1. While I’ve loved Shel’s previous work, I did expect this to be a well written “capitalize on Twitter’s exponential growth” book. In fact, it’s incredibly insightful, with great profiles of people and companies using Twitter in really creative ways.  It stretched me.  It’s also completely accessible to beginners. A fine line that Shel seems to have walked perfectly. I was pleasantly surprised.
2. It challenged some decisions I’ve made – decisions that were strategic and thoughtful when I made them.  For example, using the organization name and logo instead of the person’s name and photo, even when they are tweeting for the company.  I’m still chewing on this one.  In the meantime, I’ve edited @DarimOnline to show that it’s mostly, not entirely, Lisa at the keys.  I’m curious how others think about offering this “human face” and transparency while still promoting the brand and, perhaps most importantly for many small organizations, creating continuity if/when staff turns over.
3. I was reminded that you can start small and casual.  As one guy from Ford is quoted, “Twitter was… the country store, where people came in and out and shared their gossip, and there I was, sitting by the pickle barrel.” (pg. 85)
4. It’s more about listening than about talking.  It’s so counter intuitive to so many of us that it can’t be said enough.
5. One person in the organization can actually lead major change.  So many examples were about one person in a large organization using this little tool in their remote cubicle, and it seeped into company culture because it was so darn useful.

So… that leads us to the question: How is Twitter useful for you?  Alternatively, you can share your best piece of Twitter wisdom, or a Twitter-related question you’re wrestling with.  We’ll choose our winner around Sukkot. And… please leave your Twitter username with your comment so we can check you out!

Check out these two grant opportunities of up to $25,000 to selected synagogues for:

• innovative work in integrating music throughout congregational life
• innovative work in deepening congregants’ engagement with the history, culture, and people of the State of Israel

So get your groove on and get your applications in!

Applications are due Monday, May 11, 2009. See the Legacy Heritage site for details!

Note: Congregations may apply for one Legacy Heritage Innovative Project track each year.

Get all the details here.

In Jerusalem next week? Don’t miss it!  Did you go?  We’d love to hear what you learned.