Favorite Twitter Helps

September 5, 2011 By 4 Comments

My Favorite Twitter Helps....for you

Anyone that truly knows me, knows I love twitter.  I love the reach it has given me, I love the friends that I’ve made (yes, I said friends and yes…I do love them) and I love the encouragement that I receive there daily.  I love it.

I am on all the other Social Networks and you can use those buttons over on the sidebar to hit me up there, but if you really want to interact with me online, it will be better via twitter.   If you Tweet me, I’ll always reply….at some point.

So, what does a Non-Techy gal use to get the most from Twitter?  I’m glad you asked. :) I’ll share with you my favorite Twitter Helps.  These are in random order with the exception of the first one!

By the way, when you are experimenting with various Twitter helps, may I suggest that you try them for a few weeks and not just for a few days.  Tweet out questions about what you are using if you are just not getting the hang of it.  There are many people that will help you by answering your questions.

By Far the best thing for Twitter

  • TweetDeck – This is a Twitter must! You can have your @’s your dm’s and several columns all on ONE screen.  No flipping back and forth! When you are starting out, this is an easy way to categorize people into groups that appeal to you.  You can shorten links right from this page, send pictures, videos and even send posts Facebook, LinkedIn and others.

You can RT and even see the RT’s done from the web.  I hope that one day Twitter will fix that…but for now, TweetDeck allows me to tell those people that RT from the web thank you.  If I were to only use the web, I would never know they Re-Tweeted one of my posts.

You need to check out the various things TweetDeck can do.  I have it on my itouch and I also use it on Google Chrome.  The real time update is amazing (no refreshing screens) when I’m participating in various Twitter chats or my absolute favorite… the Online LIVE Worship Service on Twitter… #Tworship.  (Click the link to see how to participate with us each week night.) I love the automation feature – I can schedule the songs and Invite people to JOYn us. You can setup your lists to be individual columns and move them around as you see fit. The larger your twitter account gets, you’ll appreciate this easy way to keep up with your friends.

The only negative thing for me with TweetDeck is that the larger my following gets, the more it will slow things down as it pulls the tweets for my columns.  It is actually better than it use to be, so I can tell improvements are being made.  If I were limited to one way to participate on Twitter only…it would be with TweetDeck. Also, I can’t seem to get it to schedule to my facebook, but will keep working at that.  Problem solved! It seems to be working. One of my favorite IT Heroes says “You have a PICNIC problem – Problem In Chair, Not In Computer” and usually, he is correct.  Tweetdeck is the way to go.

  • UberSocial – I have a Blackberry and this is the best app I’ve seen.  This makes Tweeting on the go super easy peasy.  I need that.  I love that I can follow people, block people, RT and add in my own comments.  I can DM and even Reply All if I’m tweeted in a group.  I love the Uberbar! I have several people that are “Tabs” at the top that I can easily pull up their Tweets for the day and RT out what I love. There are so many more functions to UberSocial! Check it out for yourself! I’m glad to see there is an UberSocial for the iPhone and Droid!
  • HootSuite – I love that I can schedule my #nuggetsofJOY to my Twitter account as well as my Facebook and LinkedIn accounts.  It has a shortner and is very easy to use.
  • SocialOomph – Many features that I love like scheduling, replying and you can tie your blog here.  I don’t, but you can.  It is very user friendly.
  • iTwitter – I don’t know if that is the proper name or not, but I love using this one on my iTouch.  It’s from iTunes, easy to navigate, reply, RT.  Love all the features.
Everything that I’ve mentioned so far is FREE for you to download and try.

 

Many have asked me how I’ve grown my Twitter account.  I’ll tell you. Every day, I would spend about 15 minutes following the people that I was on lists with.  If you listed me on a list, I would assume that the others you listed were in some way “like” me, so it made sense to follow them too.  People would follow back.  I did this for 2 years!  Saturday mornings, when I had more time, I’d spend a little more time and grew my account up to 19,000 followers.   I never would have imagined that I could be spreading joy to a thousand people, much less 19k.  This year, a wonderful friend of mine that just loves super squishy hugs, gave me an awesome gift.
 Tweet Adder.  Many people are skeptical of purchasing this but I have to tell you, it is worth the one time fee of $55.00 for One Profile. You can have up to 5 Profiles for $74.00, 10 Profiles for $110.00 and Unlimited Profiles for $188.00. (Many businesses use the multiple profiles.) This has been the best gift ever.
Tweet Adder will let you follow those that follow a certain person, or by lists, or hashtags or even key words in their profile.  If  you wanted to follow all of the coffee lovers in the world, you can do so. If you want to follow everyone in your city, you can do that too.  If people decided not to follow me back, I simply have my tweet adder scheduled to unfollow in 3 days.  Easy Peasy. I can spend my time chatting, instead of spending my time following the lists I was added to & unfollowing those that don’t want to follow back.  It does so much more than this! I want my followers to see certain articles so, I use the RSS Feed to Tweet their articles.  I just copied & pasted their RSS URL and now their new blog posts will tweet automatically.
Use the link I provided and check them out. If you decide to purchase this, Spreading Joy is an affiliate and they will give us back 50% of whichever package you purchase.  You’ll be easily making a difference by doing so.  You may also like being an affiliate for them because once you get 2 others to sign up, you’ll have gotten tweet adder for free.  Only being able to give back to others when people give to us….I know that every little bit makes a HUGE difference!   Using Tweet Adder, I can focus on doing what I do best – and that is Spreading Joy and encouraging those that need it.

