Twitter Tips for the Engaged Entrepreneur

Comcast(CMCSA Quote), not known for being a leader in customer care, has embraced Twitter in a very positive way. Frank Eliason manages @ComcastCares and demonstrates how Twitter can be used effectively to address customer support issues thoroughly and publicly. Starbucks(SBUX Quote) shows that they listen to feedback from their customers through their @MyStarbucksIdea Twitter account. Naked Pizza of New Orleans (@NakedPizza) illustrates how a local business can generate word of mouth from Twitter members who aren't local to make more local sales.

It's important to remember that while many people who may follow you on Twitter are not local to your area, the odds are that they are networking with others who are in your area. Since third-party endorsements are very effective, Twitter can help connect customers with businesses in their area very effectively.

Do you have examples of non-entertainment companies that successfully use Twitter? Thousands of new business-related Twitter accounts come online every day. They run the full spectrum of products, services and subscription programs. Here is a small sampling. @TheHomeDepot uses Twitter to answer customer questions. @MondayMorningVA provides administrative support for businesses and direct sellers worldwide. Twitter is their sole source of customers. Dr. Christine Farlow of @DrFarlow helps people make wise nutritional choices. She posts useful articles, answers questions and occasionally promotes a product. Beth Todd of @BethToddCreatz is an artist and designer who displays her work and interacts with prospective customers.

Is it a fad or will it become part of everyday use like instant messaging? Instant messaging, email, forums and chat rooms have all found a permanent audience by facilitating intuitive interaction. I believe Twitter is quickly becoming part of the social fabric of the Internet and will be around for the long term.