Whenever I speak to someone who doesn't "get" Twitter (or blogging, or the Internet Tubes in general), they always seem to focus on "all those people you don't even know." Well, I'm here to say that I know some of them better than people I see every day, and vice-versa. There are certain times when I try a recipe, hear a song, read an article, see a photo, etc., and the first person I think of to share it with is one of my cyberpals. And that's because I hang with a much more diverse crowd online than I do in real life. Editors! Folk music junkies! Adventurous home cooks! You name it, I know someone who "specializes" in it.
As you know, I'm focusing these days on drumming up some new business. It's tough out there! But time and again, "all these people I don't know" are coming through for me. Just tonight, I got an email from someone I'd contacted via a dear cyberpal. Based on that "in," this person is already planning to hire me when the next suitable project comes along!
But wait, it gets better. It turns out that I will need a particular piece of software that I don't have. I figured I'd have to bite the bullet and spend the $300, hoping all the while that this gig would indeed pan out and become lucrative. But I first asked on Twitter whether there was by any chance a "lite" version available for free, or any other way around this expense. Well, sure enough, a minute later another cyberpal said that he owns the software but doesn't need it (meaning he hasn't used up the license), so he'll give it to me! Just like that! He's uploading it to his server for me right now.
This sort of thing happens over and over again, in terms of both professional networking and personal enrichment. I would have an emptier life indeed without the many connections I've made online.
Agreed! One of my best friends lives about 1,000 miles away from me. I find that email just doesn't cut it anymore, yet she refuses to go on Facebook or Twitter. Consequently, some of my purely cyber pals know so much more of what is going on with me than she does. And I can't tell you how many times I utter the words "My friend Karen Wise said..." around the dinner table. LOL!
Posted by: Elena | July 30, 2009 at 01:07 PM
Karen, you do know that the Boston Globe web site is featuring you today, right?
Posted by: Sheila | July 30, 2009 at 01:18 PM
No, I didn't -- thanks for letting me know! I would've figured it out by the end of the day, though, because whenever they do, my stats go through the roof. :-)
Posted by: Karen | July 30, 2009 at 01:29 PM
Although I make sure I maintain my 'real' relationships, I can't deny that blogging (and Twittering) has brought me in touch with some very cool people. I've met a few of my blogging 'friends' in real life, but mostly not.
Posted by: Rhea | July 30, 2009 at 02:09 PM
I sometimes have dreams about my online pals. Sorta weird, sorta awesome!
Posted by: Sara | July 30, 2009 at 10:00 PM
Sing it, sister! Being online absolutely enriches my life both personally and professionally.
Speaking of meeting your blog friends in person, did you know that BlogHer is in New York next year? I have already signed up. It's a rare trip to the east coast for me.
Posted by: nina | July 31, 2009 at 10:22 AM
Anyone have a link to that Globe mention? I couldn't find it, but have to admit I spent most of my time reading the steroids stories.
Posted by: Susan | July 31, 2009 at 01:38 PM
Every day they feature a New England blogger in the lower right corner of the main boston.com page. Sometimes it's me, as it was yesterday. I'm also now a "guest blogger" on the boston.com/newton page. :-)
Posted by: Karen | July 31, 2009 at 01:49 PM
That's great, Karen, and a pretty inspired idea by the Globe to amp up its local coverage without having to spend a dime.
Posted by: Susan | August 01, 2009 at 10:59 AM