 

May I caution you though?

 

If you simply “grow” your account using Tweet Adder but never interact with those that you follow, you’ll miss out on some amazing friendships, wonderful laughs and some good times.  Think about it.  People like Oprah and others “stars” that only follow 20 people are missing out on some pretty cool friendships from all over the world.  I noticed that early on and wrote an article about it a few years back.  Even though it is a few years old, it still holds true today.   Click here to Read about the friendships I made early on.

 

Lastly, here are some other Twitter Apps You may Enjoy!  All Free!
  • Seesmic - Much Like TweetDeck
  • Twello – yellow pages of Twitter
  • Twitter Counter – lets you see your growth at a glance & some cool buttons
  • Nutshell Mail – Cool way to track groups, lists & is delivered to your inbox on your schedule
  • TweetReach – To see the impact of your tweet OR if you use the web, see who has RT’d you and say thank you
  • paper.li – This is an amazing app that collects “links” through the day and puts in a News Paper Format.  I have 3 of them and I subscribe to them all so that I can go back and read at my leisure each night.  The Spreading Joy Daily, The Praying Peeps Daily and the Praying Peeps2 Daily.  The SJ daily collects links from those I follow and usually has about 200 articles or ore.  The PP daily collects links from ONLY those on my 2 lists.  Awesome stuff!!

This is just a drop in the bucket compared to the things that you can find on Google or Goodsearch.  Remember, when you Goodsearch – good search for spreading joy and they will make a donation to us!

To save you some time, here are a few links to a few pages that have hundreds of Twitter helps.

Here is the best introduction to twitter that I’ve seen in a while! - Intro to Twitter  Thanks @partyaficionado

Over 275 items here - http://www.squidoo.com/twitterapps

99 items here - http://www.smashingmagazine.com/2009/03/17/99-essential-twitter-tools-and-applications/

Here are some CUTE & FREE Twitter “Follow Me”  Icon Buttons

Also – Do you know Twitter has limits? Yes, they do.  Check them out here.

I do have an extra account on twitter, just incase anything were to happen – feel free to follow over there too.  @jailedJOY  I don’t use it much – but sometimes it’s necessary and sometimes, I just “play” there.

One last thing and probably the most important of all!!!

HAVE FUN…plain and simple.  

What do you think? 

What are your favorite Twitter Apps?  

Talk to me….I want to know!

***I’m hoping for an iPhone for Christmas and would love to know what your favorite twitter app is***

Filed Under: frugal, fun, Spreading Joy Tagged With: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Ekko Web Solutions

September 1, 2011 By Leave a Comment

Ekko Web Solutions Delivers!

I’m such a non-techy gal and have learned so many things along the way of my Spreading Joy journey. When it came time to update my website with a new look, I was a bit nervous.  With so many things in my world that just seems to never go right, I needed “easy peasy done” type changes.  Ekko Web Solutions provided just that for me.

Linda with Ekko Web Solutions sent me a questionnaire and assured me that she’d take care of installing everything and making sure it worked properly.  After a few short emails telling her what I liked, what I hoped for and favorite colors, I received a peek at the design.  I loved it but wanted a few changes.  She was very professional and quickly made the changes.  After coming up with what I love, I asked the most important question of all.  “Can I decorate for Christmas?” Christmas is my most favorite time of the year and is very important to me.

This request was not a problem.  I can’t wait till Christmas time to show you guys the finished product!

Would you like a custom website or custom twitter design?  Do you appreciate great customer service and a caring heart when it comes to work being done for you? Would you like something that shows more than just your business, then you’ll love Ekko Web solutions.

