Sometimes a speedy answer that’s at least directionally accurate is better than a slow one that’s definite.

One way to reach everyone in a poll is to use text messaging, as you’ll see in StrawPoll, built using Twitter. It’s a simple system that sends out a poll question per day and then lets you respond and have your vote counted by replying with a text message. Here’s how you can see it in action. Sign up for a Twitter account. Choose to “follow” the StrawPoll by simply clicking on the follow button. Then, all you have to do is wait to be notified of the next question. Once you receive it, reply by twittering “@strawpoll” .” This system will capture the results. What’s interesting here isn’t seeing which is the more important superhero power, flight or invisibility.

It’s getting a glimpse into how you might use a tool like this one to gather information from your customers, your employees, or your channel partners. Don’t you think that you would benefit from more input to help make the right decisions?