Some of the best ways I have found great content online by awesome bloggers elsewhere is through following shared links on social networks like Twitter, Facebook, TGIF Links, Blog Engage, Red Gage, etc.
My ultimate hub however, is Twitter. Follow Me! 
With the help of TweetDeck, which organizes the way I view my tweet streams, I find myself amazed at the valuable content that is shared from my fellow friends whom I first followed and then found that those that they follow retweets interesting content and so on.
It’s a neverending cycle of really great reads!
To some this may come across as a time-consuming task and it is. I’m not kidding! You’ll find yourself clicking through link after link and reading post after post, commenting, social bookmarking and so on. After awhile, looking up, it’s 2 and a half hours.
Geez, that’s marketing for you!
But I enjoy the process. It enables me to connect with my friends, read their content, share their content through with my network and even pass it on to other social networks outside of Twitter like Facebook, TGIF Links, Blog Engage, Red Gage, etc.
You’re probably thinking, yeah right. But it’s true. Every blogger has to learn how to effectively market their blog and through social networks, they are the way to go!
That’s how I found some of the Where This Blog Has Been content which has been featured each Sunday so far. At first, I really did not understood how Twitter was effective in connecting me with great content, because the hype was more on the number of followers you have versus the content you provide.
Soon enough, I started reading links shared about complaints on the way Twitter has been abused and how it has become too much of a spam hose to even how to gain a certain number of followers to finally, branding yourself with the tweets you send out.
So you see there’s two sides of the coin.
You have to learn how to filter out the content you receive as well.
It’s all about choice. Don’t just follow anyone who follows you back. And hey, there’s even tools that can help you follow, unfollow, etc. I normally use Friend or Follow to see who’s following me and who’s not following me.
However, I like to keep it simple. I don’t send out ‘Thank you’ messages even though I know it’s nice. It’s bad enough that you get tweets from me, so I don’t want to bomb you with more thoughts already.
It’s already good that we’re friends!
Furthermore, there’s so many additional ways for you to network online. And part of networking gives you the opportunity to market your knowledge, but more than that, talk about what you love and that for me is blogging, marketing, branding, self-development and online performance.
Now you may think that social networks carry with them their spammy neighbors and it’s true. Wherever there’s traffic, there’s spammers.
But along with that, you’re going to have regulators as well.
They’re going to show you how you can own the message you put out and have it seen by your followers, friends or even network – the right way! And you will find yourself connecting with them because there’s some reason behind all the rants.
Thus, before you get into any social network, you have to understand that it won’t work for you unless you go out there and make it an effort to build relationships online. I know you’ve heard of that time and time again, but consider this – why even bother blogging, sharing content with other fellow bloggers if you’re not going to share with them some of your thoughts.
And sometimes blog commenting is not enough.
That’s where social networks come in. To create more buzz, you need to gain more influence whether it’s your own to share or others which will benefit you in some way. Think of it as finding a place to further communicate your message in a short and effective way.
That’s what Twitter does for me.
But I didn’t go about it the right way to begin with.
I went about it head on thinking that the numbers was going to give me my awesomeness.
Wrong!
That’s why you see so many going about it with full force because they get this notion that it’s the right way to network.
You just don’t know what you know.
Now, it’s best if you know someone who’s already gotten on the bandwagon and even if you don’t see the use for the process, let me explain that the blog is going to be the platform you want to base your connection on.
It’s true. It’s what I base mine on and I’m not ashamed to market that.
That’s my flagship, baby!
And it’s all about bringing the conversations back to the blog, the content and ultimately to influence. So that’s going to take a little effort and no guide is ever going to show you how to do it effectively, only YOU will know.
That’s why the best social networking guide is going to be written by you. You can’t find it anywhere else but through experience. It’s why I’m not going to give you any strategies, but the idea is to try it, be creative, learn from it and refine it.
I’m definite about this.
The next time around, when you read a post about the best way to go about a certain network, keep in mind, that the ideas are only those which can help spark yours. And I love ideas, but what worth are they if you don’t take action on them?
So please test them out and see what is right for you.
Don’t assume that because someone else said you have to do a certain thing so, that it’s written in stone. It’s not. It’s folks like you and I that makes our tweets, shares, likes and messages count.
One last thought on social networking
If you’ve read my article on the 3 Types of Blog Visitors, you’ll know that when you can include the social bookmarking aspect, you are merging more than one communication stream.