I highly recommend Ekko Web Solutions as they are friendly, professional and a pleasure to work with.  Let me know what you think.

 

Visit their Website:

http://www.ekkowebsolutions.com/

Take a peek at the custom banners and web pages:

http://www.ekkowebsolutions.com/portfolio

Follow Ekko Web Solutions on Twitter and Like on Facebook

 

 

Filed Under: simple, Spreading Joy Tagged With: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Rhymes of a Random Soul

November 20, 2010 By 3 Comments

Dreams DO Come True

Serving HUGS on a Platter and Tears in a Tea Cup – That grabbed my attention as I am unashamedly a hugger by nature.  I’m also a JOYous person but I’m one that cries….and probably do so more than you’d imagine.

I can’t remember exactly how we came to meet online, but I knew when I saw her tag line that Lauri would be someone I would enjoy getting to know.  I checked out her blog and found that this creative gal takes various prompts and can turn them into poetry.

I read through the great writing on her website and saw a poem that spoke to my heart.  Even Happy Cries Sometimes.  Talking about how we all lose our “happy” from time to time.  Sometimes there is not a reason, sometimes you’ll never know why.  Amazing Poem. I hope you’ll check it out

Lauri has compiled her poetry into a book, thus fulfilling a dream.  Alaurilee - Rhymes of a Random Soul – I’ve always loved Lauri’s poems.  Having the personal pleasure of a REAL hug from this awesome poet, I knew her book was sure to inspire.  When I received my copy I immediately “thummed” through it for my favorite poem - “Even Happy Cries Sometimes” - There it was on page 160!

Awesome Gift From Lauri

If you love poetry, grab the book. You’ll love it, as there are 172 pages full of amazing poetry.  (Thanks Lauri for my copy.) I am honored that she even wrote a poem about the Gift of Spreading Joy. I hope you’ll check it out and comment on it.

Here is a little more about Lauri:

Lauri loves reaching out to others and is a huge supporter of those struggling with life threatening illnesses. She has personally been touched by her husband’s struggles with the pain of Chronic Crohn’s Disease. Having several friends and family members touched by cancer, she is inspired by those in the fight of their lives. To show her support, she has walked in the ‘Buddy’s Race for the Cure’ for the past 3 years and participated in the inaugural Cards4Cancer project in April, 2010; writing a special poem for cancer fighters and organized the making of 200 cards for a local Cancer Center.
As a wife, mother, and Mamaw to her adorable grandchildren, she is a lover of smiles, hugs and ladybugs. She cherishes her family, her friends and every blessed moment life grants her.  For a detailed look at her, the book and the how’s and why’s of her writing, enjoy this link to an interview from  her.  Follow on twitter as well @grnladybug

Love the LadyBug!!

A Sampling of Lauri’s Poetry:

The Future

Hope for the future,
don’t dwell in the past.
Live in the present
and make today last.

Pray for tomorrow;
let life live on.
Hope for the future
because yesterday’s gone.


Gentle Rain

Gentle rain
splattering down,
calm me with
your lullaby song.

Cleanse my wounds
and ease my pain;
heal my world
oh gentle rain.

Softly fall
on such a melancholy day,
on, gentle rain,
wash all my troubles away.

Lauri and I will be hosting a “virtual meet the Author” online at www.tinychat.com/spreadingJOY.  It will be Saturday December  4th at 2pm EST.  Lauri will be available to chat with and sign any books that get ordered. I love getting books signed by the authors!  I hope that you’ll plan on joining us!

She even does customized poetry – here is more information about that.

Order the book, tell her SpreadingJOY sent you and her HUGE heart will donate 10% back to our non profit to help others! YOUR act of joy, going farther – how cool is that?

I will be giving away a copy of this awesome book.  To be entered to win, leave a comment below.  You’ll be glad you did if you are the lucky winner of this book!!

{{HUGS}} yall

Filed Under: Book Reviews, fun, Spreading Joy Tagged With: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Interview with a Cowboy!

May 13, 2010 By Leave a Comment

Robert Wilson, @CwbyWsdm on twitter was kind enough to interview me on his blog talk radio.  This act alone is an amazing way of spreading joy as it allowed me to get the word out to many that I could not have reached without his help.

Cowboy Wisdom NLP Coaching energizes personal expansion spiritual enrichment with common sense. I am Hypnotherapist Neuro-Linguistic Speaker Published Author.

Cowboy Wisdom

Cowboy = Common sense savvy and fundamental life know-how

Wisdom = My Inner Lore that provides you with a saddle to ride through your journey of growth in all facets of your life.

