Lifestyle

Top Tips for Twitter Beginners

Published

5 years ago

April 29, 2020

Are you just getting started with Twitter or you buy twitter followers cheap? Wondering what to do there? You’re not alone! Every day I get questions and puzzled looks when I mention it. The feeling “I don’t get it” still looms large for many. That’s OK; Twitter has a language and rules all its’ own, and takes time to “get.” I promise, it’s not you….it’s Twitter. Feel better now?

You may wonder: Is Twitter worth my time? How can I benefit from using it?

Here are a couple of reasons my answer is yes: One, It’s the fastest news and information source on the planet. Just follow your favorite local and national news and info sources. Find them by doing a search in the bar at the top of your profile, follow a few, and you’re good to go. I love local traffic alerts from stations that I have set up to text to my phone; this has saved me valuable commute time. Two, Twitter is a great way to get customer service help quickly. Who’s your cel phone provider? Do you shop at big box retailers like Target? The big names are all there. Local companies are getting in on the act; here in Charleston, Piggly Wiggly has a great Twitter presence. The reason companies are so responsive there is because unlike a call or email, your complaint is in a public timeline, meaning everyone can see it. Smart retailers address these quickly. In addition to these services, I like being part of a medium that offers lifesaving info to a worldwide audience during a crisis. During the recent natural disasters in Haiti and Japan, Twitter was a critical first source of vital info during the aftermath and recovery. This fact alone should tell you that, used well, this medium has much more to offer you than the mundane “This is what I’m doing right now” tweets.

Here are my Top Tips for Twitter Beginners:

Start with the right mindset: Think of Twitter as a conversation. Listen first, then respond. Keep tweets short and to the point, and let your personality shine. Ask questions, offer answers. Twitter’s a great back and forth medium; often, the “cocktail party” of social media conversations.

Pick a few topics of interest: Search for them, and follow users whose tweets on those subjects are interesting. How do you determine this? Click on a user name. Their profile will appear to the right of your stream from your home page. If their tweets have personality, variety, are conversational, and have links to good info, follow them. You can also do a search on people you know. In addition to Twitter itself, tools like Twellow are great for this purpose

Upload a picture of yourself to your profile. People want to know who they are talking to; this personalizes that experience for them. Spammers and bots often have no pictures. You don’t want to be confused with one of them. For backgrounds, you can choose one of Twitter’s, or create your own. Both are easily done in the account set-up process under “Settings.”

Know the rules and etiquette: Here are a few of the most important:

(1.) When you see a great tweet, don’t send as yours alone – retweet it (RT) to give proper credit.

(2.) Thank those who RT you.

(3.) Answer people who directly mention you by mentioning them. For example: @lizdeloach how can I check for tweets directed to me? Answer: “@djones click on the word ‘mentions’ just above your timeline.”

(4.) Check into Twitter, and your mentions, once or twice a day, and spread out your tweets. Don’t be a feed clogger!

Hashtags: Understand and use them wisely: They are a way of categorizing and searching for info on any topic, person, place, etc., with the # symbol in front of a word or phrase. Your city probably has a hashtag – ours is #chs. It’s used for tweets with Charleston related info. If I tweet something with a hashtag, it appears in search for that hashtag with all tweets containing the same hashtag. Be sure to use these when relevant, and not just to get a tweet into a certain list. Want to start a hashtag on a topic you like? Tweet a question or info with one, and see who else is talking about the same subject.

These are just a few tips.

I hope they help you create a meaningful and worthwhile experience there. There’s a lot more that I can help with, too. Questions? Leave them in the comment section below and I’ll gladly answer!

Lifestyle

Vipin Gupta Transforms Industries Through AI and Data Mastery

Published

6 hours ago

January 29, 2025

Michelle Langton

Photo courtesy of Vipin Gupta

Vipin Gupta, a veteran with 17 years in the IT industry, stands at the forefront of AI and data engineering. His knowledge spans healthcare, investment banking, and manufacturing, where he transforms raw data into actionable insights that drive operational efficiency and strategic decision-making.

