The Burning Question at BlogHer: Twitter

Twitter gained alot of attention at 2007 Blogher Business Conference. We weren't alone. Looks like this social networking tool created quite a buzz at the Video on the Net conference (VON) as well.

I was first introduced to Twitter during the morning networking session where a group of us (Tom Tenney, Yvonne DiVita, Susan Getgood, and Aura Novembre) presented our burning blog questions. The one question that got the most attention was brought up by Susan Getgood. She brought up a very valid point that the social value of Twitter is evident, but what is the business value in using the tool?

I won't argue that the social value clearly out weighs the benefit of using it for business purposes.

I have to be honest. I don't Twitter and I am not convinced that it is a social network that I will engage in. To me, it appears to be a combination between creating a fan club on MySpace and instant messaging your buds. Just one more thing to do to pass the time and waste time! Perhaps Dave Cote is right in claiming that Twitter is useless in his "Twitter is for Twits" post.

The only business value that I see is if it is used for internal communication purposes within a company. If you use Twitter to promote easy communication between a work group team or department that are not located within the same building or geographical area, it could provide some value in keeping employees connected. The next questions is what NEW value does this tool provide that you can't already get from an exisiting networking / communications medium? As far as making new connections for business, chances are slim unless you break into a group within your target space who are willing to listen. If you connect with groups for social reasons or common interest(s) do you really want to push your business objectives on them?

For those of you who Twitter, feel free to chime with any insight. I'm interested in hearing what you have to say about this burning question!

Comments

[Yvonne DiVita]

Hey, D-D,
I, too, am wondering where the benefit is. This seems way too much like Instand Messaging. I used that long ago to keep in touch with my kids at college. They've graduated and moved on...and so have I. I guess I have to Twitter a little...just to get an idea of how it works and whether it has value.

I'll let you know.