I am an everyday life coach, brimming with common sense and wisdom for constructive fundamental change. Straight forward thoughts parallel an uncomplicated life with a positive lasso thrown to the Universe for visible results in your life. Cowboy Wisdom is fundamental life coaching with you focusing on your intentions, triggering a domino effect of positive changes in your life.

Your wagon train is beginning right now to the new frontiers of your life. Are you ready to saddle up and start?

Here is the link to the Blog Talk Interview! Enjoy

Spreading JOY Blog Talk Interview

Thank you, Robert, for allowing me to talk about my passion of Spreading Joy and encouraging others to make a difference where they are, with what they have. Thank you for giving me the opportunity to tell others that “There’s No Joy like Spreading Joy!” and Thank you for always starting my day out with a smile.

What do you think of the interview? Do you think we could be spreading joy across America? Do you think we’ll be able to raise $20,000 for our Back2School project?

Do you realize that the little things you do adds up to be HUGE rewards, return and will continue to grow in the hearts of those you touch?

Rob has several books that have been published.  Check them out here!

{{HUGS}} Yall

It’s been MY pleasure to speak with Rob several times.  He has a huge heart for helping others and is a supporter of Spreading JOY.  Here are the other interviews that we’ve done, discussing how spreading joy is helping, encouraging and motivating others.

Helping others at Christmas

Summer 2010 Interview

Filed Under: giving, Spreading Joy, thanks Tagged With: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Getting to Know YOU!

April 23, 2010 By 5 Comments

Are YOU willing to let us see inside of WHO you are?

I am an open book.  I tweet/talk publicly about myself, family, likes and dislikes.  (ok, so I grumble about my dislikes, but still!)

I’m happy, silly, joyful, serious, concerned and whine in the cuuutest suuuthern axxcent ever. I enjoy the little things that make life big and am completely serious…..when necessary. 

I have a list of a “few” things about me on my blog.  (ok..so it’s NOT a few…it’s actually over 40…and I could add more..just sayin. I should update the picture over there though, as it is from 2006.  I have added a few more wrinkles and some gray hair.) I love letting people get to know me because I LOVE getting to know people. All kinds of people, from far and near and all back grounds.

Having said all that – to say – I love social media and the reach it gives me.  I love that I have friends (YES friends!) that live in Africa, Australia, Scotland, Canada etc and have never met them personally – but I feel as though I’ve known them for such a long time.  I love the friendships that I’ve developed.  I love learning about these wonderful people.  I want to share some of them with you.

I hope you’ll click on the links and learn more about them.  These lists can be found on their personal blogs.  I have loved reading them, learning more about them and becoming their friend. I hope that you will too.

Gene Bowker follow him on twitter @geneslens - Gene takes awesome pictures and writes from the heart! Fun follow, giver, friend - Read more about Gene

Elaine Kelly follow her on twitter @elaineremains - My chihuahua and I are trying to take over the world, it’s a work in progress. (Elaine has an amazing photo blog. Her pictures are awesome and she is quite talented.) And, doesn’t mind me umm.. mooning her – with @greetums cards – of course!! Read  more About Elaine

Richard Mayhan follow him on twitter @mcProdigal - My  Tworship ministry partner and friend –  as well as Counselor & advocate, married, apologetics, technology, math, music-loving guy with a witty sense of humor.   Was prodigal for 27 years. Now gives hope to all parents of prodigals.  They can and do return. Read more about Richard.

Michele Langlo follow her on twitter @shadowedwriter - Hiding in the shadows, she loves to write and is amazing at it. She also has an amazing love of the ocean.  shhh..our secret..don’t tell anyone! Read more about Michele

Dino Jag follow him on twitter @dinojag - Makin music… & lovin life and it shows. Huge heart for others and always brings a smile! Read more about Dino

Lark Neville follow her on twitter @larkn0298 - Poet, technical writer, movie lover, voracious reader. Horror flick chicks & dudes love her! (I love her heart and passion for writing and others) Read more about Lark

Stash Serafin follow him on twitter @stashskate - Inspiring blind ice skater. Motivational speaker, co-author teaches ice skating as a metaphor of life. (Completely inspiring!) Read more about Stash

Melinda Lancaster follow her on twitter @heartcures - A follower of Christ who ministers, teaches, counsels, writes, in hopes of offering encouragement to those who grow weary on the road called life. Read more about Melinda **Special Note**I have to give Melinda Credit for this idea.  Way back 37 1/2 years ago (grins), after reading my list of about me - we discussed getting more “About Me” lists from various tweeple.  Thank you for this idea and I’m honored to include you in my list!