Vipin Gupta’s method combines technical prowess with a deep understanding of industry-specific challenges, enabling him to craft solutions that address both immediate needs and future requirements.

Patients Win Big

Vipin Gupta focuses on value-based care programs and clinical data platforms in the healthcare sector. His work directly impacts patient outcomes and organizational performance through innovative data-driven solutions.

“Every data point in healthcare presents a chance to improve patient outcomes,” Gupta says. “AI and advanced analytics uncover insights that impact lives and shape treatment strategies.”

Industry peers recognize his effective methods and frequently seek advice on staying ahead in an evolving field. He emphasizes consistently tracking trends and expanding one’s knowledge base. Through data-driven solutions, his work directly impacts patient care and organizational performance.

Vipin Gupta designs systems that allow healthcare providers to make informed decisions quickly. This practical focus has led to tools that enhance diagnosis accuracy, improve treatment planning, and optimize resource allocation, enabling healthcare organizations to elevate their services.

Vipin Gupta has architected a unique and specific product name MyRateFinder in his current organization which helps patients, provider and health insurance companies to bring pricing transparency and deep insight into the pricing for procedures. This co-developed product MyRateFinder, is used by many providers and plan insurance companies to derive strategic insights from newly-public healthcare pricing data.

Becoming a Tech Thought Leader

Vipin Gupta’s journey to becoming a thought leader in tech involves continuous education and active industry engagement. “Read industry blogs, follow experts, explore whitepapers and new research,” he advises. “Recognize industry trends, network at events, attend conferences, and maintain an active social media presence.”

Vipin Gupta’s influence extends beyond his immediate team. He regularly contributes to industry publications, speaks at conferences, and participates in panel discussions, shaping the broader conversation around AI and data engineering across various sectors.

Vipin Gupta believes effective thought leadership stems from deep competence and the ability to communicate complex ideas. He encourages his team members to develop their areas of proficiency, fostering a culture of continuous improvement within his organization. This collaborative strategy for knowledge-sharing has helped create a dynamic and creative work environment.

Gupta’s thought leadership extends beyond his immediate team. He regularly contributes to industry publications, speaks at conferences, and participates in panel discussions. These activities showcase his facility and help shape the broader conversation around AI and data engineering in various sectors.

Gupta’s Blueprint for Business Success

Vipin Gupta’s mastery extends into cloud modernization and solution architecture, crucial components of today’s digital transformation landscape. His work enables companies across sectors to streamline operations and enhance their data capabilities.

“Platform modernization involves rethinking how we structure and make data valuable” Vipin Gupta notes. “As a solution architect, I bridge business needs with technological possibilities, creating efficient and adaptable systems.”

Vipin Gupta’s method for solution architecture is thorough, addressing both technical details and broader business considerations. He collaborates closely with stakeholders to provide solutions that align with long-term goals and deliver measurable value. This integrated perspective has led to the development of robust, scalable systems that adjust to growing business demands.

He has guided organizations in transitioning from legacy systems to flexible, cloud-based solutions. His knowledge has helped companies refine data management practices, strengthen security measures, and improve operational efficiency.

Gupta’s Push for Ethical Data-Driven Solutions

Vipin Gupta views AI, data engineering and analytics as tools that could address significant societal issues. He sees data-driven solutions as potential assets in tackling challenges like climate change and global health.

“We’re still discovering the capability of what AI, GenAI and AgentAI can offer,” Vipin Gupta says. “I’m particularly interested in how these technologies could contribute to more sustainable and fair practices across industries.”

Vipin Gupta’s work provides valuable insights for those embarking on careers in technology. His emphasis on ethical considerations in AI and data engineering underscores the importance of responsible technology use.

By applying his skills thoughtfully and aiming for positive, real-world outcomes, Gupta demonstrates how data mastery can drive meaningful change across industries.