I recently got back into marching band here at Western Carolina University this past fall semester. The Pride of the Mountains Marching Band has a Twitter account that they use to update the band members of what is going on. They require every member (there are over 300 members) of the band to sign up for Twitter and subscribe to the Pride of the Mountains Twitter account to receive updates via text message. One example of how the band uses Twitter that works is if there is a change in rehearsal plans they send out a tweet to let everyone know the changes made. This is a great system, because everyone is always in the know. It is also a fast and simple way to keep all 300+ members informed 24/7, because let’s face it… not everyone constantly checks their email or a website for important information.

So we as PR students and professionals, have to keep in mind that everyone will have a different reason for tweeting. We cannot expect everyone to utilize Twitter the same way that we do. Obviously the marching band at my university does not use Twitter to join in on Twitter chats and network with PR students and professionals. However, what they do that is similar to PR individuals is share information and keep their public informed. So before you jump to conclusions about someone, or an organization, using Twitter the “wrong” way, consider what their objective is.

What are some ways you have seen individuals use Twitter outside of the PR industry? What are your thoughts on how they utilize this social network? 

Click here for the original image on The Oatmeal.

What are some ways you remember all of these spelling rules? 

See my post about National Grammar Day 2011 here.

People use Twitter for many different reasons. For instance, I use Twitter to network, share interesting articles I find, engage with people and ask questions. Someone that is not into public relations will use Twitter for reasons different than I do. One thing all of us tweeters have in common is we like to share information, regardless of what kind of information it may be. While I share mostly PR related things, someone else may only share fashion related things.

The reason that I say ‘be careful what you tweet’ is simple: you never know who may be watching your tweets. You may think the tweet you just sent that is pointing fingers at a specific person without having their name in it may not reach that person, or you think they will not know it is about them if they read it. Well sorry to be the barrier of bad news, but more than likely the person you are aiming this “unidentified” tweet to will more than likely know it is directed at them. In a professional setting this is unacceptable. Maybe you do not get along with everyone in your office, or even people that are in the same classes with you in a university setting. This happens. However, you have to be respectful and professional about it. There is no need to send messages through a major social media site about a person thinking they will never know it is about them. Plus, you never know if that tweet will get you in trouble (see related article at the end of this post). Like I said, they will more than likely know it is directed at them, and let’s face it, that is kind of the immature route to take. So simply think before you tweet and you will be golden!

What is your advice to people who may want to “vent” on Twitter? Should they say what is really on their mind, or find another way to vent? Is sending a tweet without a name in it, but is clearly directed to a specific person ever okay? 

–

Related article: 

Be Careful What You Tweet

Relay For Life of WCU became a client of CatCom exactly one year ago when I met with the current Co-Chairs of the event. They are amazing and I am very glad I was able to get to know, and work, with them over the past year as the PR and Marketing Chair/CatCom Liaison. This is an experience I will never forget. One that I will carry with me throughout the rest of my life.

After being at the event tonight I realize I want to be more involved in the future. Relay For Life has so many great things to offer, and it is an amazing organization! If you do not know about Relay, learn about it and get involved today. Cancer hits home for many of us, so celebrate the lives of those who have won the fight against cancer, remember the ones who have lost the battle and most importantly: fight back.

I relay for my uncle who lost his battle with cancer when I was 8, my grandma who had a cancer scare this past year and the cancer scare I personally faced two years ago. Who do you Relay for?

One of the many great things about Twitter is the networking it allows you to do. By tweeting to yourself, from yourself, you are not really networking. You already know yourself! Twitter allows you to meet people that live in different cities, states and countries. So narrowing down who you tweet with, and by only tweeting back and forth with yourself, limits your endless opportunities to network. I am not saying that talking to yourself is bad, but when you have the ability to connect with someone that is thousands of miles away, why just tweet to yourself?

So what do you think… is tweeting with yourself pointless when you are running two Twitter accounts? Does it limit your networking opportunities?