This looks good for the networker and even impresses the blogger.
So you’ll get double the kudo points! Easy social networking advice.
As for those of you who are still practicing the craft of connecting with another because I know, I myself am still shy at times, remember that it’s just the beginning. You need to break through the ice and connect because that’s one way of facing your fears.
Easy said than done I know, but you’ll never know unless you try.
After all, we’re going to share links with one another, might as well be something that I will click through and put effort in reading. That’s the first thing you can think about.
The final close – recommended readings by Mars Dorian, the creative genius on online influence, with a guide on expanding your digital network. As well as a social bookmarking explanation by Alex Whalley, the ultimate keyword blogger.
Why do you think social networks should be leveraged online to spread influence?
Twitter: lavenderuses
says:
Hi Thu
All I can say is I agree with you on what you have shared sharing here. I spend heaps of time clicking on posts I find on Twitter either through my followers, those I’m following and RTs. One of the ways I’ve landed on lots of quality sites and begun building relationships with other bloggers.
Also it’s a great way for others to know about my blog. I notice in my stats that some of my traffic is coming from Twitter and tweeting new twitter friends is another way to take things forward.
Patricia Perth Australia
Patricia@lavenderuses´s last [type] ..Lavender Products- cheap but not so cheerful
Twitter: thublogger
says:
You’re definitely right about that Patricia.
On twitter, that’s where my traffic is recycled and replenished. I find so many great stuff that it can get overwhelming after 2 hours. So I’ve timed myself to only market enough through tweeting those I can comment on, follow up with, etc.
I’ll have to document more on that some day. Mostly on the process rather than why. Thanks for sparking the thought!
Appreciate your awesome feedback as usual.
I do have to get to your blog now.
Talk soon!
Thu
Twitter: Alexwhalley23
says:
OK Thu – put down the keyboard and back away from the blog.
You are a machine and I think you should stop it – you making me look bad
WHat a fantastically detailed and thought provoking post on Twitter and the why and how of the whole deal.
Thanks also for the link love and really nice sentiments. Ultimate Hey? YOU are awesome aren’t you!
Twitter: thublogger
says:
Hey Alex,
No really. Really? Because I thought I was just rambling.
I was shooting a lot of process through what I found worked for me online and I guess, the story connects. Sweet!
Yes, you are the ultimate keyword blogger, need I repeat?
Appreciate the kind words Alex.
Respect!
Thu
Twitter: gastrategist
says:
Hi Thu, I wish I could have read this when I first started with Twitter.
I was totally lost then! I agree that you have to jump in and try things and see what works for you. I actually have put a timer on my social media because I would look up and see hours went by and I didn’t get some high priority things done. Now that I get Twitter I really enjoy it.
Jennifer Barry´s last [type] ..6 Reasons Not to Work So Hard
Twitter: thublogger
says:
So glad that you too have found Twitter your hub for networking. As remember, while I’m emphasizing social networks in general, I’m using Twitter here as the example to showcase my point. I guess it’s a Twitter post then.
Yes, I need to do that now. It’s getting out of hand and highly addictive too!
Twitter: AdamPaudyal
says:
Thu,
Very great insights on Twitter. Absolutely love it..
Social network is an awesome place to find inspiration for my blog posts. I use them to search for the roundups in my synopsis as well.
I recently started using TweetDeck and find it extremely helpful.
you da best…Thu
Later..
Twitter: thublogger
says:
Hey Adam!
Another sweet feedback on this as I’m sure Twitter compresses the time we have to go out there to search for great blogs. Mind you, I still do the manual search and click through but for the moment, I’m leveraging Twitter to help me social network online with other bloggers.
It’s been a blast and it has so far engaged me with many wonderful folks!
Thanks for your awesome feedback on this.
Talk soon!
Thu
You’re spot on with this post Thu! I use Twitter as my new Google now. 99.9% of the stuff I read, it’s because I found it on Twitter.
Twitter: thublogger
says:
What a great way to summarize this Rob.
Geez, I’m learning so much just connecting with you and even with just one sentence! You are good.
Thanks for visiting my blog and leaving your two cents.
Much love,
Thu
Twitter: richescorner
says:
I like twitter as well, although I admit that due to my own time constraints I don’t do as much personal tweeting as I should. Mostly I have my posts and job board linked to it, but that works well to direct people back to my content. I actually use Socialoomph to send out automated thank you. That’s not to be impersonal. I like saying thank you, but just can’t keep up with personally thanking everyone for following me.
