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

Making Time for the Things That Matter

Yesterday I realized something that I'm certain is nothing new. People have become more concerned with their smart phones and the "cool" stuff they can do with them, than having a good conversation with the people around them, at that very moment. I was in my car and noticed that everyone was on their mobile device doing something at the same exact time. It felt very lonely, very lonely. I then realized that had I not been driving, I too would have probably been on my mobile device as well. I mean it appears that what used to be a fun and energetic environment of people sharing, talking, laughing and simply engaging with each other, seems to have turned into a game of double dutch ( try to get in when and if you can.)

Now I'm not preaching against smart phones, dumb phones, big phones or small phones, but what I am preaching against is the continued distance these devices can cause amongst family and friends many times without us even noticing it. We are simply not talking anymore, we are not bonding anymore, we are distracted with things that really don't even matter. Are we becoming robots? Are we only responding when data is entered into our data base? You say, "So what's going on with you, how did you like the cheesecake I gave you?" While totally engaged with their mobile device they say," Huh? Oh ummm, everyone is going to where blue to the picnic." After several attempts of trying to converse, you realize you're fighting in a war that you obviously aren't going to win, technology. "The Smart Phone." I mean it is pretty stiff competition, it's colorful and attractive, it's has all kind of cool things to do, apps to download, friends to connect with, ( even though you're there in person) noise it makes when playing a game just plain fun. And you, well you're just a dry boring person who is at this very moment hindering me from downloading this cool new app and I just missed out on responding back to a direct message on twitter because you wanted to know what flavor ice cream I wanted. OMG We're at the ice cream parlor for crying out loud!!! Put the phone down!!!

Well I know I won't be able to even start to compete against this very robust tool that seems to be taking over, but I will say my experience has made me want to focus on what matters most, my friends and my family. I can also say if it's not strictly business, must we be engaged in the smart phone every freaking minute of the day? Have we become so dependent on what a bunch of people in cyberspace are saying or doing that we no longer care or are interested in the people who are right beside us wanting to talk to us at that very moment?  I thought about this real hard and decided , I want my family back, I want to see more than the top of my daughters head while she's texting or face-booking or tweeting on her smart phone. I want to laugh with my best friend more and not feel like I'm just talking to myself and only being responded to in order to keep the peace. I too will no longer be all engaged in this device, I will set time aside to work on my blogs, twitter, and face book posts especially when I'm with friends and family. Why do I say this? Well if anything, I mean anything happened to any of the people who matter most in my life, I want to at least be able to remember our last conversation and all the fun we may have had and not have memories of them trying to chat while I chose to tweet. Make time for the things that matter, it' feels good to see your loved ones eyes again.

In her article "Why I deleted twitter from my phone, Alice Gregory gives you more to think about check it out http://www.businessinsider.com/why-i-deleted-twitter-from-my-phone-2010-7

Check out this article on protecting your smart device by Lee Allen with the Tucson Business because we do spend a lot of time putting our personal business on them http://www.azbiz.com/articles/2010/01/15/media_technology/tech_talk/doc4b4f5975df260163539228.txt

Now I'm not saying I plan to delete my apps, but I am saying I plan to not let my apps control me or keep me away from my loved ones. 


Tinzley Bradford

Find Your Voice and Stay True to it!

Whether it's high or low, big or small, short or tall. Do it with confidence and stay true to it. I recently began to review my old posts on not only this blog, but my relationship blog http://www.menwomendatingfromtinzley.com/
I realized that I have been pretty consistent with my posts and have stayed true to what I feel the need to share. I am ready to broaden my horizons and do even more in blogging. I will be launching a niche blog real soon that will be for brand advertisements and articles based on products and services. It will be my first review, product/niche blog for brands. I'm too excited about it and I do plan on continuing my personal blogs here on Eblogger. I just think I could do so much more as a blogger!I know someday there will be tons of traffic, but for now I'm just trying to find and keep what makes me genuine. My words!

