What Has Twitter Done For You?
I do not want my blog to become a Twitter forum. However, for those of you who are new to Twitter or have no interest in it (“It’s just another chat room.”), I’d like to share with you a little bit of my experience with Twitter and how it has turned negative into positive in my life.
Two years ago this weekend, I was in a car accident. Fortunately my children were not in the car so I was the only one injured. It more than changed my life. I went from the girl who could run away from a bad blind date in 4″ heels to the girl who cried in private about having to use an electric wheelchair in Target to get some Christmas shopping done. It was not until a few months ago that I finally threw my crutches in the trunk of my car (just in case?) and progressed to a cane. Yes, that sucked more than anything. Well, not as much as giving up high heels for almost two years.
I started blogging when I was recovering from surgery #1. I had no idea what I was doing. Soon, I had people reading my blog. It was amazing that anyone wanted to read my grumblings and rants…but there were fun bits and pieces about my children, too. They were my co-pilots around the house and brought smiles to my cranky face. Soon I learned a bit about social networking. Me. The shy girl in school who would rather draw or write than socialize. However, social networking did a few things…
- Reaching out to social networks on the Internet gave me something to do while recovering.
- My blog started to gain readership…and I had so much time on my hands (while not on my feet) that I explored all of the ways to make my blog better…and my relationships with my readers stronger.
THEN…I discovered Twitter. I hated it. To me, it was a mass of people who talked in short sentences. I figured I was way too wordy to broadcast only 140 characters to get my point across. My kids loved the idea and hoped I’d use it at home when explaining things to them. Yes, I over-explain things. Constantly. Til I beat the point into the ground and no one is listening. Maybe Twitter would be good for me? In more ways than one.
Soon I had the ‘hang of it’ so to speak. I followed people I found interesting and started communicating. We got to know each other in short bursts of conversation. Less is more? Well, with Twitter, that is the bottom line. I equate Twitter to the reason why Europeans seem to be more physically fit than we are here in the United States: they put less food on their plates. We pile it high and take home doggie bags. Perhaps streamlining isn’t so bad?
By the time I had my third surgery in November 2008, I had over 1,000 followers. When I came home from the hospital, the well-wishes were clogging up my Twitter page. I tweeted under a fog of morphine. It was just a tremendous feeling to know that people I had never met were wondering about me. How could that be possible? Why did it feel so ‘real’? Because it is.
Twitter brings people together like no other social media venue I’ve ever been a part of. My idea of social is eating dinner with my children every night at the same table…and talking. Long gone are the days of going out into the social scene–and even when I did, I was longing for my comfy clothes, flip-flops and my couch.
Less is more? Well, with Twitter, that is the bottom line. I equate Twitter to the reason why Europeans seem to be more physically fit than we are here in the United States: they put less food on their plates. We pile it high and take home doggie bags.
As far as being a tool for business or just growing a blog, Twitter has been the catalyst for my blog’s growth. My blog is now almost two years young and my traffic has increased over 80% since I joined Twitter. NOT because I spam Twitter with links to my blog. NOT because I make reference to my blog every time I update on Twitter. My blog has grown because I go to what I call the “Twitter Party” several times each day and communicate. I want to know about people’s lives. I genuinely care. Honestly, I never thought I would. You really don’t need ‘friends’ when you have five children.
There’s just something that draws you in on Twitter. Could it be that I have 20,000+ of the most genuine, caring, fun and REAL followers in the Twitter world? Of that, I am certain. Last night I was on the panel at the Rhode Island Tweet-Up. I came face to face with people who already knew about me…and I knew about them.
It is amazing how comfortable meeting a mass of people can be when you already know tidbits about their lives because of Twitter. I use a cane when I am out in case I take a nose dive with a tired knee. I usually feel VERY self-conscious about this. Last night? I didn’t. I felt that people knew that the cane is just part of what I need right now, not part of who I am.
Twitter is the wave of social media…present and future. No one is paying me to say that. (I sure wish they would. I could use the nickels.) It has changed my attitude (I felt sorry for myself for well over a year), it has given me amazing connections and boosted my confidence. I now know that my passion for writing is going to land me in a place that makes ME happy…doing what I’ve wanted to do forever. Write. The doors of opportunity are opening and I am ever so patient. Something I learned while being on crutches for fifteen months.
So, what has Twitter done for you? Has it grown your business? Has it led you to connections you might not have found in other places? Has it allowed you to become social when you really didn’t care for being social before? Have you started eating more chocolate and worrying less about the size of your hips because I Tweet about that constantly?
To my readers and my Twitter followers: You are incredible people. Thanks for helping me along the way…even if you had no idea you were doing that!
I must say that twitter has truly allowed me to network and opened great business ventures.
I had no idea you were in a car accident! I’m glad things are going good now
Erm… one more thing: I’ve hunted your whole page for your twitter username so that I can follow you, but I cannot find it!
