WE are why businesses should invest in Twitter

I read the Social Media Survey from Abrams Research on my way home tonight. (Crushed in between a man with the worst B.O. and a woman blasting Carrie Underwood "Before He Cheats" on repeat mind you) The survey, says it "surveyed over 200 social media leaders from across the U.S. and Canada during Social Media Week 2009 – including founders, bloggers, journalists, entrepreneurs and members of the Twitterati – to see what they thought about the future of social media."

Full results and recap of the report can be found here: http://tinyurl.com/dlhh53

What was most interesting to me was the love of Twitter across all answers.

40% of respondents picked Twitter as the #1 social media service for business.
Twitter was noted as the only service used consistently and one that people use EVERY DAY. Twitter was said to be a service that provides "instant feedback and interaction with customers/users" and "the quickest way to spread information virally to a wide scope of people"

Do you remember what life was like without Twitter? Did you ever think Twitter would be a main form of conversation? Did you think that Twitter would still be around now?

While Twitter is the obvious winner for businesses to use and invest money in, it also makes me think what people use Twitter for. Heck WE are the reason why Twitter is a valuable investment. OUR actions and conversations are where the real value is. When looking at some of my friends on Twitter, many of them use it in completely different ways. How will businesses be able to capitalize on what MY friends are talking about?

@mknell - Matt in my opinion uses Twitter to stay in touch and chat. He responds almost instantly to conversation and provides feedback to his friends. He tweets about charity and good deeds and always shares the love about his followers. What valuable information can businesses get from him?

@cckarl - Chantelle, one of my closest friends networks and shares hilarious tidbits on Twitter. She brightens up my day with her random sights from New York, new announcements from her job (Yelp) and participates in humorous banter between myself and our friend Scott. What valuable information can businesses get from her?

@mikegermano- Mike provides a lot of great information for brands actually. Probably an ideal candidate for research by bigger companies. (And I'm not just saying this because he's my boss) Mike comments on brand awareness and what TV shows, movies, advertisements he sees. He provides honest feedback and suggestions. Just what they want. What other valuable information can businesses get from him?

What do you think? What kind of information will businesses be able to use from you and your friends? Please share in the comments!