Yes, You CAN Get Personal on Twitter!

 

Twitter has become a massive noise machine of shared links, pictures, news items, and platitudes. There’s always been an element of that, of course; but in the early days, it seemed that there was a lot more personal connection and discovery.

Which is still happening – and you and I can continue to use Twitter effectively for it.

I decided to scan my Twitter home feed this morning (as well as some recent direct mentions) to find examples of people using Twitter to connect in a personal way with others. Here’s some goodness I found:

Expressing Appreciation –

How are AJ and Melissa Leon going to feel about seeing this from Jonathan Fields? Like a million bucks, I imagine. And will others be more inclined to connect with the Leons because of these kind words? Sure.

Bring Some Crazy –

One thing I enjoy about Ben Kunz and many others is that they give a glimpse into the human nonsense that sometimes occupies their minds. Because, really – don’t we all have some crazy rattling around in there?

Notice Little Things –

Where did Noeleen McGrath get this tidbit of information? She read it on my Twitter bio. And commented on it. And opened much richer dialogue in the future because now I know she “gets” something about me that we share.

You’ve Helped Me –

What author – even one with the stature of Tom Peters – isn’t thrilled to hear a testimony like this from Gaby O’Rourke or anyone else? Talk about motivation to press on!

Fun at Home –

I love these glimpses into home life – kids and pets and spouses can be the richest source of amusement. So why not, like Sue Cramer and Erica Diamond, share these moments? They create wonderful bonds with your audience.

Stimulus/Response –

Authors and other content-creators and value-adders have a wonderful opportunity to interact with – and personally respond to – their audience in real time, as Derwin Gray did last week (whose book Limitless Life was recommended by Brandon Cox. Another great use of Twitter, btw – recommend good stuff you like!)

Speaking of recommendations, I am now sitting more comfortably in my office chair because of a tweet I saw from someone I trust last week about a lower back thingamabob on sale at Amazon. See tweet – click to Amazon – life improved.

What do each of these tweets cost us – 5, maybe 10 seconds? But the return is far greater than contributing to the noise level – because this “here I am…I see  you” level is where real, personal networking happens.

Who do you know that does a great job of getting personal on Twitter? Share in the comments!