Richard´s last [type] ..Timesaver Tips: Gain Twitter Followers Overnight
Twitter: thublogger
says:
Yeah I noticed that on your site Richard. What a great addition and I’m sure that’s bringing in extra profits which I’m so very jealous.
Knowing you in such a short time, I see that you have a definite plan for what you can do and how to do it.
Thus, I believe adding some social networking is good even if little. At least you are and that’s great. I haven’t heard of Socialoomph but your recent post looks like that’s something I’ll be familiar with.
Talk later on that!
See you on your blog soon!
Thu
Twitter: stevescott1
says:
Thu,
What can I say…Great insights on Twitter
I particularly like your thoughts on the need to bring the conversation back to your blog. As you say,
“That’s my flagship, baby!”
I really couldn’t have put it any better. That is the goal and short and sweet it sums up what all social networking should be about.
Exactly how and what means you do that will vary (somewhat) from person to person, but if you always bring it back…and bring back people with it your blog AND use of social networking will always be full of “win!”
Steve@Lifestyle Design´s last [type] ..How to Create a Personal Development Plan
Twitter: thublogger
says:
Great way to summarize the content Steve. I always like your feedback and along with our many friends here, each and every one of you are unique. So yes, if I have succeeded in getting your thoughts towards the topics I put out, I consider that adding more influence and in turn, for me to give back too.
After all, as I said, it’s all about bringing it back!
Appreciate your thoughts on this.
Howdy Thu,
Madam, I don’t know how you do it.
Watching you is like viewing the performance of a magician. I see the event unfolding and it sure looks like you’re piecing yourself out with sharp instruments but by the end of the show, everything is whole again!
That’s some good magic and you are a wonderful conjurer.
Okay, back to wand waving…
Later, missus.
Barry
Barry from Saskatchewan´s last [type] ..Easily Read Twenty Four Books a Year Using This Toilet Training Technique
Twitter: thublogger
says:
Hey Barry!
Oh my that has got to be one of the best compliments!
How are you? Hehe, me a magician, why that can’t be. Piercing myself with swords and coming whole again? A conjurer?
Now that’s what I call a balancing act. If that can be done and you’re seeing it, hey, what’s that behind your ears? Why, it’s a flower!
Thanks for coming to another awesome show. I’m so glad you’d liked it.
See you soon my friend!
Thu
Hi Thu, Excellent post! You’ve covered many key aspects of social networking and it’s relation to blog marketing. Blogging is still my favorite social network and I especially like Twitter as a platform for sharing and connecting with the internet society at large.
Marketers have been touting the need for massive followings on Twitter and Facebook for some time. I also began by going for big numbers but when I reached 6K I disabled my TweetTank follower software after deciding that I couldn’t possibly make any sense or real connection with so many people or companies unless I hired a full time social media manager (not gonna happen lol)
I don’t know how any lone internet marketer can create a buzz and bring fresh traffic without leveraging social media, that is outside of list building and JV partners of course. Thanks for the M. Dorian and A. Whalley links – some good reading for tonight. Be well, Steve D.
Steve@social bookmarking´s last [type] ..Social Bookmarking For Internet Marketers
Twitter: thublogger
says:
Hi Steve,
Ditto on the blogging as the favorite social network. Without it I wouldn’t have known what Twitter is. Honestly, who knew that social media could be so beneficial.
It’s my next favorites network to hang out. I also agree that once you have so much followers, conversations are at a standstill. I would find myself not really in a warm place. Hehe, I rather have a little variety so I think a bit of everything is fine.
Thanks for visiting.
Talk soon my friend,
Thu
Thu Nguyen´s last [type] ..7 Tips For Starting Your Own Mailing List
I’m not using Twitter. I actually use Socialoomph to send out automated thank you. That’s not to be impersonal.
Excellent article on social media and their ability to increase awareness of a brand or site. Social bookmarking too will bring lots of traffic.
I don’t use Twitter. I use Facebook to promote my blog first i create Facebook business page where i post content and i put my blogs links in that post so i get traffic from that page and believe me if your content is good you will get lots of traffic from Facebook pages. try this
I’d like to find out more? I’d want to find
out some additional information.
prison consultant´s last [type] ..prison consultant
Social Networking sites also helps in bringing back traffic to your site….
jun´s last [type] ..The Effects of Overpopulation