Posted by Mark in 
Twitter as we all know is everywhere, literally. While some are tweeting breaking news that hit the twitter stream before traditional media, others are busy tweeting from their bathroom giving everyone an update on what they are doing. Although I personally think all the hype surrounding twitter is a bit excessive, there is no denying this simple platform has evolved as something that is much more than a place to send 140 character messages.
There are many uses of twitter. Businesses are using to promote their products and create brand loyalty and others are using it as a tool to network. However, it seems like there is one thing that most people haven’t really thought of. Twitter is becoming the next virtual business card, well, it already is. The other day while I was tweeting, I thought that more and more people are utilizing their background as a virtual business card. This way of promoting yourself and your skills doesn’t only give others a look into your life but also allows them to see the field you specialize in. For example, usually a web designer will have quite fancy background along with their information on it. You can pretty much look at it and say the person is a designer, unless it is done by someone else.
Usually when I email someone, I drop a link to my site under my name and of course a link to my twitter profile. My twitter background carries enough information related to the blog itself. It’s not fancy and all jazzed up but there is information enough for someone to learn about the blog and ways to contact me. That little box on my twitter profile is my virtual business card. I am sure most of you include your twitter links on your business cards, emails and other platforms. Just wanted to remind you that if you haven’t been thinking of twitter as a virtual business card, you should.
Here are a few examples of the virtual business cards on twitter,
Whether you are employed, looking for a job or planning on taking on some freelance work, using twitter both as a networking tool and as a virtual business card will help you gain more exposure. If you have been using your twitter background along with information about yourself (virtual business card) please drop your link in the comments section. If we have enough we will plan on a Twitter virtual business card showcase sometime next week with links to your profile.
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Well I hadn’t been using my background ( @linnetwoods ) as a business card but you’ve inspired me to do so! I shall have to create something and upload it! LOL
@Linnet : The fact that everyone knows about twitter these days, I think everyone is coming up with ideas to market themselves and their skills.
Since twitter’s bio section doesn’t allow you to put much information, using the background as a business card or a section of it can be of tremendous help, both to you and others.
RT’ed and following all of the above. I’m always looking for sports bloggers, humorists, and pop culture critics to be regular contributors on my site.
Originally this was a very creative idea, however everyone started doing it and it now seems played out. I wish more people started thinking about how they could do something with their Twitter background that conveys info, but also is unique and interesting instead of just copying what everyone else is doing. Not to mention the formatting issues that most people fail to deal with, making their “business card” look weird or cut off on many browsers.
@Daniel : Thanks!
@movements : I am not sure who came up with the idea but it definitely is a smart one. I know what you mean with the whole formatting issue though. I have myself had problem when fixing my background.
I think the ones showed on this post are all great examples of a good virtual business cards that exist on twitter.
By the way, thanks for posting the twitter visual guide on your blog.
Had a few problems setting up my background so I went for simplicity. Although it could be improved, I much prefer it to a generic twitter background. Rgds Vince
[...] Twitter : Not Just a Communication Platform But a Virtual Business Card [...]
i always make my own business card through adobe photoshop and ms word, they are satisfactorily made though-;*
i love to make business cards at home, you can make a nice one by just using an inkjet printer,”
you can always create great business cards by just using adobe photoshop and some other photoediting tools *
nice
Twitter is the ultimate valuable networking tool. Use it.. you will see your business and reputation grow and prosper. Lots of tools hidden behind that shed.
Thanks for the read!