Paul Walsh, the Irish Opportunist

This post won’t mean anything if you don’t already use Twitter. So, either join and follow me, or ignore this post

First I’ll explain what RT means - it’s short for Retweet and it’s something you do when you wish to promote someone elses twitter message to your own followers. All you do is type RT followed by the message you wish quote and where appropriate, include your own thoughts.

When someone retweets your message, they include your screen name, the letters RT and a space. So, it’s difficult or time consuming for others to RT your message if it’s almost 140 characters long and they’re forced to edit your message. My screen name is @PaulWalsh @PaulWalshIsBack which means I must keep my messages to 127 121 characters or less to make it easy for others to retweet without the need to edit. Below is Louise’s formula which I think is pretty cool - it sums up what I’ve just said in less than 140 characters.

RT formula: <140 - (username + 4) x interestingness = probability of RT

If you find this post useful, why not retweet it

I’ve decided to head to the Dublin Twestival on February 12th - hosted by my buddy Aido. A few other London-based folk have decided to do the same since I sent out my note on Twitter. I’ve included my itinerary below should you wish to join us on our wee expedition. Everyone is welcome to join us.

Depart from Heathrow on February 12th at 13:25 with BMI. Return on the 13th at 20:20 - flying with BA - into Gatwick. Book via lastminute.com to get the best deal - hence why we’re flying in and out of different airports.

We’re staying at these apartments for just 95 euro per night.

If you’re wondering what this Twestival thing is all about, check out the Web site - hat-tip to Amanda for putting on this great global event.

Feel free to drop a comment if you’re going to attend this event - as I might arrange a meetup beforehand. And make sure to nudge me if you see me hanging around. I don’t visit Dublin often enough, so I don’t know as many people as I should. See you there!

Again this afternoon, Twitter, or the community more to the point, has come true for me. An Irish entrepreneur asked if I could recommend a lawyer or agency to help him claim debt from a UK based company. So, my first port of call was to ask the question on Twitter. I received no fewer than 8 recommendations publically, by email and by direct message within 10 minutes. Given that each recommendation has come from my community, I’ll have much more trust in passing on the information than had I say, conducted a search on Google.

Don’t get me wrong, I wouldn’t like to take advantage by being lazy and getting others to do my search for me - I too, contribute by providing feedback to people looking for recommendations.

Whilst I’m writing this post I might as well highlight the point further by telling you about my trip to New York – I posted the request for a recommended restaurant based on my location. Not only did I get a great response, some people actually went out of their way to search on Google and then read reviews before passing on the recommendation to me. Stunning collaboration! I love it.

If you’re on Twitter then why not subscribe to my ramblings at http://twitter.com/PaulWalsh

It’s way too difficult for me to follow everyone back, but I do take the time to read every message directed to me and where appropriate, I reply either publically or privately by direct message - depending on how much crap I’ve already subjected the community to

So, do I need Google? Perhaps I do. But one thing is for sure, I certainly don’t rely on any type of search as much as I used to - trusted communities who use social networks to communicate and build relationships is the way forward. Remember one thing though, it’s all about people at the end of the day - not the technology.

How have your search habits changed, if at all? Do you use Twitter, Facebook or other tools/networks to find information?

I’ve finally encouraged my sister to start blogging and to open a Twitter account so she can show off her fantastic work. In case you’re wondering, Dee Breathnach is actually Deirdra Walsh in our native tongue - she feels it’s more unique. I just think it sounds more arty farty

Her work is truly brilliant in my opinion. Her latest project will involve a roaming journal around the world - something I will help with, by getting some of my friends to take part.

Visit her blog at http://www.deebreathnach.com

Connect with her on Twitter - would you believe that MC Hammer started following me within minutes of finding and following my sister - and that was within hours of her joining Twitter (she didn’t follow him first). How cool is that.

Recommended: To easily understand who the great followers and influencers in your network are, get MrTweet. It has helped me to find the influencers who follow me, but whom I don’t follow. It may take a few days for it to work, but be patient. It’s worth the wait in my opinion.

If you’ve already tried it, was it useful? Who did you find?

Check it out now.

Follow me on Twitter here.