going on in the industry. I found a plethora of resources and very helpful people who were willing to share their knowledge with me. I was able to “listen in” and then weigh in on industry trends. I found that the community of marketers in my industry was very small. Thanks to Twitter, I now know a lot of the top players on a first name basis.

Expanding My Horizons: Finding New Information

By watching my Twitter stream and following interesting people, I have become privy to a lot of new information. Just yesterday, I learned about a menstrual cup (have you ever even heard of such a thing? Well, over at Cheap Like Me, they’re giving one away.)! Or, have you ever wanted to build your own logo? Smashing Magazine posted this link to “blog spoon graphics” that can help you build one. There is no way that I would ever be able to find this help without my “twiends.”

Twitter has many uses and here are just three. Of course, I spend a lot of my time on Twitter just shooting the breeze with people in my tweighborhood.

Won’t you be my tweighbor? Follow me on Twitter!