I don’t like going to big parties, meetings or places where I don’t know people.

It is not that I don’t like people, just that I think I’m genetically shy. Once I’m at an event or a party or a large meeting, I have the best time of all. It is getting there that is always a challenge.

Funny part is that I speak at many major conventions and meetings each year. Hundreds of people are fine with me, but when I go to a cocktail party, I have a hard time walking up to people to start a conversation.

That’s why Twitter is a safe haven for me and a chance to meet so many interesting people. Here’s how I do it:

1. If someone recommends a friend on #FollowFriday, I’ll click on them and read their bio. If we have something in common, I’ll tweet them and mention it. Many people recommended @dave_carpenter because he’s a great speaker. We tweeted and next time he’s in Miami we’re getting together.

2. I can ask questions on Twitter, and people come out of the blue to help me. For instance, I asked about things to do in Philadelphia during my visit now in March. @ErnieSchell told me that I have to see the Barnes Foundation has an amazing art collection and will soon be moving. I have my tickets in my purse now.

3. Also talk about my hopes, dreams, what I’m reading…and mentioned I’d like to do a business related cruise, maybe about marketing and gather the best speakers, trainers together to help businesses, small and large. Who piped up that they might help me?
A great guy, @theflaggagency who handle cruises. Who knows maybe Chuck and I will do it in the Fall. (let me know if you want to come: @loisgeller

So, while I’ve always said that Twitter increases your luck by expanding your network of people and possibilities…I also admit it is great for us shy people too!

Discover how to use Twitter and get more done in less time with the right tools.

With over 50,000 tools that integrate with Twitter now the big question is, which tools do I use for what?

15 Great Avenues For Building Your Network on Twitter…

1. Twitter Local
With this service, you can see tweets from Twitter users in a specific location.

2. Twubble
Twubble will expand your Twitter bubble, picking out people you may like to follow.

3. MyCleenr
Sort your friends by their last tweets, and you can get rid of the inactive and useless accounts you’re following.

4. Follow Cost
This tool will tell you how much effort it takes to follow someone.

5. Tweepler
Use Tweepler to organize your tweeps based on whether you’re following them or not.

6. Just Tweet it
Find Tweeple, tools, Twitter bots and more through this directory.

7. TweetWheel
TweetWheel will help you discover which of your Twitter friends know each other.
(Updated-has been reported as being broken)

8. Socialtoo
SocialToo will help you keep track of all of the people who have followed or unfollowed you.

9. Twitoria
Reduce your clutter on Twitter by finding your friends that haven’t tweeted in a long time.

10. Twitdir
With TwitDir, you’ll be able to search for people, and exploring categories including top followers and updaters.

11. Who Should I Follow?
Using this site, you can get good recommendations for Tweeps to follow.

12. Nearbytweets
Learn about all of the Twitter users in a specific area with the help of Nearbytweets.

13. Twellow
Find Twitter users in a specific industry using this service.

14. Mr Tweet
Mr. Tweet is a personal networking assistant for Twitter, helping you find relevant followers.

15. Qwitter
Qwitter will help you manage your network by sending an alert when a person unfollows you.

Stop Making Excuses and Start Making Money Marketing With Twitter

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