Bonnie Squires follow her on twitter @bonnie67 - Wife and Mom of 8. I have many interest Crafts, Recipes & Social Network sites. (Love her blog article called Just Some Hugs - I love hugs!!) Read more about Bonnie.

Michael Sarles follow him on twitter @MasisMore - Kind acts of randomness. Sports fan, tall guy, sarcastic much, lived in L.A., Israel, NYC, Boston & now Dallas. Former mental health pro. & marketing consultant  – #7 is totally my FAV on his list! I can totally see him looking DOWN saying this! Read more about Michael.

Rio Denali - follow her on twitter @NotTypicalBlond - Her bio grabbed me from the get go! Not your typical blonde. Former military, formally trained in FBI interrogation techniques, and with a degree in law… Rio might just surprise you. You KNOW you want to know! Read more about Rio.

Gina Stark - follow her on twitter @SuuperG - Some people think I’m egotistical-but enough about THEM! Here 4 laughs & inspiration.Freelance writer/blogger.Love travel, dance,fuud,horses,hiking 2much2 list! (ok, had to twist her arm a tad bit…*grinning* but – turned out nicely!) Read more about Gina.

Corey – follow her on twitter @la_loquita - I dance like no one is watching. I smile at everyone. I walk-barefoot in the sand. I dream under the stars. I love till it hurts. I giggle like a girl. (I love YOUR giggle) Read more about Corey.

Tegan Cole - follow her on twitter @sandalgal - Yankee Fan, Thinker, A little bit of everything…I’m real, that’s what I am… (She is REALly cool. Love bantering back n forth with her, @marrangee and @Christianrep - although, I think she plays favs with THEM – *grinning* Read more about Tegan.

Brett Corbett - follow him on twitter @ChristianRep - Christ Follower . Servant . Prayer Warrior . Patriot . Dad . Friend . Mentor Romans 8:28 Proverbs 3:5-6 Psalm 139 – (Loves the occassional HUG fest but don’t tell him I told you that! It’s OUR secret!! shhhhh!) Read more about Brett.

Fragmentz – follow her on twitter @fragmentz – She caught my eye with her dashing avatar and the fact that she can say alot about nothing at all.  I love that.  Excellent writer. Her Cardboard Testimony – Worthless, abused, ashamed, depressed, broken and wanting to die – BUT LEARNING TO LIVE AGAIN! Read more here.

Bridget Haymond - follow her on twitter @BridgetHaymond - Wife & Mother; Biblical Values Life Coach Leading with Gifts, Strengths & Purposeful Living; Motivator & Collaborator; Blogger; Music Lover & Humor Enthusiast! She gives AWESOME hugs! Read more about Bridget.

Christine Smith – follow her on twitter @lifeverse –  Prayer Warrior, Bible Study Leader, Book Reviewer and Christian Mom. LifeVerse Jewelry artist creating inspirational jewelry.   Read more about Christine.

Bobby – follow him on twitter @louisvillebobby – Reformed Christ Follower  - a down to earth person that simply enjoys each day.  You’ll enjoy getting to know Bobby, just as I have! Read more about Bobby.

Angie – Follow her on twitter @Godswordistruth - John 17:17 God’s Word is Truth… I tweet quotes, & CEV bible verses. I Love to help people & make people smile! =) DM your Prayer Requests.  Read more about Angie.

Joyce – Follow her on twitter @JOYful_delight –  FULL of JOY - Hello Twitter, I’m Joyce.. I’ve been on Twitter going on 2 yrs I tweet Bible verses, Quotes & random things, I comment & #Tworship send a request  Read more about Joyce.

Linda - Follow her on twitter @twangytexan – Blessed to be blessed and walking this journey in complete freedom from guilt and shame.  Linda brings great joy to all those who get to know her.  Read more about Linda.

Elisabeth – Follow her on twitter @musiclover572 – This adorable Daddy’s girl that would love to be anything like her mom will win your heart over, just as she did mine. Read more about Elisabeth.

I want to get to know YOU more.  Do you have a blog that you can do an “About Me” post and share with me? I’d love to list you here!

No blog? Well, you can still tell us about you!  Sure you can! Look Below!  See that box down there? Yeah…the comment box! How about putting a list there and make sure you include your twitter name – so we can KNOW who you are there are well.

I can’t WAIT to get to know you more!

{{{{HUGS}}}} Yall!

Filed Under: encouraging, fun, happiness, ideas, links, motivation, passion, simple, Spreading Joy, thanks, twitter Tagged With: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,