( CNN ) -- A growing number of women in business are flocking to Twitter for real-time advice , support and networking . Twitter chats are allowing women in the world of work -- from young business owners to females in the C-suite to mompreneurs and more -- to gather together online and talk like never before . Here is Leading Women 's guide to Twitter chats -- the benefits , the pitfalls , some contacts and how to get involved . What is a Twitter chat ? When it comes to Twitter chats there are as many topics as groups , from customer service to tech enthusiasts to business start-ups , and although women are using them a lot , it 's not gender specific . A chat happens when a group of Twitter users gathers together at a scheduled time , and send tweets to each other using an agreed hashtag that allows anyone who 's interested to follow the conversation . They tend to happen regularly , for example monthly , and a community will of like-minded people often grows up around them . An organizer will tweet the date , time and topic of the chat to the community using the hashtag . The organizer will often use a social media dashboard like Tweetdeck or Hootsuite to schedule questions that will be tweeted out at intervals during the chat to give the conversation structure . Tinu Abayomi-Paul , editor of of the # WgBiz ( Women Grow Business ) chat describes a successful chat as `` a lively community around the chat 's topic , consistent promotion , well-timed , scheduled chats , and discussion around a topic that the community cares about . '' Why are they popular ? Twitter chats have become a practical communicative tool for a number of reasons , according to Abayomi-Paul . `` First , there 's the chance to receive expert or peer knowledge in a format that 's more dynamic than a webinar , '' she said . `` Second , there 's an avenue for continuing to maintain contact with those participating via Twitter , without anyone exposing their private information before they 're ready . `` Third , being able to participate live , in real time , in such a ( simple ) format eliminates some of the barriers that keep us from attending teleconferences , webinars , video meeting or in-person events . '' Twitter chats are also a flexible way to communicate , according to Young Female Entrepeneur chat organizer Jennifer Donogh . `` You can join in whenever you can , wherever you are , which is very important for young women especially those with varied responsibilities , '' she said . Some chats also provide the opportunity to meet and talk directly with industry experts . Avid chat participant Ify Ofulue uses chats to brainstorm with guest speakers and says it is an immeasurable source of knowledge . `` The caliber of guests is a huge draw , '' she said . `` I knew straight away I would n't have had the opportunity to connect with them as easily as through Twitter chat . So , I threw caution to the wind and dove in . It quickly became a monthly routine . '' Connecting with like-minded individuals within your industry has always been important in business . Viveka von Rosen is the founder of Linked Into Business . She highlights how tweet chats have created a new avenue for networking professionals . `` The business and relationship development opportunities for participants are incredible , '' she said . `` The fact that people get to hang out with influencers that the moderators bring on and for these major influencers to be able share their words with people so directly , I think that kind of access is unparalleled . '' What are the disadvantages ? While chats are growing in popularity , von Rosen is quick to point out Twitter could be doing more to help . `` It can be difficult to find tweet chats , it 's like a secret club or something , '' she said . `` There is an excel list that gets passed around ( but ) I think Twitter is missing out on an incredible opportunity when it comes to tweet chats . '' Another disadvantage , according to chat enthusiast and marketing professional Shannon Renee , is when people hijack an event to promote their own products and services and thus devaluing the conversation . How to get involved . Both moderators and participants describe Twitter chats as friendly and welcoming experiences . If you 'd like to get involved , here are a few hints to help you on your way : . 1 . Search your favorite blog or website and see what Twitter activity they have or if they use a certain hashtag to generate conversation between members . 2 . Ask your followers and friends if they participate in any chats that may be of interest to you . 3 . Once started Twitter chats gain momentum and it can be difficult to keep up with the conversation . Using a tool like Tweetdeck or Tweetchat to follow the hashtag can help . 4 . There is nothing wrong with sitting on the sidelines and watching the discussion as it happens . 5 . If you want to speak up , moderators suggest sending an introductory tweet to the group mentioning that it 's your first chat .
Twitter chats have gained momentous popularity over the last few years . Participants join via a bespoke hashtag at a predesignated time on a particular topic . Chat 's allow networking , support and access to experts otherwise impossible . CNN will co-host a chat on Sept 28 8p/11e on the subject of women at work .