This will be my opportunity to see if I can be a sales woman as well as a blogger. Check out these links below on brands, FTC and bloggers. 
http://airfoilpr.typepad.com/airfoilpr/2010/08/what-the-ftc-guidelines-mean-to-bloggers.html

http://www.imslant.com/blogging/social-networking-to-improve-your-blogs-traffic

Thanks for stopping by

Tinzley Bradford

I Found A New Love and His Name Is "Vingenzos" My Review

I know you're wondering how this has anything to do with relationships and dating, and most of all why am I writing about Vingenzos on my relationship blog? Well I'm in love with this place and it's also a great place to take a date, so there you have it.The other day I was watching Good Day Atlanta on Fox Five road warrior segment. The news reporter was highlighting a restaurant which I'd never heard of called "Vingenzos." Clip from show: http://tinyurl.com/27ccka3


I immediately took an interest because I told myself I'm going to start being more adventurous.What I loved about this place was the fresh food that comes straight from the garden and farm to the table, no prepackaged food shipped in. I was very much interested in trying it out especially after I saw the pictures of the meals on camera. It looked beautiful and I wanted some right then and there. The next day I told one of my good friends about it  and we decided to take a road trip all the way to Woodstock, where this restaurant is located. Directions: http://tinyurl.com/26sggak


When we got there we were met with a very nice, clean, classy (not over the top) warm down home place. I also noticed the chef walking around personally getting peoples feedback about the food. Not to mention he was featured on the actual segment on Good Day Atlanta. Our waitress "Bree" was outstanding! She pleasantly described the food and what we'd expect from each dish we inquired about, impressive.

I decided to start off with a salad so I chose the "Insalata Mediterranea"  which has Spinach,Roma Tomatoes, Cerignola Green Olives, Red Onions and Oregano topped with a Balsamic Vinagrette . It was so good and I actually cleaned the plate.

I then decided to try the pizza and ordered whats called the "Regina" it comes with San Marzano Tomato Sauce, Latte Fresco Mozzarella, House Made Sausage, and Wild Mushrooms and Basil. I felt like I was in heaven from the first bite you can just taste the freshness and the richness of the dishes.

Wow! Is all I can say this trip was so far very worth it. Not to mention the chef came over to our table to personally brag about how he made every single recipe himself and how he just knows that no one can top him. I loved his confidence. He dared us to try dessert. So I wanted something different for dessert. And Bree our waitress was excellent she knew every dessert detail by hard and was able to sell us on this "Torta Caprese" it's a Flourless Chocolate Almond Cake. Hmmm Flourless? I tried it and it melted in my mouth. It was so original like nothing I every tasted, little bits of almond chips. Soft and easy to eat and the chocolate. OMG it was immaculate!Chef even threw in one of his House Made Gelatos which complimented the cake well. I don't know why he just gave it to us. ( I think he liked me!) LOL

I had the best time and I can honestly say if you're looking for some outstanding food that's fresh and excellent service,  "Venginzos" is the place for you I highly recommend this place. The service and food and environment is great and not to mention the managers walk around and hand deliver plates to customers as well. Talk about great, outstanding, and awesome, they get it! See me and chef below.Go visit them!

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 let an elderly couple get the parking spot

I'd been circling around for about a good seven minutes in hope of finding a parking spot close to the entrance of the mall. Not because I'm lazy, but because it was so hot that the closer to the entrance, the less time in the sun. Whew!

Finally, I spotted one just a few feet away from the entrance. I noticed a car backing out and I was positioned next to get the spot when suddenly, I saw an elderly couple pull up with a signal on indicating they too were after the spot. They then saw me there first and I could tell they really wanted the spot, but tried to respect me for being there first.

I've always had a soft spot for the elderly and just love to see them happy. I kindly gestured for them to go ahead. In my mind I'm like, well looks like I'll just have to be hot. I noticed his face lit up as he waved excitedly as if to say," Wow, people still care in this world?"  His sweet heart sitting patiently beside him nearly broke her neck to honor me for giving them the spot. I smiled and waved as I past what was suppose to be my spot. I ended up parking very far away, then I realized it wasn't so bad after all and at the same time, I'd made things easier on someone else. Felt good!

