If both the Federal Reserve and David Milliband had active Twitter accounts (save for the fake Twitter profile created under the name David Milliband), would they fare any better? Though limiting their speech to 140 character sound bites sounds very appealing (in fact, can we get a law passed to that effect for all government officials?), I think not, as they would have broken many of the key business rules for Twitter.

What are these rules? Well I am so very glad you asked. Firstly, many thanks to Diana Freedman for her article that inspired this list. You can find her article here: http://ow.ly/2MStP

1.     Don't be overly promotional

No one likes the person who spends hours talking about themselves, their endeavours, why they are so amazing and doesn’t stop to ask how you are. That person is annoying and you would do anything to keep away from that person. Do not be that person and do not allow your business’ Twitter profile to take on that persona either. That is, unless your goal is to lose followers.

2.     Be helpful
I was once told that the secret to successfully networking in a crowded room is to find a way in which you can help each person you speak to. If your business’ tweets add value to those who read them, they are more likely to be remembered. Furthermore, readers will likely favour your business and recommend it, building your reputation as a helpful brand.

3.      Listen more than you tweet

Imagine being at a party full of strangers. Now, you could start talking about whatever you please to whomever cares to listen, or you could wait a while and see what people are talking about – look at what topics are trending and who has something to say about them. That way, when you do say something, you are saying the right things to the right people.

 4.      Tweet regularly

Twitter is a constant flow of 140 character posts on any number of topics. In addition, many tweets have links, pictures or videos attached to them. There is a constant waterfall of information and if you want your drops of water to be noticed, you need to ensure that your drops of water are always there. This does not mean post hundreds of times daily, in fact any more than five tweets a day without a good reason is frowned upon by us, but ensure you maintain your presence within your Twitter community. One tweet a week simply is not enough.

5.      Don’t follow anyone and everyone
Simply put, the more people you follow, the more tweets you will have filling up your timeline. If everyone you follow is relevant to your interests, perfect. If not, you will find you dilute the important content with irrelevant tweets making it harder for you to add to and be a part of the on-going conversation that is Twitter.

6.      Have a strategy
Arguably, this may be where Mr Milliband and the Federal Reserve have fallen most. Rather than playing any situation by ear, especially where one’s business is concerned, employing a strategy is as important on Twitter is it is when making a play for the Labour leadership or stimulating the US economy. To that end, have a plan and know what you aim to achieve with each tweet otherwise you are wasting your own time.