Twitter is a social network unlike any other. It connects you with CEO’s, large corporations, universities, and well-connected individuals. However, there are several myths that you might have heard that might keep you from utilizing twitter to its fullest potential.

Myth 1: Twitter is the new AIM.

This myth has developed from the conversation-like nature of the @reply. Twitter allows you to reply specifically to a previous post by another user, but that does not mean that these are instant message-like conversations. The private conversations conducted in AIM (and other chatting clients) are not searchable, and they are not viewable by the general public. Yes, the Direct Message function of twitter is similar to AIM, but it functions more like e-mail than anything else.

Myth 2: Twitter is just like facebook status.

Facebook status has developed over the life of the social network as a quick way to update your friends of your current activities. However, there are two key differences between Tweets (the updates you upload to Twitter) and Facebook Status updates. First, twitter is not the appropriate avenue to put “Party at my place. Woohoo.” It IS, however, a network that you can use to connect with a cross-section of people with whom you would have no other interaction. Remember, Twitter updates are searchable, Facebook status updates are only seen by your friends.

Myth 3: I can’t use twitter because I am not at my computer all day.

I am not naive enough to think that this myth only applies to twitter; however, given the rapid nature of tweets, it is one of the more prolific (and logical) myths. If this is your situation, the key is to remember the purpose of twitter for you personally. You do not need to see every tweet by @sbradley3 to be able to still communicate and network with him.

This is where a twitter client (such as Tweetdeck, found here) can really become necessary. Tweetdeck (and several other programs like it, listed here) allows you follow twitter in three separate sections (by default, you can customize it for more). You have access to your direct message, your @replies, and all of the tweets by people you follow. Using a program like this allows you to access tweets and direct messages at your leisure. Don’t let this myth keep you from utilizing twitter.

Myth 4: I need thousands of followers in order to be effective on twitter.

Yes, there are members of twitter that have thousands of followers. Yes, there are members of twitter that have tens of thousands of followers. Remember, twitter is about personal use and personal goals. Don’t expect to have as large of a following as @guykawasaki or @ev. These guys spend their days monitoring and tweeting. If your goal is to network with several advertising agencies, then seek that goal and forget about the numbers. Build a network that serves your purposes, not one that lands you on top of twittergrader.

Myth 5: I don’t know anyone on twitter.

You’re right on this one. You probably don’t know many (if any) people on twitter. However, that is the great upside of this particular social network. On Facebook you are able to connect with old friends and classmates. Twitter, on the other hand, allows you to connect with people that you’ve never had any interaction with.

This is the reason for twitter. Connect, and interact with individuals and corporations around the globe on a decently personal level. Use twitter to extend your range of influence.