Unscientific observation:  most bloggers use Twitter, but many Twitter users do not blog.

Twitter is popular because it is easy.  It is easy to setup, easy to copy-paste links into, and easy to write 140 character bits.  But, having your own blog remains the strongest platform if you’re serious about sharing ideas and having a continued dialog with the world.  Blogging is the antithesis of easy, however it is far more rewarding.

I’m not saying Twitter isn’t a useful and interesting service, because it certainly is.  But it does not negate the real opportunity that is actually made more useful by the popularity of microblogging:  having your own blog.

Are you just using Twitter but not blogging?  You’re missing out.  Here’s why you should make a blog your home base and consider Twitter an outpost:

1.  Blogging demonstrates true commitment and passion to your industry that you really can’t fake long-term.  Most won’t be able to sustain it over long periods of time with frequency, but those who do so are rewarded in spades and stand out from the crowd.

2.  Old articles are valuable and still read years later, given infinite life by the engines.  Old Tweets live in archive purgatory where a majority will never be seen again.

3.  Remember, you’re essentially contributing to someone else’s network on Twitter – certainly there are returns, but make no mistake they profit from your attention.  I know you might not have a problem with that because you gain something too, but it’s good to be conscious of that fact.

4.  A compelling link in a blog entry will be clicked; links in Twitter are noise that in aggregate make up signal, but the reality is links in your stream aren’t the same as a post with a compelling link.

5.  Secret everyone knows:  most of Twitter is just linking to blogs and content on the open web.  Being the end product people are actually interested in and focus their attention on is where your ideas will be studied carefully, not in the cacophony of Twitter.

6.  You own your work in a self-hosted blog and are in total control over how it is presented.

7.  Twitter is in a sense social sticky notes, or the SMS of the Internet (however you want to consider it).  It’s snack-sized content.  Are you or your business interesting enough to provide the full course?  It’s telling who engages deeper vs. those who simply choose to engage 140 characters at a time.

8.  Cumulative results over time from blogging, each post incrementally adds value to your site as a whole.  Not necessarily true on Twitter.

9.  Full analytics with a blog.

10.  Multiple touch points to readership and interaction (email, RSS, on-site, etc.).

11.  Plugins let you add pretty much anything you want, can even integrate microblogging within your blog itself.

12.  Flexibility with layout.

13.  140 characters is often more than necessary – but also it is often less than necessary.

14.  Everyone on Twitter is looking for the next big thing or most interesting piece of content to link to.  Wouldn’t you rather be the big thing than merely another person pointing at it?

15.  These are all just tools to share content and ideas, no more, no less.  You need a cohesive strategy for all of them to drive conversions in one spot.  A blog is the perfect place for that if you want focused attention and to build an interested community.  What if any one network you don’t control falls out of favor or changes the rules?  At the end of the day, self-hosted blog owners control the vertical and the horizontal, whereas on Twitter or any external network you’re at the whim of someone else.

16.  I don’t even know why some people consider for a second that Twitter and FriendFeed will kill blogging, these ideas are pure linkbait and show a lack of understanding of the motivation of people on the open web.

17.  Careful of how much time you devote to Twitter instead of contributing to your own channel.  Spend the most time nurturing that – time spent in Twitter comes at the opportunity cost of fresh content to your blog.  You can use Twitter and other micro networks to draw subscribers and interest, but the premier value is in working on your own material in a unique space.

18.  RSS is alive and well – Steve Gillmor and the TC gang know how to write a great piece of linkbait, but that’s pretty much all it is.  Remember, they are in the business of generating buzz, links and pageviews through opinion pieces that ruffle the feathers of tech bloggers, and they’re good at it.  It’s entertainment value but I wouldn’t put too much stake in anything one person or site says, always look at the situation and landscape objectively.

19.  You are in control of when your blog goes into maintenance mode – not so with Twitter or really any free service.

Don’t get me wrong, I do like Twitter.  I’ve even taken the time to draft insights from using it as I think it’s a great service, however the biggest opportunity is still to develop a successful self-hosted blog.  This advice isn’t new – but I just got the feeling this week that it needs to be restated.  I know it’s not as “sexy” anymore but it is still far more valuable and should not be discounted merely because the early adopters have shiny new object syndrome.

