15 Things that a NEWBIE, Beginner, Someone Just Starting Out, can do to get going on Twitter:

I posted this on a LinkedIn Answers thread and thought I’d also share it here”

1) Read Bios and DO NOT just follow anyone.

2) Get Power Twitter for FireFox

3) Re-Tweet RT when it makes sense to do so.

4) Use @ replies that make sense and NOT for just getting your updates to go up.

5) Use search.twitter.com to find topics that you can chime in on.

6) Remember, Twitter is SOCIAL, so socialize and stay active.

7) Consider TweetLater.com for busy days (NOT Spam) and to put your auto reply for Followers.

In line with #7 above, DO NOT SPAM!!!  I repeat, DO NOT SPAM!!!

9) Look at Ping.fm as another tool.  Personally, I use it to Tweet Photos from my Blackberry when I’m on the go.  I also send those to FaceBook.

10) Check out IFollowBack.com and see if it’s for you.

11) DO NOT auto follow as tempting as it is.

12) Dossy.org/twitter/karma/ when Twitter’s API is working right is the easiest tool that I’ve found to see who’s NOT following you back, who follows you and you follow them and who only follows you that you are not following back.

13) Twitter can be a TIME SUCKER.  Manage your time or you’ll be Twittered out very quickly.

14) Participate in #FollowFriday which is a way to give Twitter Love for those who have helped you or been an inspiration with their Tweets.  It’s pretty simple, it goes something like THANKS! #FollowFriday @    @    @   @ followed by their Twitter names.  Try a Friday out.  You’ll find it to be fun.

15) This is by no means everything, but ADD VALUE, sure it’s OK to RT, @ reply and say “I’m going to lunch” but add some VALUE with what you know about particular topics.