It used to be that the information we read was filtered by editors before it reached us.

The internet has changed that. Newspapers are closing their doors left and right.

Today we are all publishers and readers, and we all have to find ways to find the good stuff without becoming overwhelmed by the meaningless stuff.

Google is a great filter. It works hard to bring the cream to the surface. Bloggers filter by finding and writing about topics that will be of interest to their readers.

On Twitter we are all both consumers and creators of content, almost simultaneously.

So why would anyone follow YOU?

For a number of reasons. Maybe they know you. Maybe they already read your blog or newsletter.

But you want more followers than those you already know, right?

So how do you deliver value to the readers you really want?

You become a valued filter. You become the go-to Twitter person who knows how to find the good stuff.

Understand what your prospective followers want. Understand what kind of content they value most. Then find it for them.

Not that every Tweet should be that calculated. You can also send a Tweet about the birth of your dog’s puppies, if you want.

But if you are using Twitter as a business tool, then the bulk of your Tweets should be of high-value to your followers. Save them the time they would otherwise have to spend finding this good stuff. Share information and links they would probably never find.

Be a smart and useful filter, and they will follow.