As we jumpstart a new year and garnish more ways to leverage social media, I thought it befitting to share a personal message about my favorite platform, Twitter.
While there's ample debate about the accuracy of analytics and algorithms measuring influence, I'd like to keep it simple. Show you care and people will follow you. Period.
The following examples of 'Four Tweets That Changed My Life' are vivid proof that life is not a numbers game-its about relationships. And, in every example below, the tweet led to meeting in person.
Tweet #1:
@NCBeachgirl75. This peep sent me a tweet complimenting me on my forthcoming book, LiNK. That tweet led to dozens more, and soon, an endearing friendship. As a result, I've gotten involved with a cause she supports, The Orange Duffel Bag Foundation. It's an organization that supports 'at risk' youth. This connection led me to several other authors and media folks. It's proof that one connection can open doors . . . doors you never dreamed of passing through.
Tweet #2:
@Imaflipsider. About a year ago I received at tweet from Amber Housey and she too, was inquiring about my book. Amber, is also an author and is launching a series of children's books called "Flip Side Stories" they help you see-another point of view. Over the last year that simple tweet grew to a lockstep friendship and she's made a huge difference in my life. She incessantly offers words of encouragement and good cheer. I consider her one of the best people on the planet. :-)
Tweet #3:
@Mark_Sanborn. This peep, Mark Sanborn, is many things, a New York Times best-selling author, (his current book, Up, Down, or Sideways, is a gem), a world renowned public speaker, and leadership consultant. However, Mark just sent a tweet offering kind words and interest. After a few weeks of tweeting, he offered to write the 'Foreword' to my book. We've become good friends and he's a man of breathless integrity. I'm honored to know to him. Mark stands in the gap for people often pushed aside, he's a true empathetic leader.
Tweet #4:
@Sweettalk29. Back in June of 2011, I received a tweet from this peep. Her name is Robbi Sommers Bryant, author of The Beautiful Evil. Her message? It was simply to ask how my day was going and nothing more. That tweet led to a friendship and Robbi then edited my book, free of charge. She spent over 200 hours on it. Why? She wanted to help me, nothing more, nothing less. We've since developed a wonderful friendship and she's always tweeting in ways that help others.
What does this all mean?
Remember, we can all link our minds to inherit greater richness. Philosopher Donald Schön, sums it up best. He writes (paraphrased): "Practitioners of people are constantly seeking to give encouragement, empathy, and bestow a feeling of worth upon every life they touch."
The question before us is, "What can we do differently in our social media platforms to harness greater levels of engagement with others?"
The revealed truth is that we can all become better social media practitioners, and like @NCBeachgirl75, @Imaflipsider, @Mark_Sanborn, and @Sweettalk29, leave consummate ripple effects in our wake-long after the tweet dissapears in the mire of the Twitter feed.
I look forward to hearing comments about your 2011 social media success stories!
Happy New Year!