Okay so twitter ain’t no new thing but a lot of bloggers don’t use twitter.  And let me clarify something when I say, “use twitter,” I mean USE twitter.  I suspect that there are a lot of reasons why not to tweet… but let me give you my elevator pitch as to why you should be tweeting.

1. Bring on the bonding! Twitter has over 225 million users- you are bound to have something in common with a couple people- if not thousands! When you’re carefully picking whom you follow, you are openly letting the world know your interests, style and personality. “Following” a user on twitter is like casting a fishing line in a big ocean, if your fish (or the followed tweeter) takes the bait you just might be reeling in a new friend, business prospect or collaborator.
2. Extra Extra! I find in my line of work, the best way to make a quick Press Release or update friends about one of my projects is to send a simple tweet! People get excited from getting a glimpse of what you are up too- don’t be shy, they are following you for a reason, they want to know!
3. New Job Opportunities. As a Creative Director by day I am constantly looking for new people to work with. I have gotten to work with, what I consider some of the most talented groups of people on the West Coast because I wasn’t shy to send a Direct Message or reply to a tweet regarding someone’s project.  Twitter has become an informal platform for people to professionally connect and if you manage your contacts properly (through lists) you can create a fantastic Rolodex.
4. You can stop torturing your friends and family. Its harsh but true, I faced the facts a long time ago that my friends (who don’t blog) hate hearing my blog chatter… and my Mom bless her heart doesn’t know the difference between a hyperlink and a hole in the wall. THAT said when you find a kindred spirit via whatever medium its special.  If you think of Twitter as your not so shy way of approaching new friends, you can develop real lasting relationships.

Now that I have hooked you on the idea of Twitter, (I got ya didn’t I?) a quick and easy way to meet and connect with tweeters is through “twitter parties”. Okay- I understand I sound silly, how can you have a party on your computer, and moreover how could you benefit from it?

Since I’m a lady who loves a good analogy, let me briefly break this down for you in a language that I think we all can understand: a twitter party is like a pot luck:

You all bring your favorite things to the table; you share great meal, laugh at horror stories of burning the soufflé and leave with recipes! In the end you not only walk away full and happy but you have new ideas to try, some really yummy leftovers and new memories with wonderful friends!

At a twitter party everyone wants to discuss your favorite topics and they all are bringing something unique to the table. A potluck of ideas if you will!

How To Participate in a Twitter Party

There are certain things a twitter party attendee needs.

• Know your hashtag or (#). In our case it’s #blogbrunch.
• Find a way to follow the party. We have provided this link for people to use. I am a personal fan of the Tweet Grid format (see example below), but I also use programs like TweetDeck.
• Don’t panic. There is going to be a lot going on but (and I am going to say this in all caps) DON’T GET DISCOURAGED! Yes, parties can be overwhelming there is a lot going on, people are answering questions all at once- not to mention others are replying to your answers. My suggestion to you is to focus on why you are at the party. If you are there to make new connections, yak it up! Answer the questions when you can and go back to them when you have time. Don’t try to read every tweet, you run the risk of developing a stress related disorder! The best part about twitter feeds on #hashtags is that they aren’t going anywhere, so keep calm and have fun with the conversations.
• After the party stay connected with your party-ers. Blog Brunch is a once a month occasion but that doesn’t mean you all can’t stay in contact with each other. I suggest making a new list on twitter with all your favorite “brunchers” so you can stay inspired all month long. 

I personally cannot wait for our first Blog Brunch, I hope you all come eager to learn and share. If you have any questions about Saturday’s first Blog Brunch please feel free to email me or Megan at hello at blogbrunch dot com.

Have a great night!

Katie

• Source: blogbrunch.com