By 
There are many reasons why people use hashtags (#) on Twitter: categorizing a tweet, joining a trending topic conversation, or tweeting about a live event while virtually networking with attendees. Without your knowing it, some of those using hashtags may even be engaging in Twitter Chats: You can safely assume that anyone using a hashtag that ends in “chat” is doing so. Last week I announced that Perri Gorman and myself would be starting a new #JobChat every Tuesday from 5 to 6 PST, so for those of you who are still new to the concept, I have created a video to show you how you can easily join and engage in this new type of real-time group conversation.
But before I even show you the video, what exactly is a Twitter Chat?
Twitter has been compared to many things, but I always refer to it as a huge global and open chat room. Remember the old AOL chat rooms? [Oops...did I just give away my age?] Sort of like that, but there are no categories, just people with usernames. What happens if a number of people want to have a conversation on Twitter and use it just like one of the old chat rooms? They merely use the same hashtag, which allows them to both easily follow each other as well as allow others to easily join in the conversation. This is, in essence, what a Twitter Chat is.
Why join a Twitter Chat? There are many reasons to join one that could help you in meeting your social media objectives, including:
- To learn something new
- To share something you know
- To make new friends
- To be found by others
- To establish your personal branding
- To display your subject matter expertise
Now that you know what a Twitter Chat is and what the advantages are of participating, how do you exactly join one?
The software client that I personally use is TweetGrid, which anyone can use just as I will show you in the video below. It should be noted that you can join a Twitter Chat from the comfort of your own client, such as HootSuite or TweetDeck, just by adding a new Search column using “#JobChat” or whatever “#chat” you might be joining. Even though I personally use HootSuite, I still enjoy using TweetGrid because the updates are in real-time and it allows me to concentrate on the chat. So without further adieu here’s the how-to video!
By the way, if you are interested in learning about what other scheduled conversations are out there to join, please take a look at this excellent list of Twitter Chats.
![How Many LinkedIn Connections Should You Have? My Advice May Surprise You! [VIDEO]](http://windmillnetworking.wpengine.netdna-cdn.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/12/4016026647_41d738b31b_m-150x150.jpg)
![What are Your Favorite Twitter Pet Peeves? Here are My Top 10. [VIDEO]](http://windmillnetworking.wpengine.netdna-cdn.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/05/Yellow_stop_sign-150x150.jpg)
What is a Twitter Chat and HOW TO: Easily Join a Twitter Chat Using TweetGrid
[...] it, some of those using hashtags may even be engaging in Twitter Chats: You can safely [...] Read More on “What is a Twitter Chat and HOW TO: Easily Join a Twitter Chat Using TweetGrid…Related ArticlesLooking for a Job? Come Join Me on Twitter on #JobChat!How Often Should You Update [...]
Review: Why TweetDeck Works For Me | What Ven Thinks!
[...] What is a Twitter Chat and HOW TO: Easily Join a Twitter Chat Using TweetGrid (windmillnetworking.com) [...]
#JobChat on Twitter
[...] us! And if you are unsure how to join a Twitter chat, please make sure you read my blog post on how to join a Twitter chat using Tweetgrid. If you're new here, you may want to sign up for my social media newsletter or subscribe to my [...]
Top 20 Most Useful Twitter Blog Posts of 2010
[...] Content to Tweet [92], What Should I Tweet? 5 Ways to Find Great Content for Your Followers [64], What is a Twitter Chat and HOW TO: Easily Join One Using TweetGrid [22], and What are Your Favorite Twitter Pet Peeves? Here are My Top 10. [VIDEO] [13].)GENERAL [...]
10 Legit Ways to Gain a Twitter Fast Friend Following | ConverStations
[...] Twitter Chats – Join in and participate or create your own (using a hashtag). If you can keep up, this is a great way to engage and learn. At the end of most chats (a stream of tweets around a central topic) offer a transcript and a list of participants. Here's a tip that includes a Tweet Chat video tutorial. [...]
Nonprofits & Social Media: Technology Isn’t Killing Customer Service
[...] can create a stream of conversations for people to follow and join. Neal Schaffer’s article What is a Twitter Chat gives you a good introduction to learning more about what they are and how to join one, while [...]
Jennifer
Neal,
Thanks so much for the pointer and clear, informative video on Twittergrid. Also nice to hear your voice!
Jennifer
nealschaffer
Thanks Jennifer! I plan to do a lot more video (and audio!) in the future!
Social Media for B2B Sales: Establishing & Expanding Networks
[...] becoming notably aggressive in this area.Join some groups on LinkedIn and Facebook. Participate in Tweetchats on Twitter. These are great ways to meet new like-minded folks outside of your networks and are [...]