It’s a small world on Twitter, unless you are a newbie. I say this because we often read posts about the popular people on Twitter. We are constantly referring to them on our blogs and everyone knows their usernames and avatars when they see them. They are the people that everyone RTs over and over and your Twitter timeline suddenly lights up when they are there.
But what if you are trying to make a name for yourself on Twitter and you aren’t quite there yet? It’s very easy to feel like a tiny fish in the middle of a huge ocean. I remember that feeling a year ago when I started on Twitter. I was so happy the very first time I sent someone a tweet and they actually responded that I was giddy all day. It can take a long time and a lot of patience to stand out on Twitter, and I would like to help that process move along a little quicker for some people. I’ve decided to do a monthly post on rising Twitter stars. Right now, I’m only focusing on the women (although if I get some interest from the guys, I could be persuaded to do a post for you too).
I would like to invite you to nominate women on Twitter for future articles. In order to qualify, they must have less than 1,000 followers, they must be active and they must represent the heart of Twitter (positive, helpful, respectful, and engaging).
For this first month’s edition, I have chosen six incredible women that I believe deserve to be here. I asked each of these women the same six questions. Their answers are witty, fun and insightful. Please take a moment to get to know them and welcome them to our Twitter family!
Esta H. Singer
@sheconsulting
454 followers
The Jersey Shore
What do you do during the day when you aren’t tweeting?
I consult to businesses on market strategy, and branding. I enjoy photography; taking advantage of living on the shore near two historic communities, Ocean Grove & Asbury Park. Additionally, I write children’s books. I spend a lot of great time with family and friends.
What is your favorite aspect of Twitter?
“… like the wind in the sky, Twitter takes ideas to places out of your control, and returns ideas within your grasp.”
I love the interactivity. You’re sharing information with like-minded people; learning something new every day about issues & topics of interest to you. I’m a “dot-connector”- I like identifying a bigger picture, or noticing multiple pictures unfold. Some benefit clients, some, my personal life. Every dot has purpose.
What have you found to be the most challenging part of Twitter?
Managing the plethora of information has been the most challenging part of Twitter. Then, deciding what management apps to use that best suit you. Coordinating those apps also presents a challenge. I started using Tweetdeck but found it slows my Internet speed, so need to choose a web-based application.
If you could give a brand new person on Twitter one piece of advice, what would it be?
Twitter is like a car; you can’t just get behind the wheel and go; it’s a machine that requires respect, good navigation and experience to avoid a crash. *Observe* 1st those most respected on Twitter; their tweets, their responses, their interactions with their tweeps, their RTs… understanding information flow, Twitter etiquette & group dynamics is key to your success.
Can you tell us something about yourself that nobody on Twitter knows?
The “s.h.e.” in s.h.e. CONSULTING is my initials backwards. My college friends called me “e.” because I always signed my name with a lower-case “e.”, hence, my logo image is designed as an “e.” Those closest to me in my life call me “e.” (auntie e.)
If you could get anyone on Twitter to send you a tweet, who would it be and why?
I’d like to establish a rapport with @Jason_Pollock. He has a far-reach to teens, and a strong commitment to social responsibility. I’d love to either work with him on a teen venture, or perhaps connect to people who may be interested in launching a new kid-empowering venture.
Marisol Ferreira Simões
@marysoul
708 followers
Aveiro, Portugal
What do you do during the day when you aren’t tweeting?
I’m the project manager for a civil construction company, I work on cultural management projects as a freelancer, I volunteer at a local hospital, I paint when inspiration strikes, I go out with friends whenever it is possible and I babysit my 3 year old goddaughter.
What is your favorite aspect of Twitter?
The sharing of information. In order to be inspiring, I believe information cannot be withheld, it has to run fluidly and that is what happens on Twitter. I get inspired every day. At the end of the day, I’m full of new ideas and concepts because of everything that people from all around the world have to say and to share in their tweets.
What have you found to be the most challenging part of Twitter?
Keeping up with everyone, every day. I know I don’t have a tremendous amount of followers but; nonetheless, I find it difficult keeping up with everybody’s timelines and being properly grateful with everyone that is kind to me. It’s also challenging because I try to RT at least once from everybody’s tweets.
If you could give a brand new person on Twitter one piece of advice, what would it be?
Be nice. Don’t try to sell anything on Twitter whether it be an idea or a product, in an unabashedly way. In my experience, nobody will listen to you and you will get ignored. If you are a nice person sharing information and you humbly believe in what you do and have a passion for it, they will take notice and they will talk about it or RT you.
Can you tell us something about yourself that nobody on Twitter knows?
I don’t frequently (or at all) use any other social networks other than Twitter. Of all the possibilities, Twitter was the only one that captured my full attention and that I use actively. My friends think I’m crazy because I’m so pleased and marveled with the experience that I’m thinking of adding it as a case study to my PHD’s dissertation.
If you could get anyone on Twitter to send you a tweet, who would it be and why?
@ShellyKramer. I think she is an inspiring woman. It is not just that she is a successful social media leader, but her personal opinions about life make me want to stand up and ask for a round of applause every time I read a tweet from her. I think one can learn a lot from her and I’m sure it will be a pleasure to receive some of that wisdom in the form of a tweet.
