My Summer of Twitter
My Summer of Twitter
And Other Ways I’ve Stayed Professionally Connected During Maternity Leave
by Jennifer Wheeler
Here I sit – my one-month old sleeping peacefully beside me, my three-year-old napping in the next room – as a giant pile of laundry waits to be folded. Rather than tackle the apparel threatening to overtake my bed, I flip open my laptop and catch up on blogging.
I vowed at the beginning of my maternity leave that I wouldn’t let my creative juices run dry just because I wasn’t at the office. If anything, I decided to use this time to branch out into new areas of creativity, making connections with new publications, blogs and websites, and hopefully jazzing up my resume in the process.
Don’t get me wrong – between two kids, I am finding it a bit more difficult than I anticipated to devote time each day to writing projects. So I pride myself on even just 15 minutes spent writing or connecting with new people about writing.
In the time I’ve enjoyed at home, I’ve come across a number of websites that I highly recommend. They keep me entertained; connected to people in my profession; and abreast of the latest events in my area, as well as the world. Here they are in no particular order:
Mamasource
This site, affiliated with Mamapedia.com, is a great go-to space for any question you can think of regarding just about anything you can think of. Simply create an account, post a query based on your zip code, and watch the responses/recommendations flood in. Most queries are parenting-related, but I have also found my lawn service via Mamasource, as well as gotten advice on a number of pregnancy-related topics.
Mamasource.com is currently looking for bloggers to be featured on Mamapedia.com, on Twitter, and via its daily e-newsletter – a great way to get some blogging under your belt and help other moms in the process. Follow @mamasource on Twitter for more info, or contact Mary McBride at blog@corp.mamasource.com for more information.
Twitter
And speaking of Twitter, it is now my (@SmyrnaGirl) favorite social networking website, hands down. My time is limited, so 140 characters worth of communication is just right for my attention span. There are definitely some things to know about how to use the site, but you can easily pick them up once you start following people, and gain followers yourself. Connections begin to snowball once you start sending out updates. A few of my favorite people to follow, in terms of staying connected to like-minded professionals, are @StephanieALloyd, @RachelWriter, @swfrost, and @Keppie_Careers. This is based on the fact that they tweet useful information often.
It was through Twitter that I found out about my very first tweetup – the Atlanta Chicks Tweetup, a networking event hosted by the first three ladies mentioned above, taking place July 16th in Buckhead. Visit http://anyvite.com/0kum8ug60l for more info.
There are also some great people/organizations to follow that will help keep you informed of family friendly activities in the metro area, such as @AtlantaParent, @centennial_park, @downtown_atl, @PopRadar, and @ATLINtownPaper.
Of course there are also LinkedIn, Facebook and MySpace – though some techies are quick to relegate it to the same bin that contains NetScape and AOL. All three are great tools for keeping in touch with professional and personal acquaintances.
You might find yourself becoming addicted to any of these sites if the only person you’ve got to talk to all day is your newborn!
**To vote for Jennifer’s blog post, please leave a comment. You can also visit her at the Atlanta Working Mom Examiner at Examiner.com.
Tags: jennifer dennard, jennifer wheeler, mamasource, maternity leave, mom, tweet & shout, Twitter
Aug 31, 2009
My favorite way to communicate is Facebook. I love giving a bit of my personality to the onlookers. They know what videos I like, links I enjoy and I can leave short little comments as well.
Jenn, I PRAISE you girl for doing ANY of this with two little ones.
Aug 31, 2009
Thanks for the great info.
Aug 31, 2009
Very nice! Would it be beneficial to link up with people/sources in other states as you have in Georgia?…or would it be too much info.
Aug 31, 2009
This woman does it all!
Aug 31, 2009
This is a very interesting article. Social networking has grown so fast that people haven’t figured out it’s role in society and business. People like you are blazing new paths and helping find the purpose and role of this new media.
Aug 31, 2009
I agree that Twitter is a terrific resource for anyone hoping to connect with either the local (which can be extended via tweetups) or global communities! It is amazing how much great networking we can do from the comfort of our own homes!
Aug 31, 2009
Can picture the scene and relate from my days as a new mom. Our only mode of communication back then was the home telephone! No email, websites, twitter, facebook, cell phones!! How did we pass the time? I guess we folded our laundry! Thanks for the suggestions of modes of keeping in touch these days.
Aug 31, 2009
Some good info here, I will definitely pass along.
Aug 31, 2009
I love reading Jennifer’s blogs as they relate to so many people! She has a way of keeping you connected throughout the entire article!
Aug 31, 2009
As a recently retired person, I agree that it is hard not to allow youself to “stagnate”. I am not a “Tweeter”, but find myself spending a lot of time online, especially reading news and doing research on things I’m just curious about.
However, if I WERE a stay at home mom, Jennifer’s information would be a great source for me.
Thanks Jen, and good luck with the new baby!
Warren
Aug 31, 2009
Reading your blog is delightful and brings back memories of when my 2 were babies. Enjoy those precious moments!
Aug 31, 2009
Great blog. Makes me consider checking out Twitter.
Aug 31, 2009
Yeah Jenn! Your blogs are FAN-TAS-TIC!! Keep ‘em coming!!
Aug 31, 2009
keep up the good work.
Aug 31, 2009
As a working mom of married and college-aged children, I really appreciate the kind of time that goes into trying to stay connected to one’s professional and personal outside contacts when you find yourself homebound, either because of maternity leave or other personal matters. Jennifer Dennard’s blog shows very thoughtful and useful attention to information out there in cyberland geared toward a specific audience such as working moms.
Aug 31, 2009
Very informative and enjoyable to read.
Aug 31, 2009
Good stuff. Glad you love twitter. Now we just need to get you an iphone
Aug 31, 2009
Girl, writing/blogging/(please join) facebook does keep those creative juices flowing despite others’ opinions that these are all “timesucks.” Please keep up the good work!
Aug 31, 2009
Can totally relate as a new mom with a 9 month old baby girl! Great article with lots of good info and insight.
Jessica Miller-Merrell
Sep 01, 2009
OK, you finally got me to Twitter and look at blogs because you have great blogging skills! Thanks!
Sep 01, 2009
This is a great source of information! As a mother, grandmother, sister, aunt, daughter and friend, it is more important now than ever before to share ideas and stay connected. Great job, Jennifer!
Sep 01, 2009
This is great information, and made all the more valuable since it comes from someone who has been able to synthesize what’s out there during the course of a very busy schedule!
Sep 01, 2009
Jennifer great post. As someone who works from home, I understand the importance of being connected. Just like you I have been able to connect with some great wonderful people via social networking both virtually and in person. Great tips on people/orgs to follow. Thank you!
Sep 01, 2009
I love your writing style and all of the great links you provide! You are definitely super woman with two young kids and your commitment to keep up with networking and writing during materninty leave — wow!
Sep 03, 2009
I’m opening a twitter account now. Thanks!
Sep 09, 2009
Here’s to the social networking that’s keeping new mom’s connected!
Sep 28, 2009
Enjoyed your blog–You are a talented young lady, and busy at that!!!