See what I mean?
So, how can I follow you, Daily Blonde?
.-= Angela Lee´s last blog ..10 secrets about men you didn’t know =-.
I like making sure I lock in all my important usernames before someone else does when a popular new service comes along, and so I jumped onto the Twitter bandwagon as soon as I could. I think I might be getting the hang of it, except that I still have trouble figuring how to follow people.
.-= Angela Lee´s last blog ..10 secrets about men you didn’t know =-.
Ohh I really loved this post! I am relatively new to twitter as well and still don’t really know what I’m doing, or what I want from it. This helped!! Thanks!!!
.-= Snow White´s last blog ..<a href=\ =-.
I LUV U sistah!! Ur my hero and I can’t wait to meet IRL one day!! Twitter has been the most incredible place to meet amazing tweeps like you and for people who say it’s “a waste of time,” well…you and I both know they just don’t get it!! Hugs!!!
I had no idea of your story. To me, you were/are (I don’t want to sound as if you are dead – LOL) someone whose tweets I enjoy reading. I had never even read your blog till today.
In one short day, you’ve become one of my idols – not because of your accident – but because you have made something out of nothing.
Thank you for sharing – and Thank Twitter for making it possible.
Nancy
Hi Cheryl,
I was not aware of your full story til I just read this post. I am so sorry to hear about all the physical and emotional pain you have gone through with your car accident, the tough times, and the sensitivity that comes with a long but ultimately triumphant recovery…you are an amazing woman and I cannot even begin to tell you how deeply grateful I am that we have “met” through twitter and other social media. You are completely 100% correct about Twitter…it is, as I like to say, a Whole New World that is being created there. The joy, camaraderie, positive energy, encouragement, and caring is absolutely like nothing else I’ve ever experienced in my life, with any other group of people. I know that, if I were to meet these people face-to-face, there would be instant connection, instant kindness and love, and instant respect and regard. These are things that we all yearn for in our day to day lives that are so often sorely missing in work places, neighborhoods and even families. Twitter is a haven that is indeed changing the way people interact and changing the world. Thank you for being part of this huge positive movement…you are a Light shining brightly in a sometimes dark world…I am so delighted to be able to partake of your vibrant authenticity…your strong spirit…your observant and intelligent Voice…and your Big Big Heart….
Hi Cheryl,
I had tweeted you about your post, how I kept thinking about it and promised to leave a comment. I just posted a discussion on a Linkedin group named Twittering, inspired by your post. I am pasting it below:
The purpose.
For a while I have been experiencing this feeling that being a part of the Twitter sphere gives tweeters’ lives a deeper purpose.
Twitter feels almost like a subculture where there are no borders, hardly even language barriers. You don’t necessarily get to know your followers intimately. But the 140 characters help to deliver your messages to the point, people will know what you are about. After a busy day at the office, something difficult or a victory, Twitter is a haven where first of all you can express and people will sympathize, cheer and joke with you.
In a society that has gone more and more individualistic, in Twitter you have an existence beyond your circle of friends and family.
I noticed two posts this week that confirmed these thoughts, that I would like to share with you. First of all this very well-written blog post:
http://thedailyblonde.com/2009/05/what-has-twitter-done-for-you/
And then today, these videos of Twitter history that show the humanity of Twitter. They are in Dutch, but still greatly worth a look:
http://www.vimeo.com/groups/10440/videos
Non-tweeting people say that being on Twitter has no purpose. What purpose does Twitter hold for you? Do you feel tweeting helps de-individualize society?
Thanks again for your inspiration and I take great pleasure in tweeting with you!
Twitter was introduced to me by my daughter-in-law in SC as a means of knowing in real time what my 2 grandsons were doing. This was in 2007. I.started to tweet to communicate with my SC family as well as to build stronger relationships with my real estate friends. I tweet about RI and share tips and events especially those that are free. I love using twitpic to share RI places to visit.
Cheryl I was delighted to actually meet you at the tweet meetup . Face to face connections is the epitome of connections.
Kathleen, it was a pleasure meeting you as well!
Hi Cheryl. Twitter is how I found you and I’ve met so many other interesting people from all over the world. I love checking in with my Twitter friends to see how they’re doing. It’s such a great feeling to get new followers (some who are genuinely interested in what I do and what I have to say). It’s really a unique community of people. I tell everyone I know about it now.
I’m with you, Cheryl, during this jobless transition time of my life, Twitter has been a wonderful tool that has helped me stay connected to the world! Sounds silly to some people, but, it is true! The 140 characters is perfect for me because I am so random anyway. I haven’t worked myself up to a blog yet because I worry if I will get any visitors or may not have anything of value to offer. Oh well, that’s just me and my insecurities showing through!
