While this is just a short summary of what Twitter is, Twitter can be different things to different people.  For example, Starbucks uses Twitter to listen to their customers and even did a Twitter give away when launching a new product.

You may or may have not noticed that Tropicana recently rebranded (followed by a revolt).  Twitter gave them an ear to the market that they never had before to receive feedback so quickly. David Armano at Logic and Emotion covered the effects of Twitter feedback. 

As it turns out, Tropicana consumers not only care about it (their rebrand) —their most loyal consumers do.

"It was not the volume of the outcries that led to the corporate change of heart, Mr. Campbell said, because “it was a fraction of a percent of the people who buy the product.”

Your credit union too can build relationships with members and communicate on a more personal level using Twitter.  Once again, be careful not to use Twitter to sell a product or service.  This will turn people off very quickly.  However, if you use Twitter to communicate effective messages or provide relevant financial education and information, members will listen and even provide feedback.

But as David Armono says, you must be willing to "Listen, learn, adapt - repeat as needed."

Shout back if you are using Twitter now personally or at your credit union. I know some people out there on Twitter who are uber connected and have even done some business off of Twitter connections.

PS: I invite you to hook up with me on Twitter at www.twitter.com/jrwlay

PPS: Check out all the credit unions on Twitter here and here and here