I work with small businesses, and those who are Twittering are the most internet-savvy, and hence most likely to be interested in my business. And by judiciously using the @ and RT functions, plus maybe an appropriate DM, I can very quickly establish a rapport, and get to talking on the phone.

I’ve also got a “fun” niche, and by using Twollo to follow people using my keywords in their tweets, and sending out good tips and opinions, I’ve met some great people. But only 5 or 6 out of 700-odd followers, which is in line with what you are talking about.

But it is definitely getting harder to rise above the “chatter” and get people to add you to one of their special groups on, say Tweetdeck.

I think the most important part of that is a great DM when someone follows you. That seems to be one way to “stand out”.

I’m fascinated by the way Twitter is developing!
(and – I was at a Trade Fair yesterday where 89 small business people had spent hundreds of pounds to be there to market their business – and I did not find a single one who is on Twitter! So there’s a lot of growth still there…