Harumi Nila Sita (Sita)
@CallMeSita
476 followers
Jakarta, Indonesia
What do you do during the day when you aren’t tweeting?
I work at the Royal Bank of Scotland Jakarta, Assistant Vice President; my role is Team Leader of the Wealth Management Sales Team. I deal with preferred clients and manage their investment portfolios.
What is your favorite aspect of Twitter?
The people, the news, the blog posts, the chit chat, the jokes, well… Everything is fun on twitter. :)
What have you found to be the most challenging part of Twitter?
Since I live in Indonesia, it’s kinda hard to tweet in English. Many of Indonesian followers are very passive which is why I sometimes tweet in Bahasa.
If you could give a brand new person on Twitter one piece of advice, what would it be?
Try something new; express something you feel you can’t do in your real life on Twitter. It’s relieving.
Can you tell us something about yourself that nobody on Twitter knows?
I am a different person in real life than on Twitter. It’s my alter ego who tweets ;) and because of that, I don’t follow very many people that I knew prior to Twitter. I want to meet new people on Twitter instead of just tweeting to people I already know.
If you could get anyone on Twitter to send you a tweet, who would it be and why?
@BarackObama because he’s awesome! Okay, and because he’s the President of the USA of course!
Laura Walker
@laurawalker86
998 followers
Liverpool, North West England
What do you do during the day when you aren’t tweeting?
I am at University studying Media & Television. I also work part time at a Nursery School and I teach singing at a Saturday school for kids. I tweet during these times too.
What is your favorite aspect of Twitter?
I love being able to communicate with people around the world. I also love sharing and receiving information, I learn something new every day. I have made some really great friends for life here too.
What have you found to be the most challenging part of Twitter?
Time differences cause problems for me as I stay up way too late to tweet with people overseas. The biggest challenge I face in my day is switching off my computer and Blackberry. I’m addicted.
If you could give a brand new person on Twitter one piece of advice, what would it be?
Be yourself, have a positive and kind attitude and tweet others as you would like to be tweeted.
Can you tell us something about yourself that nobody on Twitter knows?
I am very competitive. I like to win, my sports/quiz teams have to win and I have always strived to be the best in my class. I still get the urge to cry if I lose a board game.
If you could get anyone on Twitter to send you a tweet, who would it be and why?
I have been very lucky to have had @replies from some amazing people, including my favourite television actress and inspiration @Alyssa_Milano. I would like a tweet from @JimCarrey as he would probably say something hilarious, I love to laugh.
Nicole DuMers
@NikkiD66
357 followers
Jefferson City, Missouri
What do you do during the day when you aren’t tweeting?
When I’m not tweeting during the day you can usually find me at work, managing a local store. You might also spot me taking my dog, Scarlett (a 55lb black lab), to the dog park, chatting with my mom, reading a book, listening to music, or finishing a crossword puzzle in, yes, pen.
What is your favorite aspect of Twitter?
My favorite aspect of Twitter is the proximity to people and information that I would not have if I didn’t join Twitter. I love that I’m meeting people from around the world and learning so much.
What have you found to be the most challenging part of Twitter?
The most challenging aspect of twitter for me is learning when to say when! I don’t ever want to sign out at night!
If you could give a brand new person on Twitter one piece of advice, what would it be?
I would offer a newbie on Twitter the advice to just go for it. Don’t hold back and genuinely put yourself and your ideas out there because you will only get out of Twitter what you put into it. I would also tell them about the Twitter guide available @mashable.
Can you tell us something about yourself that nobody on Twitter knows?
When I joined the Army I wanted to be a pilot but was two inches too short! Instead I entered the Military Intelligence field, the highlight of which was a three month tour working at the Pentagon. Also, I love wearing baseball caps.
If you could get anyone on Twitter to send you a tweet, who would it be and why?
@eminem because it would justify all the money I’ve spent on his concerts, CDs, and even his book! Also @RevRunWisdom, but seeing as he follows zero tweeps the odds are definitely stacked against that happening! I would like to get a tweet from him because he was the first person I followed on Twitter and his tweets are so darn inspirational. Plus, I loved watching his patient parenting skills on Rev’s House.
Marcie Jacobs
@MarcieJacobs_
573 followers
Charleston, South Carolina
What do you do during the day when you aren’t tweeting?
Currently I am working on the second edition of StoryClub games. It will be Kids’ Stories. Also I still write TV and Radio commercials for local clients.
What is your favorite aspect of Twitter?
Connecting with like minded people all over the world.
What have you found to be the most challenging part of Twitter?
Growing my follower list with more like minded people.
If you could give a brand new person on Twitter one piece of advice, what would it be?
Be yourself! People want to get to know you. We all need to remember the value of our individuality and that we each have something different to offer that no one else can.
Can you tell us something about yourself that nobody on Twitter knows?
I like to color, especially on my Melissa & Doug jumbo coloring pad. Uh, guess everyone will know that now…
If you could get anyone on Twitter to send you a tweet, who would it be and why?
Ellen @TheEllenShow She’s a hoot and an influencer. Plus, I think we could be fast friends.
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