Surprisingly Tweetastic

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Are you a Tweeter?

I started tweeting several months ago (@AnnieDoodlebugz). I wasn’t interested in Twitter, but I was looking for any way to spread the word about my new side business without using up cash. I chose Twitter because at the time, it seemed more convenient and easier to manage than Facebook. Both are FREE! So, I jumped in—splash!—and zero excitement what so ever. My first worry was how many followers I had. I think that may be a common “newbie” concern.

A little while into it and I thought—why not follow other artist-types (I also follow a lot of local Peeps)? That was a good idea! I am more mature now in Twitterville. I am more concerned if I have something in common with a fellow tweeter.

Where my tweeps at?Idea number two—These two ideas are SO simple, but have made such a difference for me—many Tweeters are talking, few are listening. SO, I let go of the “me”, “me”, “me” thing (yes, feel free to chuckle here) and started to ask people for little tid-bits about art. Let them know how much I happen to like their work (I am drawn towards watercolor artists). Even tweeting a question: has anyone has seen the latest movie? Don’t get me wrong, I do tweet a fair number of ‘shameless’ plugs! I am so amazed at the generosity of other people who re-tweet my plugs to help spread the word that I am donating the profit from my store to the local food bank (@Food4Heartland) The give and take of help/support through Twitter is surprisingly satisfying to me!

I am still learning the lingo. Tweeple are Twitter users. So are Peeps and a Twerson. Twaffic is self explanatory. Twittastic is fantastic! Twitterville/Twitterverse is everything Twitter…an expanding ‘universe’. Comment below and let me know what other “Twitterisms” you know. When I talk to people about tweeting (I tweet for a client of mine), I am using some of the language above. Gosh Darn It! I feel like Tweety Bird (Side note: I can’t swear, my Dad will read this!) Remember those old Loony Tunes cartoons with Sylvester the cat, Granny, and Tweety Bird? Tweety is famous for saying, “That darn putty-tat”…I would never have thought that I would get paid to Tweet for a client!

Tweety BirdAt the very end of May, just before school was out, I agreed to go speak to my daughter’s middle school class. Each kids’ parent came in and talked about their careers. It was both a pleasure and a challenge. These kids were ready to be done with school! I had a couple of things going for me. Being a graphic designer/illustrator, I had good visual aids, and the kids were thrilled I wasn’t another business professional in a suit. Just before I left to give my talk, I was tweeting for my client. I realized these kids can do that better than I can. We spent a good chunk of time talking about how they have a leg up already on someone like me. They know so much about social networking. I told them that there are companies in our home town that specialize in social networking. This got their attention! That was a career they could ‘chew’ on. I also think it was a good idea I brought a bribe (cookies) for after the talk ;-)

The other surprising thing to me about Tweeting is that I have picked up several inquires for work. As an example, I designed a logo for Completely Nourished (they haven’t posted the new logo as I write this, it has a tree in the design). I am so grateful for all the inquiries…I learned about this column through Twitter!

Project Open BookA Twitter friend introduced me to Phil. He lives in the same home town as I do. Specifically, he is looking to raise money for young girls in Nepal as part of Project OpenBook. He and his pal Brad are asking adults and kids to contribute poems and/or illustrations to build a community children’s poem book. I have illustrated 4 poems so far—not all of them have been posted yet. I don’t think I would have found this great opportunity if I were not Tweeting.

Using social media in your businessAs I re-read this, it is looking like a “shameless plug” article… I can’t deny that is a side benefit of writing about my life. But, the “moral of the story” is that I didn’t have a very good attitude towards Twitter. I was just looking for free advertising. But when I changed my tune and my focus, I have been very blessed to meet such great Tweeple and have such Tweetastic experiences in the several months since I joined Twitter. I enjoy being of help and getting help. I think I best keep a more open mind about things in the future!

It is so interesting to me how things like Twitter actually pull us together and connect us a little more. That is the point I want to make when I share what has happened to me so far through Twitter. It has definitely moved a long way up from the bottom of my pile. I really enjoy all the advice and comments I get from all of you readers both online and in person. Thanks for all of YOUR help!

Ann Troe (@AnnieDoodlebugz) is graphic designer and illustrator. http://AnnGraphics.com http://AnniesDoodlebugz.com