We created this list of Twitter resources and tools for a discussion we’re leading at a LA2M lunch on Feb. 4, 2008 @11:45 a.m. – 1 p.m. Join us at Conor O’neill’s Irish Pub in Ann Arbor.

While this is not an exhaustive list of Twitter links, this should serve as a nice resource for getting started using Twitter. For an extended intro, check out tweeternet.

The discussion will focus on more advanced Twitter issues, such as how to use Twitter in business and marketing. Check out the list of topics and the rest of our Twitter resources. You can also print out this Twitter resources post.

Btw, you can follow the Optimal Webworks team! @shawnsmith, @nikkicino and @_samjones

Twitter Topics

1) How has twitter changed the way you network?
2) how has it changed the way your busienss operates?
3) What examples can you share about how Twitter has impacted your life outside of business?
4) Twitter Etiquette: What to do and not to do on Twitter
5) How to fight the noise in Twitter?
6) Best tools for managing Twitter?
7) What ways can you use a Twitter account?
8) How can you monetize Twitter?

Can you think of any other discussion points? Share them please :)

What is Twitter?

Twitter is a social network and micro-blogging service, with one of the fastest growing communities online. It allows people to send public private messages in 140 characters or less via the web, a desktop client and mobile phones.

Many people think of Twitter as the same service as Facebook status updates. And it’s true, Twitter can serve that purpose. But it can also do much more. If you are new to Twitter, watch this video about Twitter in Plain English to get a better understanding of how status updates propelled Twitter’s userbase.

Twitter Etiquette

Twitter etiquette deserves a post on it’s own, but we’ll try to sum it up here quickly.

Think of the conversations you have on Twitter as the same as the conversations at a cocktail party. The party features many conversations occurring simultaneously. Which do you want to participate in?

When you approach a conversation, do you immediately blurt out “I need to go to the bathroom,” or “I need some grapes from the grocery store.” If you did, your comments would likely puzzle the people already conversing. The same goes for Twitter messages and conversations.

The most important goal of updating your Twitter account is to provide value to the conversation, whether that means sharing a link, posting an interesting observation or responding to someone else. Keep that in mind and you’ll do alright.

Now let’s get into the nitty gritty of Twitter.

How to send messages & commands

Replies: @username – send a public message directed at another user. You can send replies to multiple people in one tweet. Example: @username1 @username2 hi

Direct Messages: d username – send a private message to a single user

Retweets: Copy and paste another user’s message and add the text RT or Retweet in front of the pasted message. Include the @username of the person who originally posted the message after RT. Then send the message.

Social media can help you form more intimate relationships with your customers and business partners – even more-so than using blogs alone.

Social media strategy is the latest and greatest buzz craze of building your business online, but you shouldn’t dive in without first taking some time to understand social media and strategies for maximizing it for your business.

In this Social Media Strategy Series, we will discuss:

• What are the Different Types of Social Media Services
• Is Social Media Right for Your Business?
• Which Social Media Service Should You Use?

Ready to move on? Stay up-to-date on the latest social media strategies advice.

Business and corporate blogging has become an essential part of establishing and maintaining many companies’ online presence.

By joining the blogosphere, your company becomes uniquely positioned to converse with with its clients in a very real and honest way. Any many B2C and event B2B customers appreciate the increased dialogue.

But what is it about blogging that makes the practice necessary for your business and how do you get started?

In this how to blog for business series, we will discuss:

• What are Blogs?
• How do Business and Corporate Blogs Differ from ‘Normal’ Blogs?
• How do You Identify Blogs in Your Industry?
• How to Plan Your Business’s Blog
• How to Know What to Write in Your Company Blog
• How to Create an Editorial Calendar for Your Company’s Blog
• How to Find Readers for Your Company Blog

We’d love to hear about your blogging experiences. Please share them on any of these posts!