How to Find the Next Twitter
When Twitter started five years ago, I had no idea what it it was or how to use. But I knew that it was important. At first, I resisted, but eventually I signed up for an account. Then, I had to actually use it. For months, I treated Twitter as Facebook.
When Twitter started five years ago, I had no idea what it it was or how to use. But I knew that it was important.
At first, I resisted, but eventually I signed up for an account.
Then, I had to actually use it.
For months, I treated Twitter as Facebook. I didn't understand it.
Then, I went to Barcamp.
Barcamp is a local meetup in Nashville (and other cities). In my city, it's a free unconference for local technology professionals.
The first time I attended, I was overwhelmed. People had smartphones and Macbooks and were generally cooler than me.
But eventually, I learned about things like hashtags and how to use it.
All thanks to this little conference.
It taught me a lesson about how to discover and use new technology. Here are three ways to do it:
Watch influencers
Through their example, people like Chris Brogan and Michael Hyatt taught me how to use Twitter.
Influencers usually want to stay on the cutting edge of technology and tools that would allow them to reach more people, so it's good to watch what they're doing and learn from it.
Follow creatives & geeks
Pay attention to what the professionals are doing. Do you know a coder or designer that likes to be an early adopter? Follow their blog and watch what they're doing on social media.
My friend Kyle Reed is my go-to guy for new tools -- he's always generously sharing what's worth (and not worth) his time. Thanks to him, I starting scheduling tweets through Timely, an excellent productivity tool for Twitter.
Attend conferences & meetups
Lastly, of course, check out local events and conferences that teach on how to use technology. If you can make it to something like South by Southwest, great. But if not, there are probably plenty of opportunities in a nearby city.
I attend events like Barcamp and Podcamp, because I always get at least a few important things out of it:
I make friends with geeks and creatives, whom I can follow and learn from in the future.
I find out about new influencers. I heard Chris Brogan's name for the first time at a Barcamp a few years ago and was able to meet and even see Mitch Joel speak.
I learn all kinds of new stuff, like how to use Wordpress (for more than just blogging) and how to start a podcast.
If you're wanting to not be a laggard and discover the next Twitter, you should definitely be following people on the cutting edge and follow sites like Mashable.
But more than that, you should just try to get around people and events who are sharing how to use technology to make a difference. I would highly recommend asking around or Googling to see if there's a local Barcamp or Podcamp near you.
This post was part of the Barcamp Nashville 2011 blog tour. If you're in the area, you should go. Hope to see you there!
How do you find out about new technologies like Twitter? Share your thoughts in the comments.