Adam Singer is the author of ‘The Future Buzz’ and is “extremely passionate about computers, technology and anything new that connects us and allows for better communication in our world.”

Most of my clients come to me once they have built various profiles and wonder why their online efforts don’t seem to be achieving expected results. This post will deal with LinkedIn and how you can start using this very powerful networking tool.

LinkedIn is designed to connect you with other professionals, allowing them to see your “best professional representation”.

1. Be sure your profile is clean, easy to read.

You may understand the termonology and industry jargon associated with your profession, but does everyone reading your profile? Don’t miss a connection because someone doesn’t really understand what you do. Also, write your profile in a word document and use spell check! Nothing makes quite the same impression as poor grammar and misspelled words! When choosing a picture, find a warm smiling picture and crop to a headshot. These do not have to be “professional”, in fact, I personally prefer a more relaxed and fun representation of myself. Your profile speaks to your experience, you picture can be casual IF your profession allows.

2. Make sure your profile is complete and relevant.

LinkedIn has a little measurement bar on the right side of your profile letting you know how “complete” it is. Ignore this. Yes, ignore this. LinkedIn is a business, collecting data. So, what really defines complete? You have to ask yourself, “why am I here?” To find a job? To maintain relationships in your field? In your physical community? To advertise your skills? Once you know WHY you are on LinkedIn, you can tailor your profile to meet your expectations. What do you want to share with your audience? Complete those sections of your profile. Use relevant keywords to describe yourself and what you do, making it easier to find you.

Newsflash…Your “Experience” is not your resume. Don’t list all your jobs, just the ones that make you look like a rock star in your field. Showcase things you have done, companies you have helped, places where you have made a difference, etc.

Don’t overlook listing your certifications and licenses under “Education” and your achievements and awards under “Honors and Awards”.

“Interests” should include professional motivators (why do you love what you do) as well as hobbies and activities which you enjoy. The more I “know” you, the more likely I am to want to connect with you!

3. Creating a more 3-D image.

There are two additional inclusions I highly recommend to my clients. One, join groups. Click on “groups” (top left corner of your home screen) and find affinity groups to join. This shows me that you are engaged in your profession and/or continue to be active in a sport or hobby. Two, use the Amazon Application and compile a reading list. Books you have read, are reading and want to read. This shows me that you are continuing to grow your mind and professional skills. A profile can be “flat” and read like a printed resume. Use these tools and make your profile “pop”.

4. What’s in a Name?

When you create your profile you are assigned a URL similar to this: http://www.linkedin.com/pub/jane-doe/14/4b7/233. Click on “profile” (left sidebar).  Click on “Public Profile” (middle of page) and enter just your first and last names.  Your URL now reads: http://www.linkedin/in/janedoe. It is easier to share with others and serves you best in search engine results.

5. It’s All About Who You Know.

Once you complete your profile, use the search box (upper right corner) to find connections. Believe me, every client tells me, “I won’t know anyone on LinkedIn” and my average client finds 40 people within the first week. Get started by typing in your city. You will find people you know right here. And DON’T be discouraged when you don’t receive an immediate response from someone. Some people have an email alert sent as soon as you request to connect, some find your request the next time they login to LinkedIn.

6. Recommend and be Recommended.

Nothing we say about ourselves will carry the weight of what others say about us. Once you have a few connections, ask people to write a testimonial (recommendation). Also take the time to look at your connections and see who you could recommend. You should try to get 5 recommendations as soon as you can and continue to build these on a regular basis. I suggest soliciting at least one recommendation a month AND giving one recommendation a month. Seems like a lot? Remember, this is WHY you are here – to utilize social media, the most powerful word-of-mouth advertising available today.

7. Have something to say.

Contribute by updating your “What are you doing now?” Be relevant to your industry, but don’t get too detailed. Obviously you wouldn’t say “Working on John Jones first mortgage” – but you could say “helping a great couple finance their first home!” Updating what you are doing shows me you are “active” in your career or your pursuit of one!

Strut your stuff. In the top menu bar there is a tab labeled “Answers”. Click here, view the list in the right sidebar and choose the topic of your expertise.
Share your knowledge and make some new connections.

These are just a few brief ideas on how to get started utilizing LinkedIn. For more information, give me a shout. There’s so much more!