I have received a couple of tweets via @ActuariesInst from Dexter Dog (@Dexydog) asking if I have a twitter account (I don't) and suggesting I get one so I can chat to my "subjects". While I don't consider the members my subjects, it's a suggestion worth considering, not just because I have a desire to be in touch with you but it demonstrates the necessary skill of being aware of how best to communicate with the people we provide professional services to.
Communication to a diverse group is always a challenge especially when they are time poor and overloaded with data (as opposed to information), and two way communication is even more difficult. Twitter is limited to 140 characters which makes it a different medium to phone, sms, blogs, email or a face to face meeting (gone are the days of letters!) Twitter has it's place where there are a lot of people actually following @ActuariesInst and providing good content. So far there is basically a one flow of information rather than a chat which looks like how you want to use it. Am I right? What we don't know is who really follows it and likes it or not so please tweet feedback.
I'm happy to give it a go using @ActuariesInst if it is useful to you. So, Dexter Dog and other Tweeters, over to you to help me get into this aspect of social media.
Dexter Dog, Thanks for your interest and Twitter guidance to Melinda. I'd really like to know who you are. Are you a member, what are your thoughts on my Presidential message, what do you receive from the Institute you find valuable and what could we do better, what else would you like to chat about? Probably too much for a single tweet (and please don't try) but you and anyone else can use @ActuariesInst, this blog or call or email me david.goodsall@actuaries.asn.au, My details are in the member directory.