Our style on The Roanoke Times Twitter account is always evolving, but I thought I’d explain my new goal:

Not only do I strive to find the (verified) Twitter account of any business/politician/etc. mentioned in the tweet, but now I’m trying to add reporters / photogs whenever possible. This gets your attention —-  and gives our 8,500 followers an opportunity to engage with – or follow – you, too.

Here’s a good example:

Ideally, I would have added this businessman’s Twitter handle, but alas – couldn’t find it in a quick search.

For more about WHY @mentions are so important to build your network — and TO GET YOU NOTICED, read this post on Steve Buttry’s blog.

And I try to keep our list of @roanoketimes journos as up-to-date as possible, so please let me know if you’re missing! Find our Twitter “phone book” here