Many books have been written about the ever-popular Twitter, but mine was among the first when it was released in November 2008.
Taking a business slant with Twitter Means Business, I positioned as as a business guide for companies wanting to harness Twitter for external and internal communication.
I profiled Twitter-hip companies small and large — including the likes of Comcast, JetBlue, Zappos, Dell and Whole Foods. I also explored the use of Twitter in the public-relations industry, and devoted a section of the book to Twitter tips, tricks and tools.
The book caused quite a bit of buzz at the time. Though out of date, it contains still-useful advice for companies. It is a fascinating historical snapshot into a Twitter craze that, five years later, has yet to wane.
This is the press release that went out when the book was released (note that my Twitter handle is now @ojezap):
Cupertino, CA (PRWEB) December 10, 2008 — A new book released by publisher Happy About is a “how to use Twitter” guide for businesses. Twitter Means Business: How Microblogging can Help or Hurt your Company taps the wisdom of Twitter expert and leading technology journalist Julio Ojeda-Zapata (@jojeda on Twitter).
See how Twitter — the fastest-growing social network, according to Nielsen Online — is used by corporations like Comcast, Dell and JetBlue. This book profiles dozens of businesses of all sizes on Twitter. These are tracking what is said about their brands in the “twitterverse,” and are interacting with customers in Twitter’s conversational style.
Find out how businesses are using Twitter in innovative ways — such as responding to complaints, nurturing online relationships, posting hot deals and recruiting evangelists — with “tweets” that are just 140 characters or less.
Twitter has become a place to burnish a corporation’s reputation, drum up new business, get ideas from customers and find those who wield influence online. Twitter Means Business documents these trends, and more.
Public-relations agencies are also on Twitter, showing their business clients how to use the service. “Twitter Means Business” devotes a chapter to such P.R. agencies, ranging from giants to tiny P.R. shops.
Learn how businesses that don’t understand the Twitter culture can be blindsided. “Twitter Means Business” shows how ignoring Twitter can hurt a company.
Twitter means Business has tips, tricks and tools so businesses will understand Twitter and use it effectively. The book examines rival microblogging services used by companies, too.
What do Twitter veterans think about this? One Twitter Means Business chapter consists entirely of tweets by experienced Twitter users who give their thoughts on the service’s business uses.
Julio writes about his own experiences using Twitter at the St. Paul Pioneer Press, and shows how the newspaper is another useful case study for businesses needing to grasp and exploit Twitter.
Julio also identifies Twitter thought leaders, like social-media authorities Laura Fitton of Pistachio Consulting (@pistachio) and Chris Brogan of chrisbrogan.com (@chrisbrogan). These and others have praised “Twitter Means Business.”
Brogan says, “Julio’s book on Twitter is the first business-minded book about the topic that I feel comfortable recommending to companies wondering why they should consider the tool for their organization. I’ve found a resource that I will share effusively.”
Twitter Means Business is a unique blend of professional reportage and social-media insight. It is the one book to buy for anyone needing to master Twitter.
Related video
This episode of Chuck Olsen’s dearly departed “Eskimo Witch” online show contains a hilarious segment about Twitter featuring yours truly. It indirectly promotes my book, and shows how much Twitter means to me.
