I often hear people complain about Twitter.  They say they don’t understand how anyone could be interested in hearing what Joe ate for lunch.  Although that is a part of Twitter, it does not begin to capture the power of Twitter.

MSNBC just released a report stating 40.55% of tweets (twitter updates) are “Pointless Babble.”

So, what about the other 59.45%?  Is there something there?

First of all, the most important thing to understand about Twitter is that it is the fastest search engine out there right now.  Not even Google has the up to date information available on Twitter.  Where did the world turn for news during the last election in Iran?  Was it CNN?  How about the NY Times?  No, it was Twitter.

Secondly, it is an incredible tool for companies, entrepreneurs, musicians, and organizations to put a face behind their structure.  Think of Tweets as text messages to the masses.  Really, text messages for anyone who cares to see them.  Musicians can talk about the fact that they are back stage about to perform.  Organizations can send out up to the minute news items dealing with the purpose of the organization.  Companies can offer discounts to the next 50 people who visit the store.

So, how can you use Twitter for your new business?  Let’s highlight a few ways.  One is that you can treat Twitter as a search engine for your product.  Twitter allows searches by topic and is used by countless companies to gauge response to new product launches.

Another way is to set up a company Twitter account and engage with your clients.  If you are in the pizza delivery business, you can seek clients to befriend your Twitter account.  You can then advise specials for Twitter users if they come in your store between 2-4, normal down time.  Or say you are starting a new service-based company.  Set up a Twitter account to talk candidly about your new venture and the struggles you have had being an entrepreneur.  By doing so, you are putting a face behind the business and will likely gain sympathizers to your product or service.

A third way to use Twitter is to find a big company in your industry and invite all of their friends to be your friends.  Friend lists are public in Twitter.  If people are already following Papa John’s, chances are, they are pizza fans and may follow your local pizza delivery service as well.  You then have an automatic audience where you can use some of the ideas listed above to engage your clients.

So, yes, there is something behind Twitter.  Like all social media tools, if you as an entrepreneur are going to use it, then really use it.  Don’t set up a blog and blog twice in one year.  If you set up a Facebook room for your new company, don’t update it once every 2 months.  And if you set up a Twitter account, don’t just have one Tweet that says “Hello World.”  Invest your time wisely in these tools.  Set time boundaries, but be intent on gaining new fans of your business.