There are lots of opinions about the value of Twitter for businesspeople. Many of you think it's a total waste of time. Many have no idea what it is, or any interest in finding out. Some are curious but haven't dipped their toes in Twitter yet. And then there are the converted: those who post tweets regularly.

I fall into this last category. I have been on Twitter for a year and love it for these reasons: ease of use, simple interface, educational value, social networking value, and its limit of 140 characters per post. Right now, the price of it is still right (as in free). I love that it's always humming along in the background, with updates bubbling to the top by the minute.

Though it's difficult for me to quantify the specific benefits I'm seeing from my Twitter presence, I will tell you it has increased my knowledge in many disciplines and expanded my "brand." I follow lots of printers on Twitter as well as print customers, trade journalists, social media experts and marketing gurus. Surely I can be more efficient in how I'm using Twitter, and that will come with experience.

Today I want to talk about printers and Twitter.

In my opinion, printing companies should jump on board Twitter. First, you need to chat with your CEO or Sales Manager (if you're a rep) to discuss policies, objectives, etc. What you Tweet reflects your company. Plus, it's public. What happens on the Internet is there forever and a day.

Here's why printers should be on Twitter:

1. It will expand your online presence.

2. You have insights to share.

3. Your competition is there.

4. Your market is there.

5. Your customers are there (and may be talking about you).

6. You can learn a lot.

7. It takes no time at all to set up.

8. It's still free.

9. It could increase your business.

10. It will develop your online personality.

11. It will make your firm more human.

12. It should help you differentiate your firm.

13. It's easy.

Still, there are right ways and incredibly wrong ways for printers to use Twitter. You can cultivate a positive reputation or watch your reputation crash and burn if you aren't mindful of what you're doing.

In 2010, I will be offering a webinar and a live event on Twittering for Printers: Margie's Tips for Twittering Success. I will travel to your neck of the woods for a large enough audience.

Happy New Year, everyone!