Here’s a hilarious video from Current TV that portrays the stereotypical view of Twitter.

Far too many of us lose sight of the impact Twitter can have. Limited to 140 characters, most Twitter users write about their current activities or thoughts in a given moment. “Sitting at my desk!” “Home sick from work.” “In class. OMG my professor is hot.”

Status updates such as these can be a great tool to keep loved ones in the loop regarding our life, but honestly, who really cares that you’re sitting at your desk or watching the Prices is Right because you’re home sick from work? In 10 years, will these tweets even matter?

Far too often, Twitter and Facebook users are too consumed with themselves to realize that their 140 characters could be used to change the world. 140 characters is more than enough to recruit volunteers, raise awareness for one’s cause, and get the word out about upcoming events.

To help us move beyond self-centered tweeting, here are a three other innovative ways to use Twitter to benefit the lives of others…

1. Fundraising – By using a combination of Twitter and websites such as ChipIn.com, running an online fundraiser is more than possible. The key is keeping it simple. In your tweets, succinctly summarize the need you are fundraising for, include related hashtags, and ask your followers to retweet your request. Include your ChipIn.com campaign link, and consistently tweet about your need. Do not just copy and past the same tweet over and over again, but do be creative. You may want to consider directing your tweets at users/groups that share the same passion for your cause. If nothing else, these people can retweet your request!

When using Twitter for fundraising, it is important to tweet specifically about your need rather than about your cause. 140 characters is precious real estate – use them wisely so that they can become an investment. Needs are real, we all have them, and everyone with a heart is gripped when they hear about a need.  Do not get me wrong – your causes are important, but your tweets are not the place to promote your cause when fundraising. Use your 140 characters to declare your need and grab readers’ attention.

When you have wrapped up your fundraiser, be sure to tweet about how you are utilizing the funds raised. Send direct messages to thank those who donated. Even direct a public tweet at them – public recognition can go a long way!

2 – Develop camaraderie with those who share an interest in common causes – Websites such as MrTweet and WeFollow help you find others on Twitter with similar interests. MrTweet examines your tweets, your followers, and people you follow. After analyzing this information, MrTweet will send you a direct message containing names of people you ought be following on Twitter. WeFollow is like the Twitter whitepages – whether you are concerned about global warning or animal rights, you’ll be able to find like-minded folks by searching for whatever cause you are passionate about.

3 – Be authentic! The list of failed social media marketing strategies is ever growing. People do not want to be bombarded with advertising. They want to see the inner-workings of what you are genuinely concerned about. Why are you passionate about your cause? What frustrates you? Think about it – what tweet would grab your attention:

“I am concerned about slaves in Uzbekistan. Follow me on twitter if you are too.”

or

“The horror, rough night w/high end Uzbekistanis, ruined lives, patience,despair, have2stay calm 2collect evidence finding light n darkness” Actual tweet from Aaron Cohen, a Christian human rights activist.

Clearly, the second tweet is far more effective. Aaron expresses his emotions and struggles after a long and heavy day of human rights work. Be authentic. Are you frustrated? Angry? Feeling burdened? Tweet about it, and you’ll find that you certainly are not the only one wrestling with those feelings!

Twitter is a remarkable new tool that continues to evolve each day. Resist the temptation to chit-chat, whine about traffic, or tweet about anything else that won’t matter in 10 years. Use Twitter to make a difference in the lives of those whose struggles pale in comparison to the normal whiny self-centered tweets incessantly being posted to the Twittersphere. Use Twitter to be the change you want to see in this world.