I was iChatting with a former colleague who left a while back to join a fast growing design and production agency. I told him that I was on Twitter (my handle is @aquentminister, if you're interested in my sporadic digital quippings) at the same time as I was chatting with him and he typed, "What's Twitter?"
Oddly enough, a young-ish member (I think he's like 23) of our marketing team asked me the same question a couple weeks back. I was not surprised that he wasn't familiar with Twitter. Apparently it's adoption has been slow for various reasons among college kids, though, as the compiler of these 25 Twitter Tips for College Students demonstrates, that certainly doesn't have to be.
On the other hand, I was surprised that someone in a cutting-edgy global creative organization didn't know about it, but then again, my perspective has probably been skewed by the company I keep: namely, marketers with a technical bent who are committed bloggers and vocal advocates of all things "social media." Frankly, if it's effectiveness as a marketing medium has yet to be established, and it's not on your clients' radar, why should you know about Twitter?
I think that many people outside the marketing echo chamber may not yet understand how it could work for them in their particular context. If you are one of these hapless souls but are curious about this odd new tool, I'll get you started on your path to Twitterlightenment by pointing you to this post enumerating one blogger's favorite uses of Twitter as well as some useful Twitter tools (thanks to Mike Kavis at ITtoolbox for leading me to it).
Odd end-note: I'm writing this post from a hospital waiting room (everything's fine, don't worry), and while they do have wireless here, the system blocks access to Twitter, Facebook, and Flickr, among other sites. Go figure.
Seeing as you work for an HR firm, could you shed some light on how twitter is affecting recruiting/hr?
I know twitter will not be replacing monster.com for large firms, but is there any movement towards searching for applicants via twitter? Any thoughts on best twitter practices for those in job market?
Thanks,
Alex
Thanks for the link-- that 25 tips for college students article was definitely worth the read. I've been pushing Twitter as hard as possible (without risking making enemies) and haven't met much success... but this is a great way to add some heft to my persuasion!
The CRE8 Conference uses Twitter to keep everyone updated on happenings, where people are at after-hours, and thoughts during the keynotes.
Hey Alex,
I can only speak from my own Aquent-influenced perspective and say that I know some of the recruiters in our company have started using Twitter as a recruiting tool. I've only been using it for a month in my role as a marketer here, and am still learning the ropes and trying to figure out how Twitter can help more people learn about Aquent.
From the job search perspective, I think that job seekers could use Twitter in at least two ways. On the one hand, it could be a research tool allowing you to "follow" potential employers or just luminaries in your particular discipline.
On the other hand, I think that one could use Twitter to help network, ask questions, and develop another facet of one's online reputation/presence.
Does that help?
Matt