You signed up for Twitter for a reason, but with everything else going on, it’s tough to completely focus on building your Twitter presence. I understand. But you’ve got to fight the urge to push Twitter to the back of your priorities if you want to seriously tackle the social space. Want to know what you’re missing out on while your Twitter account gathers dust? Here are 10 things:

1. You’re missing good information

Twitter is a place to find out the latest information before anyone else does. Whether your interest is breaking news, sports or things that affect your business, Twitter is likely where the information will be found first. While you’re not paying attention to your account, you’re letting all sorts of great information pass by you. Don’t be left out of the loop by not checking in on Twitter.

2. You’re missing what’s being said about you

As we’ve discussed in several previous posts, Twitter is great for conversation monitoring. People are talking about your business or industry right now, and if you’re ignoring Twitter, you’re missing out on the chance to listen to what people are saying. Listening is one of the most important things you can do through social media. Listening leads to learning, and learning leads to better business.

3. You’re missing the chance to connect

Twitter is great for networking. If you’re looking for a job or customers, Twitter is an amazing tool for finding the people who can really hook you up. If you’re not around to check your Twitterfeed, you’re not able to interact with other people. When you think about the millions and millions of active Twitter accounts, it’s a shame you’re missing out on meeting a lot of great people.

4. You’re missing the chance to share

Twitter is a large community that relies on each of its users to provide content and value. Without those two things, Twitter doesn’t survive. You have value to provide to Twitter, whether it’s your content, your connections to your industry or just your opinions. Sharing those things will lead you to become an influencer, which will bump up your Twitter credibility.

5. You’re missing out on potential customers

I know I keep hammering home the wonderful advantages Twitter search provides, but this is a big thing to be missing out on. Lead generation is made pretty easy by Twitter search, and if you’re not checking in on your Twitter account, you’re basically turning away customers. You wouldn’t ignore customers in person, right? You shouldn’t do it on Twitter, either.

6. You’re missing the chance to be discovered

You might have a great business. You might have amazing ideas. But if you aren’t paying attention to Twitter, you’re keeping all those great things to yourself. By not participating by retweeting others or using keywords and hashtags, you make it very difficult for people to find you and what you have to offer.

7. You’re missing out on new ideas

Twitter is full of people with great ideas, just like you. This goes back to the importance of listening and connecting. Those two things tend to spawn great, new ideas. You could find out one small thing your business has been missing or perhaps a new, more effective way of doing something you’ve always done. These ideas are important to your business.

8. You’re missing the chance to improve

Twitter is a game of constantly learning what you’re doing right and, more importantly, what you’re doing wrong. Now, if you’re ignoring Twitter, you already know what you’re doing wrong, but it’s tough to tell in what specific areas you can improve. There is such thing as being a good tweeter, and the only way to become one is to tweet and learn.

9. You’re missing the chance to help

I see questions posed in my Twitterfeed every day. From the smallest requests for help to big opportunities to provide assistance — and possibly make money for it — Twitter is full of people looking for help. Everyone has the ability to help someone else out in some capacity. Helping other people out can build your reputation as a valuable person to follow.

10. You’re missing the chance to grow

All these points lead to this one. Without each of the nine previous elements, you miss out on the chance to grow as a business, an entrepreneur or a Twitter user. Twitter users are usually very selective about who they follow, and if your account sits idle, you’re going to lose the chance to see real growth. Think of the reach and influence you’re turning down by ignoring Twitter. You don’t want to miss out on these things.