How to Get the Most Out of Participating in a TweetChat

You can use any Twitter-friendly application. There’s TweetChat and TweetDeck. I use TweetGrid because I think it’s the easiest and there’s no downloading of software. It’s all done online.

Below are some simple TweetGrid setup instructions…

1. When you land on the TweetGrid home page, you’ll see a bunch of graphics at the very top that say 1×1, 1×2, 1×3, etc. Select 1×3.
2. Next stop… a page where 3 columns are set up. 
3. Click “login” so you can link to your Twitter account. It’ll ask you for access. Click “allow.” (Don’t have a Twitter account yet? Scroll down to see easy instructions.)
4. Once you’re logged in and connected, you should see your name just below the box where you enter text box..
5. To the right of that is a box to enter a hashtag (# followed by a word or phrase). Type in VideoBizChat. That ensures every tweet you enter in TweetGrid includes this hashtag. That way, you don’t have to worry about it and you also don’t have to worry about going over the 140 character limit since TweetGrid  accounts for it.
6. In the left column’s search box, type in VideoBizChat. ALL tweets with this hashtag will show up in this colum.
7. In the center colum type RuthSherman.
8. In the right column, type your Twitter name so you can see all YOUR tweets, whether they have the hashtag or not.

Search Feature: If you have time, explore the search feature at the top of each column. This will allow you to adjust the refresh rate based on your pace. 

Here’s how the Chat will work…

1. At the appointed time (such as 8 PM Eastern), log in to TweetGrid or whatever application you prefer. Remember the hashtag is #VideoBizChat and you MUST include it in every tweet, or we won’t know you’re there.
2. You can say “hi” or just wait for us to start.
3. The moderator will post the questions, which will be in ALL CAPS. They’ll also be labeled as Q1, Q2, Q3, etc.
4. The host (yours truly) or guest will answer the questions in regular upper/lower case labled with A1, A2, A3, etc. If there are more than one answer to the same question, they’ll be labeled A1a, A1b, A1c, A2a, A2b, A2c, etc.
5. You are invited to add your thoughts and ask questions, too. BUT, they MUST be on topic. Otherwise, we won’t be able to address them.

Wait…NOT on Twitter yet? No worries! Here’s a Quick Start guide…

1. Go to Twitter.com
2. In the “New to Twitter? Join today!” box, put your name, email, and password (choose a strong password because Twitter accounts get hacked.)
3. After you log in to Twitter, click on the “Settings” tab at the top of your Twitter home page.
4. You’ll be taken to the “Account” page, where you’ll be able to choose a Twitter (user) name…
5. Use a name that is recognizable and makes it easy for others to find you and remember your Twitter name. I recommend using your full name. If it’s taken, try separating your first_last name by underscore, hyphen, or dot. Or add a middle initial. Try to keep it short because Twitter includes it in the 140 word limit when people tweet to or about you.
6. You can also use your business name if it’s an established brand and/or well known among your peeps and easy to remember. 
7. Next, click on the “Profile” tab…
8. Upload a photo (really important, so even if you don’t have a professional one, choose something that works until you do). Twitter is a happy place, so choose a happy pic.
9. In the bio section, you have 160 characters to describe yourself and your services. When you follow people you don’t know, they will investigate before following you back, so make it count! 

That’s it! Before you know it, you’ll be a TweetChat pro!