How NOT to use Twitter for business

Twitter has become a great business tool and there is plenty written about how to tweet. Here are some reminders about what NOT to do with Twitter:

* Follow everyone.
One high-end fashion business we spotted seemed to have followed every car dealership across the USA. Needless to say, only 1 of the hundreds (thousands?) had followed back and they had never shared or engaged in a chat. Follow those that will provide your followers with interesting and relevant snipets and those who you think are specifically interested in your business, such as journalists that cover your region/products.

* Re-tweet everything.
If it is really relevant to your followers and will make their life a little bit better, retweet it. Otherwise don't.

* Miss out information on your profile.
Your profile is a chance to let people know:
1. Who you are
2. What you do
3. What you would like them to do next.
Use it or lose it (the great opportunity).

* Sell, sell, sell!
While we are all in business to make money (you aren't? lucky you!), selling on Twitter just does not work. The power of Twitter is in the spreading of your messages, one tweeter at a time. Sales messages don't get shared so don't bother. Boasting doesn't fit well either so share your achievements as light-heartedly as possible.

* Well, she said...and I said...and then he slipped on a banana skin!
Save personal chat for personal accounts. Or better yet, a chat app well away from the public eyes of Twitter.  It is really boring for everyone else, especially on Twitter because they can often only see one side of the conversation!

* Too little is worse than too much
It really is. If you are going to use Twitter for business, use it. Don't sign up, post a few things and then forget all about it. Make it a regular date with 140 characters.

Now, off you go. 140 characters awaits your deepest, darkest (business) thoughts.