Scott M. Iseman’s Lifestream

For nearly a year now, I've said: Twitter is not for everyone. Nor is it meant to be.

For futurists, or those who want to tap into emerging trends, possibilities and visionary thinking, I still believe, Twitter is a portal that connects the present to the future. 

If you run a business, are in college, work in government, retail, or any industry where your skills and talent allow you the opportunity to grow, and climb the ladder, here are two simple options to consider:

A.) Live your life without Twitter, and enjoy other popular social media platforms. Update your Facebook, and get connected on Linkedin. Absolutely nothing wrong with this.

B.) Tap into the thought leader movement on Twitter, and connect to a rapidly evolving international world of opportunity and possibility.

There are no shortage of Twitter and social media experts telling their readers and followers how to use and take advantage of Twitter.  

Well, here's my take on how to seriously take advantage of the Twitter opportunity.

1.) Think of Twitter as an investment in professional and personal growth and self or community education. Could also think of Twitter as a "utility". A new way to communicate and share in the 21st century.

2.) Don't just follow 5 to 10 people or celebrities only. This gets old quick. Set yourself up with a Twitter account, and follow a minimum of 100 profiles, just to start. Some or more profiles will follow you back. Can always unfollow anyone at anytime. With this follow 100 profile approach, you can see how Twitter works, and provides value and insight. You can follow friends, businesses, thought leaders, news services, politicians, people with like minded interests, innovators, etc. From here, you can step in and be a part of the experience.

3.) Twitter presents users with an opportunity to sharpen their writing skills and step into a new forum of global communication. With Twitter, you get 140 characters (per tweet) to make your point. With a serious approach to Twitter, what a great way to strengthen writing skills.

4.) Take a risk, and advance your position in life. The more insights you gain, and resources you share on Twitter that are relevant to your realm of interests, expertise or career, the more you can begin to influence, inspire and be ahead of your social network, or industry curve.

5.) Think you are too busy to be on Twitter? Think again. You can tweet anytime from your own computer, or from your mobile device on a work break, or during work. That is, if your company culture supports Twitter. Check out how retailer Best Buy feels about Twitter:  Best Buy Calls Twitter a Job Qualification.

Some of the best and brightest in America, and around the world are on Twitter. The service is not only relevant for the times, but it drives innovation, and introduces users to communication and information possibilities never before experienced during the rise and evolution of human civilization.

If Twitter isn't for you, that's fine. But if, just maybe Twitter is for you, and you are not actively on the service, you may be missing out on a great opportunity in life.