So, let me ask you again, are you Twittering, LinkIngin and using other social mediato grow your business?

If you answered, “No,” or a half-hearted “No,” you’re not alone.

And if you answered, “Yes,” our hats are off to you.

How To Use LinkedIn For Business And Marketing

Social Media Tools For Business

In today’s Web 2.0, you’re missing a thriving opportunity to grow your businessif you’re ignoring social media tools like LinkedInand Facebook.

Two recent examples bring this into stark relief:

First:When the horrific Mumbai attacks were underway in late November 2008.

Second:When a U.S. Airways pilot safely landed his jetliner in New York’s Hudson River.

People on the scene were instantly sending “tweet” update messages and images all over the Internet via their Twitteraccounts.

In both instances, Twitter members got the news out in real-time, ahead of all news outlets.

Because social media toolshave become so ubiquitous and so successful at spreading news and information instantly and virally, companies and executives must find ways to incorporate them into their everyday projects and campaigns.

Twitter Tips

Are you Twittering, LinkIngin and using other social media to grow your business? If you do, then below are ten Twitter tips to keep in mind:

1. For the most part, follow those who follow you.

This is one of the unwritten rules of Twitter etiquette.

However, use some discretion and try to check on the legitimacy or relevance of each user.

You can always follow someone and “unfollow” them later; similarly, you can block an unwanted follower.

2. Don’t let your Twitter account languish.

Update it with tweets as regularly as you can, without falling into ADD territory or sharing what you had for lunch a laFacebook.

The more active you are, the more likely you’ll be to pick up followers.

3. Retweet regularly.

This is the practice of tweeting out what someone else has posted.

To do this, you simply write RT@joethetweeter, followed by what they said and/or a link they posted. It’s a useful way to draw in followers, both those who see the retweet and the one you’re retweeting.

4. Use hashtags.

By putting a hashtag (#) in front of a series of characters, your post will show up in more Twitter searches.

For instance, if you’re planning to attend the popular South By Southwest media/music festival in San Antonio, Texas, you would put #SXSWin a tweet.

5. Leverage your other profiles and media.

If you have a Facebook account (and/or other social media accounts) or if you’re a blogger, link to them in your tweets.

Also, to maximize exposure, add your Twitter name to your:

• e-mail signature line
• blog posts
• articles
• press releases, etc.

6. Add value to the Twitter stream.

Pass on information, insights, web links, and thoughts of others that you found personally useful, as well as your own input.

Chances are, others will find it valuable as well and respond to it.

7. Be conversational.

Do so on topics you think will be of interest to others. However, avoid an over-focus on yourself, as this will turn others off.

8. Concentrate your tweets during peak time periods.

These periods coincide with the business hours in the U.S. But again, don’t let it steal time from more productive or critical pursuits.

9. Create a custom background for your Twitter page.

Use this space creatively to add information about yourself or your company, what you’re looking to get out of Twitter, and provide a list of web links.

10. Create a custom Twitter landing page.

Instead of linking directly to your website’s home page, have Twitter users land on a page built especially for them.

Things to include could be:

• an “about/who I am” intro(include a link to a more detailed “about” page)
• a description of how you use Twitter(include frequency of Tweets, your topics, and if you use Twitter to tweet your new blog posts)
• your “follow” policy(include information on how others should contact you if they want you to follow them back)

Bonus Tip:Avoid an over-focus on yourself as this will turn others off.

With these information and tips, you should now have a positive response to this question: “Are you Twittering, LinkIngin and using other social media to grow your business?”