Why I Love Twitter
For me, Twitter has been a way for me to connect and learn about people who have things in common with me; be it geography, business focuses or personal ideals. In fact, my goal is to have a meal with people that are in B’ham and on Twitter.
You can read about me here if you want to know more about me, but here is what I think is important to know.
I’ve been a “networker” most of my professional career and there has always been this sense of “give and take” when it comes to networking. BNI, for example, is about sharing leads and creating business for one another. Problem is, the client’s best interest isn’t in mind and in fact, this type of networking is selfishly motivated towards doing something JUST so you can get something back.
That’s not been my experience on Twitter. I’ve met people like @briancauble, who I would consider not only a great guy, but a friend. I’ve deepened friendships with people like @arssmith who is a guy that is not only a great lunch partner, but a man trying to make his city better.
I’ve met people like @david_sher and @wadeontweets, who honestly look out for the other guy and try to include others in what they do. There’s @socialmediabham who is there to help those who have questions or may need a hand.
Non of these guys are rockstars (though I’ve met some of them too and they are often just as giving).
A very close friend, @tonylegrone thinks this openness and willingness to share and include may come from the “open source” community that is behind so much of our emerging technology and I think that’s a valid thought.
My advice:
Don’t look at Twitter as a way to get what you want, but a way to help others get where they are going. Don’t push your message, promote a worthy one. Don’t push your way to the top, elevate a friend… hell, make a friend!
@ikepigott has his rules, these are my… ideas. (thanks Ike)
on August 27, 2009 at 5:38 pm
Adam Little said:
Great thoughts!
on August 28, 2009 at 10:09 am
Daniel Walters said:
Thanks for the kind words. I think you’ve nailed it on the head here. Do good things (to and for people) and good things will happen. That’s part of my daily mantra.
on August 28, 2009 at 11:15 am
Wade Kwon said:
Thanks for the shout out. I’ve grown to appreciate Twitter as a fun way to get to know my community and my neighbors. I’m grateful for the connections I make on there every day.
on September 8, 2009 at 8:12 pm
ScottW said:
[quote]I’ve been a “networker” most of my professional career and there has always been this sense of “give and take” when it comes to networking. BNI, for example, is about sharing leads and creating business for one another. Problem is, the client’s best interest isn’t in mind and in fact, this type of networking is selfishly motivated towards doing something JUST so you can get something back.[/quote]
I agree. Helping others should be what it’s about. We’ve lost track of that ideal for quite some time now.
on September 18, 2009 at 9:23 am
30 Twitter tips hath September: How has Twitter changed your life? « Birmingham Blogging Academy said:
[...] read, “Why I Love Twitter,” a post on John Garrett’s (@garrett98) blog that explains why he loves microblogging. For him, [...]
on September 29, 2009 at 12:20 am
Mike Schinkel said:
Great comments.
I’ve had exactly the same type of exerience with people on Twitter in Atlanta. I’ve been an advocate for over a year and have had nothing but good experience since: http://mikeschinkel.com/blog/awe-learns-twitter/
I would acknowledge some people explicitly but if I did I would certainly miss some other really super people so I’ll just point you to the list I follow at @mikeschinkel.
on January 10, 2010 at 12:29 am
Msdickinson said:
Nicely said. I absolutely agree with the comment about what is goo for the client. So many times, I have seen that very same thing. Where a client was serviced but they could have
had better options someone else.
on January 15, 2010 at 12:43 am
John Garrett said:
Thanks Ms Dickinson for stopping by. This blog hasn’t gotten too much attention the past quarter, but will be picking up steam again.
At any rate. . . thanks for your comment!