3 Reasons I Don’t Follow You on Twitter

twitterfollowicons1Having been “on Twitter” for quite some time now, I feel I have developed a good understanding of the benefits and limitations of this tool.

In a recent post, I questioned why anyone in the educational system would not actively leverage the professional networking power of Twitter to build upon their skill set. Properly used, this tool can be a game changer in terms of professional networking and collaboration.

It takes time to build a meaningful network of associates. This can happen in a number of ways, but the end result is a cadre of colleagues with whom one can exchange ideas and seek support.

Having said all of the above, I do find that there are occasions where I have elected not to follow a particular colleague, or simply dropped someone from the list of people I follow. While I truly do want to know what people have to say, there are a few practices which will discourage me from following some individuals.

The line between personal and professional is blurred

I don’t like to “unfollow” anyone, but if my professional twitter feed is peppered with comments from someone about their personal life I tend to end that particular social media connection. Tweets about hobbies, pets, or random observations should be confined to one’s personal account.

It is important to delineate between the personal and the professional. I use my professional account to connect with colleagues in the field. My personal account is used to follow and comment on topics related to local news and personal interests. Those that try to do both from a single account may find followers within the profession driven away by tweets that are primarily personal in nature and that do not advance the professional conversation.

It is not difficult to toggle between two accounts or more if necessary. Tweetdeck allows one to manage multiple accounts. Those interested in both your personal and professional life may elect to follow both accounts.

You re-tweet too much

Selectivity is important. It is not necessary to retweet everything that one find useful. Give careful consideration to what is shared. If it enriches the ongoing professional conversation, then by all means, share what has been discovered. I find however that I do tend to reconsider following those whom I find are making a disproportionate contribution to my twitter feed.

You don’t post original tweets

I am very interested in what is on the minds of the people I follow. At the outset, retweeting may be how many people participate the conversation. However, we all have our own thoughts and opinions. I want people to weigh in on current topics. The information they share can enrich and inform our professional dialogue. Everyone’s opinion matters, and social media sites are the ideal places to make statements, solicit responses, and engage colleagues in meaningful dialogue on current issues.

I consistently promote the power of social media and seek new ways to leverage this resource for professional growth. As it rapidly becomes common professional networking practice, it is important for all of us to avoid practices that may detract from our voices being heard as they should.