When I first heard about Twitter, I thought it was ridiculous. Then I started reading a series of blog posts by someone in my industry that opened my eyes as to the potential in networking and learning from each other. Once I started, I was hooked. Of course, then I expanded it to reach out into personal interests too. Wow! Awesome tool! And guess what??? I met you on Twitter too! You have become one of my best twitter/blog buds! Twitter Rocks!
I recently joined twitter and it has allowed me to network with people I would not have otherwise. It’s has been a great addition to my “marketing portfolio”.
No twittering going on here. I have had NO interest in even checking it out. UNTIL your post. Wow, you make it sound so nice.
I bumped into too many ghosts on facebook. Maybe I should give twitter a fair chance.
Cheryl, I have learned invaluable information about websites, internet tips and tricks of the trade. Twitter has opened my eyes to the world of blogging as well. I have met some terrific people through twitter .Twitter peeps are also good for laughs and good insperational thoughts. For those you aren’t following me please do and I will follow you back. @whitneypannell
Cheryl – it was such a pleasure meeting you face to face and talking at the Tweet-Up. You are an inspiration to those of us who are both Babes in the Twitter-Woods as well as we veterans who are constantly learning how to use this tool to best communicate. Thank-you.
Ok – I am so totally with you on Twitter – I have not fully enlisted Twitter in my online growth – mostly because I am swamped and could use less business rather than more – but whatever – So into this tool. I may ping you on this article soon. I am actually working on a Twitter project as we “speak”
At first, I didn’t “get” Twitter, but you have really stated the connection so clearly. I have met so many wonderful people, (even a neighbor), and have the chance to meet more like yourself everyday. I (mostly), work in my Studio at home, and it is nice to take a break for a short Tweet. One thing is certain, just as “water seeks it’s own level”, the LOA works here! I have wonderful people in my network! All the best to you!
That was a very heart touching read. I thoroughly enjoy reading everything you write! Thank you for sharing your life with us.
I have met people like you. Beautiful. Brilliant. Funny. Fun. Interesting. Insightful. Controversial. And diverse. It’s like nothing the “real” world could offer on a daily basis. And then to really MEET you last night was the icing on the tweet!
It’s people like you that make me love Twitter so much! You’re not there to spam tweeps, you’re there to actually connect. Twitter has opened so many doors of opportunity for me and I’ve met some amazing people. I think the in person networking events just solidify those connections. Great post!
I love Twitter and am proud to be following you! Tweeting with you ocassionally makes me smile thru my day!! @crazymommie
Getting used to Twitter is strange at first…you really don’t know what to say when you first start. I now see people coming on for the first time and they say “hi”. I laugh because that’s exactly what I said…as if to say “Helllooooo….is anyone out there?” Like Winnie the Pooh in the Hundred Acre Wood….
Love Twitter. Imagine all the people who have been helped when they are in need because of the mass of people who can come to their aid? It’s just incredible…and the list goes on…
Hi Cheryl, like I said on FB, I wasn’t aware of your history until I read this post. I’m just amazed by it and by you.
Twitter is a ton of fun. I use it to connect & fuel the fires of inspiration. It’s also a fabulous source of breaking news and highlights popular trends in many areas.
Twitter is an excellent social networking tool, and it has certainly helped my blog traffic grow. I need to work it more, because when I do put out energy over there I get results quickly.
The Old Silly from Free Spirit Blog
I just recently joined Twitter and I love it!
I didn’t think I would, but until you do it, you don’t realize how fun it can be.
I need to find YOUR twitter addy, so I can follow you. *smile*
I’m totally with you. I hated Twitter when I first started using it. It’s only been in the last couple of months that I’ve really discovered how to have fun. I love your comparison to Europeans and their diet. Yup.
i DO NOT believe that you were shy in school! Nope i dont!
I discovered Twitter when I was looking for a way to stay in touch with my son who is stationed in Okinawa. He didn’t “get” Twitter even though his written communication on other social sites is very short and to the point. Children!!! I however, found a new world of contacts who share my social and political views. I receive news and opinions that are not reflected in the mainstream media. I can tap in to the resources and research of others to broaden my knowledge. Twitter has introduced me to interesting people like you from all over the world!
Great read and I love going to the Twitter Party each day in my fluffy socks with my cup of Joe in hand.
I’ve met some wonderful, talented & diverse people via twitter.
Great post about Twitter! I am addicted to Twitter myself and love to see the statistics of the traffic from my tweets.
I love your twit-blog. I haven’t met any twitter success yet. But I can see how it will work. I am building great relationships and I love that!
Well, I don’t have a Twitter story as inspiring as yours, but it has helped me also a shy girl talk to people. I get to talk to executives from companies that I target which normally would be extremely hard. But I think the funnest part is all the cool and interesting links and things people share. In fact, Twitter is how I found your blog!