Over the past year I have essentially submerged myself in online activity and absorbed as much as I can. Social media, ezine marketing, widgets, blogs, video marketing, podcasts, ebooks! While Twittering one night I realized never before had I spent so much time learning something that was so much fun. After literally hours spent on Twitter I can still honestly say I still love it! It fascinates me and yet overwhelms my already overactive ADD mind. Yet, I just keep going back for more.
 
As many have said that do NOT yet understand and embrace its relationship building possibilities I have to wonder how many times those same words came from critics of our past and yet were proven abundantly wrong. I mean, who understood the value of the telephone or automobile or email at the time it was in gestation? Very Few!

I can literally remember answering machines becoming increasingly popular in the 80’s and certain voices around me admonishing its existence by calling it a fad. Funny how so many of us jump on the bandwagon with innovation when young and yet after a certain age retreat back into the minds of our Grandparents without even realizing its happening.

Just the other day I was riding along in a car listening with painful anguish as fellow passengers threw around the idea that Twitter and other social media venues were just ‘fads’ and that some radio show host had told them that very idea just the day before. The four agreed in unison that Twitter was something they didn’t understand nor were they ever going to take part in.
 
The sad part was that these were Real Estate professionals and were in the business of marketing for their clients. They made their money selling houses and marketing properly. And they were going to throw in the towel when it came to advancing their clients exposure online.

One of the reasons for this is the learning curve. Technology can be frustrating. Believe me, I get frustrated faster than anyone. I will say though that if we were to apply 5 simple concepts we already know about relationships to Twitter we wouldn’t find it so frustrating to learn. So, I have listed below a very simple and effective list of 5 things to do while tackling the Twitter learning curve. They work and just may put things into perspective for you.

1. People want to see a face. Not a logo. Ever consider walking into a cocktail party or networking meeting with a bag over your head? How do you think that would work for you? Logos are important but NOT when building relationships on Twitter. Think of Twitter as a networking event or cocktail party and put on your best smile. Upload those pearly whites onto that Twitter profile and do it today! Consider a professional photo even. It really is the best way to come across your best. If you don’t have a professional head shot, make an appointment next week to get one with a photographer.

2. Upload a URL into your profile. Whether it is a website, blog site or landing page, you need to put that in your profile. Consider this the door to your business. Would you put up an open sign on your business door and then lock your customers out? Get it up there immediately and if you don’t have a website you can get a blog site up literally in minutes. Go to Blogger.com, or WordPress.com and get that URL up and running.

3. Go get followers. Followers are your fans. The quickest way to get followers is basically the same concept we learned in school early on when making friends. Acknowledge others (retweet), connect with your followers, seem interested in them, be positive, say thank- you, and always, always mind your manners. See, it’s really not all that difficult so stop making it out to be. Remember, the fastest way to turn people off is to seem self-absorbed. Don’t talk about yourself too much. Make it about them. Oh, and follow lots of interesting people.

4. Allow people to see your personality. Don’t be afraid to be your genuine self. People really do like nice, approachable and genuine personalities. This is the fastest way to attract followers.
People like positive attitudes too, so quotes are very popular. If you want retweets and followers, post some of your favorite quotes several times a day. It works.

5.  Find content and fresh news at popurls.com. Unfortunately people won’t care too much about what YOU are doing if you post every mundane task you take part in all day. It may be difficult to hear but people really want good ’stuff’. So give it to them. It is all over the web and easy to find and post it using tinyurl.com. because 140 characters forces you to get creative. You get what you give in life. Consider this when you start tweeting and you will see the difference right away. Be a giver first. Attract what you ultimately want.

Happy tweeting!

Raising kids to be money smart kids will take some direction.  Total Wealth Management’s Jacob Cooper gives us parents some tips on how to do that.

Robert  Kiyosaki  is an investor, businessman, self-help author, motivational speaker and inventor. Kiyosaki is best known for his Rich Dad, Poor Dad series of motivational books and other material.  Here he is interviewed by NewsMax.tv and explains how investors can protect themselves from inflation.  Silver is a bargain today he mentions.  He reminds us who is really controlling the country too and it isn’t Obama.  Goldman Sachs is discussed in his new book Conspiracy of the Rich.

Don’t let this scare you.  Just be aware that constant learning has to be the way we GROW along with the change.

Susan Beacham, founder of Money Savvy Generation,  writes books, curriculum and tools for children.  It  helps Parents and Grandparents teach them how to understand money.  She mentions money management as a critical life skill.  Wow, what a concept!  Remember,  our children may not always do what we say but they see what we do!

Dr. Wayne Dyer is the author of  Change Your Thoughts—Change Your Life: Living the Wisdom of the Tao.  He discusses the mans ‘ego’ and what it truly is.   Oprah interviews him on her Soul Series.

This bestseller book reveals modern life lessons from the ancient Chinese book of wisdom, the Tao Te Ching.

Joel Bauer, author of How to Persuade  People who Don’t Want to be Persuaded is said to be the Greatest Pitch man alive.  I would have to say;  I agree.   An entertainer as well. Using a  business card as a metaphor he explains the difference between Crap and the real thing.  Authentic, effective and real.  Those are the words that come to my mind when I hear Joel Bauer spew his no-nonsense message out there.  Enjoy, you may laugh, you may take offense, you may be confused by his message.  One thing I’m sure of, you’ll take notice.

Appropriate is the word for this website and video.  Check out this great way of keeping track of your expenses and budgeting your way to a new financially responsible future. Less stress, more control and a whole lot more HAPPY!   This chicks website is www.budgetmama.com.

What is the secret to successful budgeting?  Well, it’s setting a goal first of all!  It keeps you focused and helps you keep track of everything you spend.  The most important thing about having a successful budgeting system is to be flexible though.  Stacy Johnson with Moneytalksnews.com explains the importance and simplicity of the budget.

Mike Sansone of Converstations.com describes the key to a successful business blog.  He breaks it down into three steps or the three ‘C’s’:

• Conversation
• Community
• Commerce

I find his philosophy valid and  his advice essential to anyone that is attempting to build a loyal client base.  Blogging may not be the fastest way to build a following…but it can be a a very solid foundation to build a community of loyal customers on.