Over the past two years, I've used Twitter almost daily and have successfully cultivated a following that numbers in the five digits. This guide is the fruit of those experiences - an inside look at my daily Twitter usage and approach to growth, and my answers to other common questions about how to use this platform effectively. I've found Twitter to be a valuable tool for personal and professional flourishing, and I'm sharing this guide to help others find the same value in their Twitter journey.
One of the first things you should know about how I use Twitter is that I use it as I use any tool: to support and advance my personal flourishing across various dimensions: including intellectual, relational, and financial.
Here's a comprehensive look at how I've been making this happen:
- 🌼 Defining Flourishing
- 🧠 Intellectual Flourishing
- 💬 Relational Flourishing
- 💰 Financial Flourishing
- 🧘 Conscious Usage
- 🏷️ Building Your Twitter Bio
- 📈 Growing Followers
- 🗣️ Concise Communication
- 🏗️ Building in Public
- 🎯 Sharing Values and Vibes
- ➕ Adding Value to Life
🌼 Defining Flourishing
For me, flourishing means realizing my potential to live a good life that is beneficial for myself, others, and natural ecosystems. It's about growth in all areas of life, and Twitter, when used consciously, can support this growth in remarkable ways.
🧠 Intellectual Flourishing
Twitter is an avenue for me to consume interesting ideas, stimulate my thoughts, and express my thought leadership. It's an extension of my intellectual footprint, complementing other platforms I use, like Substack and my personal Wiki.
💬 Relational Flourishing
Twitter helps me connect with like-minded individuals and networks, fostering relational growth. It's more than just a social platform; it's a tool for discovering synergies with others based on shared interests, values, and professional pursuits.
I’ve met 100s of friends and dozens of partners through Twitter.
💰 Financial Flourishing
Twitter facilitates my financial flourishing by creating a public brand that builds trust, enabling me to connect with job opportunities and potential collaborations. It's not just about broadcasting who I am, but about building trustful relationships that lead to fruitful engagements.
🧘 Conscious Usage
To ensure that Twitter supports my flourishing without causing harm, I use it consciously. I engage with content relevant to my network and areas of interest, avoiding the trap of endless scrolling and distraction. I have also taken steps to mute noise-associated words and topics, preserving my precious attention and overall cognitive space.
🏷️ Building Your Twitter Bio
The way you set up your Twitter bio matters a lot. Here's a guide I created that includes some tips on how to craft a meaningful and impactful bio that reflects who you are and what you stand for.
5 Super Practical Personal Branding Principles
No nonsense advice from someone who has helped dozens of innovators level up the way they come across to the world.
substack.garysheng.com
📈 Growing Followers
Increasing your follower count should be a conscious choice, anchored on providing value and making authentic connections. Growth should be organic and premised on engaging intellectually with the community, rather than mindlessly chasing numbers.
🗣️ Concise Communication
Twitter teaches you how to communicate concisely, honing your ability to express complex ideas in fewer words. It's a trial-and-error process, but studying how others communicate can offer invaluable insights. Simplicity and clarity often triumph.
🏗️ Building in Public
I'm a strong advocate for 'building in public' and 'learning in public'. Sharing selective aspects of your life fosters trust and enables others to connect with you on a deeper level. The more touchpoints you provide, the more people can get to know and trust you.
🎯 Sharing Values and Vibes
If you're keen on using Twitter to build genuine connections and potential leads, it's essential to share your values and vibes. It makes you real, relatable, and approachable, fostering deeper engagement with your audience.
➕ Adding Value to Life
Your Twitter experience should add immense value to your life. If it doesn't, or if your profession doesn't require being on Twitter, there's no obligation to be there. However, if you're in a relevant field and believe that Twitter can help you connect with the right people, it can be a phenomenal platform.
Remember to use Twitter relationally, not just as a broadcasting medium. It's all about fostering genuine, two-way interactions, and through that, you can make Twitter work for you, just as it has for me.
Further Reading: Gary’s Guide To Building Your Personal Brand