1335955512_Follow meIt probably seems self-serving to write a post about the merits of Twitter given the nature of my business but in light of recent social media negativity, I wanted to highlight how nurturing a Twitter account can be a positive experience.

My personal Twitter account has been active for two and a half years and I’ve had a work account since I started my own business eighteen months ago. During that time, I’ve connected with a variety of people from all over the world; sharing advice, interests, anecdotes and engaging in topical debate.

From a business point of view, Twitter is a powerful tool. The connections that can be developed are extensive and valuable and relationships grow fast with potential clients as well as industry peers. I experience this first hand when I manage Twitter accounts for my clients and also to promote my own business.

Personally, I’ve only ever had positive experiences with Twitter. It’s fair to say that I now mainly use it for business purposes but I’ve also engaged with like-minded people, found the latest news and witnessed responses to worldwide events, in real-time. At the very least, it’s an interesting window onto the world and as an instant form of online media, it may also be a new style of journalism for the tech-savvy, twenty-first century.

Twitter is a wonderful advert for freedom of expression. However, the rule that should always be remembered is this: don’t put anything online that you wouldn’t say or do offline. Those who think that it’s okay (fun?) to post abusive comments because they are effectively anonymous are sorely mistaken. Threats made over the internet are against the law. As Twitter account users, we all have a responsibility to ensure that people are educated about accountability and responsible behaviour on social media and the worldwide web.

For more information visit http://www.saferinternet.org.uk/ & follow @UK_SIC