I know my blessings come from how I treat others and selfless acts of kindness. How horrible would it have been if I'd dashed into the spot forcing them to have to circle around in hopes of finding a closer spot themselves?We have got to look a little deeper at our actions and think with our hearts a little bit more, spread a bit of love to even strangers. It makes a world of difference.

I went inside to discover the shirt I wanted which was originally $29.00, had been marked down and additional 25% off; left me paying a low $13.00. I know it was part of my reward for doing a bit of something good. Even if it wasn't, you can't beat the feeling of knowing you have Gods favor and the day only got better.  Do something good today it will make you smile and it will make a difference. Have a good day, thanks for stopping by.

Tinzley Bradford

The Art of Confidence (my views)

I have come to realize that in today's world and probably yesterdays world too, one must have confidence in themselves and their abilities. There is so much you can do that you probably don't even know about. When you have confidence in yourself, there is a bit of an art to it. You can't be arrogant, you shouldn't be cocky, you should just know your worth and have the ability to sell that worth to others. ( Shouldn't be hard to do )

Ask yourself, what are you good at? What are you passionate about? What do you want to do? Why do you want to do it? What are you driven or motivated by? Then take all these questions, answer them and pull from there. This is the art of confidence. According to Websters, confidence means "assurance: freedom from doubt; belief in yourself and your abilities." How do you gain and keep it? 

1.Well first you must empower yourself to have it. Tell your self there's nothing you can't do, but be realistic of coarse. If you can't do a back bend, a head stand, ending in a split, I don't suggest you attempt to or tell people that you can. That wouldn't be confidence, that would just be stupidity. (Not to mention the doctors bill you would accrue behind such an attempt!) What I mean is just having a can do, go get it, upbeat spirit, that is displayed in your demeanor. That's confidence.


2. Show your abilities through actions. Have you ever met that person who just talks, talks, and talks more about how great they are at something and how they can do this and that if just given a chance; yet you have seen no physical proof?  Well it's nice to feel this way, but what actions have you taken to show this ability? It doesn't just have to be in your work place. What about things you do outside of your job that everyone has the ability to see and possibly remember you for those talents? If you talk the game, allow people to see how well you play it.

3.Do your homework. What have other confident, successful, and smart people done that lead them to their big break? I tell people all the time, do a  Google, Bing, Yahoo, Ask Jeeves, whatever search, and ask questions about your interest and you can get a slew of very helpful answers.  For example, if I want to know more about marketing myself or my product, I wouldn't just go next door and ask my neighbor. I would do an online search about ways this can be done. This allows you to gather as much information as you can and builds your confidence in finding ways to do it.


4. Don't let the stumbling blocks make you lose it. Life will happen, there will be disappointments and people may not believe in you no matter how well you have proven yourself. This can be very disheartening I know first hand, but the good thing is YOU know you can do this! ( where's that confidence?) Don't let feelings of failure and let down  cause you to lose your confidence. I tell people all the time," If you don't get it in the washing, get it in the rinsing." I don't know who to quote for that; but I swear by it. Trust me the right people who matter will see you; just find a different way or approach to what you're doing and keep on doing it anyway. Just because they  didn't select or choose you doesn't mean someone else won't see your value. It will pay off, keep confidence alive! 

5. Finally, Surround yourself with like minded people who get it. If you want to learn more about writing or social media, hanging around people passionate about nothing more than eating and sleeping probably won't keep you inspired. Hook up with and begin to mingle more with people who write or who are social media geeks, with a loyal following and a pretty descent track record to show for it. Ask questions, collaborate with them, and just have fun being involved and around what you love.Sooner or later you will begin to see a bit of a buzz and a demand for you and what you're doing.  This plays a huge part in building your confidence and most of all keeping it.

Confidence is like a fine piece of art sitting over your mantle, while it may have the ability to bring you wealth; the beauty of it is priceless! (Tinzley) 

I included a link to some other great confidence blogs on "Net Worked Blogs about confidence" take a visit, very nice sights   http://www.networkedblogs.com/topic/Confidence/


Tinzley Bradford