I’m a Tweeter. A Tweep. A Twit?

by admin on August 24, 2010

It all started about 2 years ago. I created a Twitter account, but I didn’t “get” it. I tried to tweet (post), but I just couldn’t follow the flow of the network.

Then I started following @familyonbikes and was amazed by their story. The mom of the family, Nancy Sathre-Vogel, tweets for the family. She’s a mom with 2 sons and a husband, and the family has been biking from Alaska to Argentina. Yep, I said biking. Alaska to Argentina. (You can visit their site here to learn more: http://www.familyonbikes.org/index.htm) Last year, as I was teaching biomes to my high school biology classes, I realized that I had an opportunity to share with my students. I asked Nancy if she would Skype with my classes and talk about their trip, the weather, and the landscape where they were at the time. Pretty cool, huh?

Twitter (in case you’ve been under a rock) is a social networking service on the Internet. Twitter is a social network… you have followers and you follow others. You can post a message to anyone on Twitter, and you can send a direct message to anyone who follows you.

Here’s a video that gives an explanation of Twitter:

http://www.commoncraft.com/twitter

I’ve learned so much just by following people on twitter. Not just what they’re up to, but I’ve read articles, blog posts, opinions, ideas, and more from the incredible people I follow. I wanted to round up some of my favorite tweets recently from some of my favorite tweeps. I hope they inspire you like they have me.

Most of the occupations ranking high in general happiness are professions involving helping others http://bit.ly/bXwbOA (@ smaxbrown )

How to adjust course. “The path to success is a jagged line filled with course adjustments.” http://ht.ly/2sI3b(via @LeadershipFreak)

“Children are great imitators. So give them something great to imitate.” Anonymous (via @ChildrensAidOrg)

If you’re just getting started or looking for more people to follow, here are a few from my list:

I follow people who discuss nutrition and food: @PaulaOwens, @michaelpollan, @EmilyEoff, @livinthefitlife, @unhealthytruth

Motivators/Inspirational: @johncmaxwell, @_StaceyChapman, @Goals_Coach, @MichaelSClause, @CoachCharisse, @John_Paul

Those who discuss leadership (business, education, life): @LeadershipFreak, @smaxbrown, @LeadToday

Moms who Tweet: MomsBeStrong, @girlsgetstrong2, @WendiAarons, @marieosmond, @ohjoyful1, @SueMac99, @familyonbikes

Education leaders: @edutopia, @KentJulian, @wfryer, @JoanneLeeJacobs @Principal_El

These are just to name a few of those I follow. If you are new to Twitter and decide to give it a try, I hope this list helps you to get started. Most every public figure has a Twitter account, so if you’re looking for Pat Summitt or Karen Kingsbury or Jillian Michaels… you can probably find them.

If you need help getting started, shoot me an email. Don’t forget to follow @strongmothers. :)

Have a twitastic day!