Why I Tweet

This morning I had the great pleasure to connect with Tac Anderson in person over coffee. I began following Tac on Twitter as a result of a recommendation by a mutual friend Jeremy. He's a brilliant man who recently transplanted to the Bellevue, WA area to take a position with Weggener Edstrom Worldwide. I truly enjoy his insights into social media and PR in general. I was disappointed to find out that he had been to two of the Tweet-ups I help organize and this was the first time we were meeting in real life.

Our conversation was light and casual. We didn't get into to much other than really just feeling each other out and comparing backgrounds. What I was really struck by and have been pondering was Tac's comment that when giving my story I really didn't mention social media. In looking back on the conversation I'm curious as to why that was?

I am truly still adjusting to some of the notoriety that social media, and Twitter in particular has brought me. Some days better than others. I have my moments where I am very humbled by it and others where I embrace it a little too much almost to the point of arrogance. I by no means consider myself and expert or guru on social media. In fact I described myself to Tac as a glorified carnival barker.

To me Twitter is just another way to build my personal brand, my business and communicate with like minded individuals. I like the concept of proving value first by offering relevant content, and measurable results. The fashion week we are producing is an excellent example of that. The entire project was born as a result of a tweet and my followers holding me accountable to statements made. It's amazing and at the same time daunting the power a 140 character post can have.

Twitter has brought me so many blessings in the form of business connections, new friendships and ideas. I love that I can now discuss my craft with people from all over the globe in real time gaining new persptectives and insights. Twitter has also become a great platform for promoting local activism and community involvement. Our local blood bank has really grabbed social media by the horns and ran with it. They regularly hold Tweet-up Blood Drives, its wonderful.

These are but a few of the reasons that I use social media. I look forward to seeing how things evolve, and maybe in time I'll be comfortable with some of the accolades I've received. Until then I will continue to be a student of the medium.