Go Ahead and Tweet, but Don't Forget About Your Family and Friends!!

Photo from Microsoft images

I'm starting to notice that Social Media is not only very popular, but it can for some be very addictive and overwhelming. Many feel that if they haven't tweeted about something, no matter how relevant or not so relevant it is; then they have failed. I can totally understand why many would feel this way. I've seen people post stuff like, "I unfollow people who haven't tweeted in more than three days or people will post things like if you're not tweeting daily, don't follow me. How cruel and unperson-able is that? It's like you are made to feel you have to send 10 messages to some people, just to get their approval, why? I mean keep in mind, building relationships on line via social media, should be more than trying to get the " I tweeted the most " award. It should not only be about products, service, marketing, networking and getting information; it should also be about family, friends, pets, photos and people’s lives as well. Keep in mind, you're not tweeting programmable robots, ( I mean I hope not ) you're tweeting humans who happen to have families and friends, with things they want to share other than what "you " think they should be tweeting.

I have come up with ways to become more personable on the web and build stronger relationships with not only brands, but the people behind them.

1. Check out their "real" profile. Many people have sites that link directly from twitter so you can see what their really about. Look at what they do and find out whom "they" are and if this is a person you could see yourself sitting down having a cup of coffee with. If it's interesting to you and you think you may benefit from what they stand for, then follow them not only to get information, but to build an online relationship.

2.Take the time to not only follow them, but sometimes when they tweet, respond back with @???? and your feedback or comment. Many times they will respond if they saw it, sometimes not, but at least you've done your part. Doing this shows that you actually care about what they are saying and aren't just a person in a pile of followers who just want to be followed back themselves.

3. If they allow you to, join their personal sites follow page and ask them to join yours if they like it. Also, it's okay to post a few comments on their actual site as well. Start building that personal relationship and be transparent with it. Things shouldn't be just one-sided. Also, consider that people can be busy and may not respond right away, but once they set that time aside to reach out to people, I'm sure they will. You must also do the same. Practice what you "tweet."

4. Stay involved on twitter, no that doesn't mean tweet every single minute of your life, but make sure you keep pushing what your niche is out there and re-tweet things that are actually interesting to you that you think others may find interesting. I don't suggest just sitting around re-tweeting what everyone else is saying, have your own voice out there and stay true to it, believe me it pays off in the long run.

5. Balance your social media to fit your lifestyle and don't forget to feed the dog, take out the trash, pick your child up from soccer practice and meeting the husband, wife, girlfriend, or boyfriend for that romantic dinner you planned two weeks ago.Little Jimmies been yelling for help with his science project for a while now, help him now and tweet later. I don't think it would go over well if you're always online 24/7 and miss a dinner date with that special someone all in the name of "tweeting." Hallelujah! (And this doesn't mean tweet while at dinner with them either, put it down!)


 There are many things that I agree is very important and is probably happening right now, while you read this. It's quite alright to love social media and making connections, I love it and there's a difference between being passionate about it and being plan addicted to it. So go ahead and tweet, but don't forget about the things that matter most, your loved ones. You don't have to send them ten messages to get an approval, they already approve.

Tinzley Bradford

Loving My New Look! Do Something Wild and Different! Make That Change!

Today I am feeling so good. Got a new style and just loving it! It's amazing how when you try something different, many times it can bring out things in you that otherwise you wouldn't have known existed.( Motivation!) Always take the time to recognize your own beauty. It's okay, there's a difference between cocky and confident. Cocky people tend to be-little others and feel no one can do anything better than them. Confident people have belief in themselves and know they can do anything if given the chance. Today, began to change somethings in your life that's been the same for a long time and needs to be upgraded. That could mean your hair, your style, the route you take to work, your circle of friends, and most importantly your attitude. Make that change!

Tinzley Bradford

I realized what truly inspires me,

That smile I give to even strangers.( A smile from you can bring out the best in others.)

