I recently wrote a blog post that got a lot of attention titled Pay it Forward. The post, inspired by a tv commercial, was very meaningful to me because I truly believe that the simplest of gestures can change someone’s life. The movie that came out years ago was truly an inspiration to so many, and movements were started around the globe.
My original post talks about the random smile to the apparently sad person, or waiting that few extra seconds to hold the door for someone a few steps behind. Those little gestures can make such a difference in a persons attitude or outlook. Now I’ll apply that same concept to Twitter.
I have become a Twunkie (my new word for Twitter Junkie)! What I love so much about Twitter is watching relationships evolve and seeing what other people are doing FOR each other. You see so many Tweeps – strangers really – helping each other out, with potentially nothing to gain.
Help can come in the form of a ReTweet, a #followfriday shout out, a recommendation, or just providing helpful and meaningful content. I don’t consider myself to be an expert in social media, merely a student just like everyone else, with so much to learn. I love it when someone asks a question in need of advice and I can contribute. That makes me feel great!
The vast majority, I would presume, are on Twitter for the purposes of self-promotion and marketing. There is absolutely nothing wrong with that – but what I’m finding is that the more effective Twitter Marketeers are the ones who truly provide value to others and aide in fostering relationships between other Tweeps.
How can you Pay It Forward on Twitter? Take the time to click through links that people are posting. They are posting them for a reason – and I believe it to be my responsiblity to look at them (can’t read them all, but you get the point). When you do review them and they are meaningful – take the time to leave a comment to let them know you were there (and leave your Twitter ID) – and then ReTweet it! That is paying it forward Twitter style – help others promote themselves, and they will more than likely help to promote someone else (maybe even you)!
I was truly humbled by the number of Tweeps that ReTweeted that post! Thank you to all!
How else do you Pay It Forward on Twitter? Leave me a comment and let me know!
I will continue to #payitforward and I hope you will too!
Very Sincerely,
@SocialPMChick
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In recent weeks I’ve gotten more serious about my relationships on Twitter – who I follow and why. For whatever reason (and I’m truly humbled), I’ve gained a few hundred new followers in the past few weeks, and that number continues to grow.
