The world of micro blogging is in full force. Being able to communicate in 140 character messages started with the early versions of text messaging and continues on Twitter. If you are just getting started or ready to take your Tweets to the next level then here is a list of five tips to consider:

1. Define your niche: What space do you want to own? Some provide insights on topics like sports, celebrities, or even cats. You are not limited to that topic but as the old adage goes "If you do not stand for something then you stand for nothing". Who are we to judge? Paris Hilton has made a fortune standing for nothing. We still recommend having a theme for your Twitter space.
2. Link it to Facebook: Twitter has many different apps that make updating multiple places fairly simple. Connecting both applications allows you to post to Twitter every time you update your status on Facebook. There are many ways to pull in updates into many other social networking sites like MySpace also.
3. Use a Twitter Tool: There are many excellent programs to assist you with managing you Twitter accounts - Yes - multiple accounts. You may have one for business and one for personal but will need different e-mail addresses to manage both. We currently use HootSuite to manage our accounts. It allows you schedule posts, shrink URL's, shrink pics and more. For a list of top Twitter tools visit FasList.
4. Follow your Followers: Using tools like Social Too is great for managing your followers to keep growing your base. Over time you will find that a few of your followers are annoying but let that pattern emerge and selectively stop following. Several programs also assist with managing spammers. Having that management on autopilot is excellent.
5. Use Twitter on a mobile device: Using Twitter on an iPhone is a great experience due to apps like Twitteriffic. This app allows you to log-in with ease and view multiple accounts, re-tweet interesting stuff and e-mail out the best tweets. Excellent for killing time in an airport or waiting room. We definitely do not recommend using Twitter while driving, it is a distraction.

Hopefully you have picked up a tip or two to assist you new micro blog - What is the next Facebook or Twitter? That is the question. Enjoy.

For over a year I resisted the call of Facebook and Twitter believing that the normal online news outlets would provide all the news I need on a daily basis. But, I was wrong.

Facebook is great for keeping up with what your friends are doing on random days at random times. Sometimes just knowing that they are OK, is OK. Twitter is another story. Just the recent push to raise money for the people of Haiti has changed my perspective. The tweets and retweets about text messaging a donation were 24-48 hours ahead of most news outlets. That is the great part about twitter - No Editors, No Meetings - Just real time updates.

Here is a short list of why you should care about Facebook, Twitter & Social Media:

1. Make good use of down time - Waiting rooms and airports are my favorites but with the mobile applications on your iPhone, Blackberry and Google Android Phone it makes reading. tweeting and making updates extremely easy.

2. Stay in the know - Traditional media outlets only share what they think is news. Twitter gives you a little bit of everything. Facebook provides updates on all of your friends. Sometimes it is more than you want to know but you can provide your own filter.

3. Entertainment - Make me laugh monkey boy. We all like to be entertained. These tools give you 24-7 updates.

4. A place to Vent - What's on your mind? This is the place to share - Just keep in mind - It could last forever.

5. Test New Ideas - Ever wonder what people think about a certain topic or business idea? This is a place to find out. The worst person to fool is you. A few good questions can provide a good perspective.

So Tweet, Facebook & MySpace - Jump in the conversation.

What's your favorite Blog?  Here is a list of the Best and Top Blogs to Follow - Is one missing? Add it today.