Letting people get in front of me in traffic. (It's just traffic, it's not their fault.)

Being  patient with people and situations that I have no control over.( I don't roll my eyes, I just listen.)

My ability to connect with others on a personal level. (It's not just about me.)

Holding the door while the mother and her 4 kids walk out.(Just a few seconds of my time to make something easier for someone else.)

Going to work and giving 110 percent everyday, despite of.( It's all about the customers, not me.I know the right people already see me)

Paying my mortgage each month. (What a blessing it is to have a home, even though two rooms and a bed would suffice.)

Telling someone if they need me for anything just let me know.( And meaning it)

Being there for my daughter and my family.( No matter what )

Smiling at a little toddler and it's proud parents.( Priceless )

Knowing that life is what I make it, and choosing joy over pain.( No one said it would be easy

Being a no nonsense type of woman.( Keeps me out of trouble )

Living for God no matter what the naysayers do.( It's not about anyone else, He created this world and everything in it.)

Telling someone who I care about, that I love them.( It means a lot to people )

Performing simple acts of kindness just because.Sometimes the smallest act, can be the most powerful. Keep doing good...

So, take a few minutes and just share, what inspires you? 

Tinzley Bradford

Doing good only gets better....

Today while I was at work on my way from lunch, I looked back and noticed a guy heading my way with a fully loaded cart of something I'm assuming he needed. I looked at him and asked, " Are you coming this way?" He replied, " Yes." I held the door so he could get in with out such a struggle and possibly dropping something. He thanked me and asked me if I like chocolate. "Of coarse" I said yes. He gave me a candy bar pre-packaged with what ever organization he works with on the label. I looked at him, smiled, accepted the candy bar and asked, "Who are you?" I know I hadn't seen him before. He told me his name, we shook hands and he walked off.

For a few minutes we made a connection, one I'm certain he won't forget and neither will I. When I noticed the organization he works with, it brought tears to my eyes, for I knew this was a strong, kind, loving yet dedicated man. Glad I had the pleasure to meet him.

The other day, I told a woman her hair was beautiful....

While I was on my way in Walmart, I was greeted by an older woman who was working the door as a greeter. I had a return to make so she stopped me and asked to tag my bag. Usually I would have gotten irritated because I know I don't steal, so why does my bag need to be tagged?  I'd just witnessed someone ahead of me being not so nice, and treating this lady like she was a nobody. I could see this lady looked to be at retirement age, trying to make ends meet. The look on her face and the energy she gave was that of someone afraid and not knowing where they stood in life. Not to mention the person ahead of me who'd just snatched a bag back from her and stormed off without even saying thank you. I could tell this woman was hurt by that, and God only knows how many people had been treating her that way all day long.

What if she was a grandmother who'd recently taken custody of her grandchildren for what ever reason? What if her husband, soul mate, and only person she had to support her recently fell sick and they can't afford the medical expenses, so she has to go back to work? What if she just lost everything she had in her retirement ( remember Enron?) and now she had to go back to work?

All she wants is to do her job and do it well. All she wants is to service customers the way she was trained.All she needs is to be loved.I thought can I be that someone she needs, just for the moment?

I looked her in her eyes as she scanned my bag, smiled and said,"your hair is beautiful and fits you well!" Her face lit up and she smiled back and began to tell me how much easier it is to manage. It was salt and pepper and was cut in the prettiest style. She handed my bag back, smiled and told me the service desk was straight down to my left. I said "Thank You!"


Tinzley Bradford

Yesterday I gave money to a lady who asked.....

Yesterday while I was shopping, a lady asked me if I had a dollar I could spare so she could have enough to pay for her groceries. I gave her four dollars. I didn't even know her name or her story, I just knew she was a person in need. I know it's a gift to have enough love in your heart to  not judge her because she's in the grocery store with out enough money, but to love her and give from your heart. I wish I could have paid for all her groceries.

Tinzley bradford