Start with a simple search

The easiest way to begin is to go to search.twitter.com and search on your main keywords. First search on general terms like "B2B", and then search on your industry (ex. "supply chain").

I recommend: Search Twitter at: search.twitter.com.

Use advanced Twitter search to find keywords and hashtags

From the main search page, click on the "Advanced Search" link for a more detailed search.

I recommend: From the Advanced Twitter Search page, you can search on exact phrases, any words, none of these words, various languages, and particular hashtags. A hashtag is a keyword preceded by the "#" sign that is added to a tweet, and is often used to tag tweets at a conference or to spread Twitter memes such as #followfriday, which suggests Twitterers to follow. Try searching on the "B2B" hashtag, where you may find tweets from various B2B marketers.

Find tweets to, from, and about people

Search on tweets to and from specific individuals in the people section - this will help you reach out and create relationships.

I recommend: Search for all the tweets to your competitor, so you can assess the depth of their Twitter relationships.

Find tweets from a particular place

Search on tweets near places - combine the places search with keyword search for a powerful tool.

I recommend: View the results for "b2b marketing" in San Francisco.

Find tweets from a particular date

Search on tweets from certain dates - combine the dates search with keyword search for a powerful tool.

I recommend: The date search seems a little buggy - play around with it and see what kind of results you get.

Find tweets with a positive or negative attitude or asking a question

Yes, you can actually find tweets with a positive attitude, a negative attitude, or tweets that ask a question. Question tweets can be especially useful to gain insight into what your potential customers want to know.

I recommend: Ever wondered what B2B questions people are asking on Twitter? Wonder no longer.

Search on tweets containing links

Combined with any of the searches above, you can also search on tweets that have a link.

I recommend: See what people talking about B2B are linking to.