So, how does someone who has a great product go about letting it be known that they have a great product and get people to buy without all of that ugly over the top hypey advertising.  How does an honest marketer revolt and let others see what they are doing online to make money in an honest and ethical way?  They do it by being genuine…they do it by being real; by creating great products your customers can use, and raising the standards of their own conduct and raising the standards of what their potential customers can expect.

This is what the Real Guys are doing…but their product is only available for the next few days until March 31, 2011.  Watch this and see if there isn’t a part of this message about what they are trying to do with their product and the way that they are getting the word out about how they do business.  They have a great product that teaches targeted traffic methods and list building and includes a private label rights aspect as well.

This video series helps teach people who are looking to make money online at home the best way to do it…and it includes a product that they themselves can market.  It is a product that provides great content and allows them to market online with every confidence that they are providing real value to their customers. They have over-delivered a quality product with which everyday real people can make money in an honest and ethical way.  The people behind the Real Guys are well known internet marketers who themselves have a strong and loyal group of customers who have great things to say about how each of them conducts their online businesses.  Check it out the program here:  Real Guys

*Just so you know…this article includes an affiliate link…and should you purchase anything from the Real Guys I would be compensated.  However, that doesn’t mean that this isn’t a great product…because it is a great product…but it is only available for a few more days.

Within the first few tweets on their page, I saw tweets prompting the reader to “learn how to play poker”, to buy a specific insurance, to learn about electronic cigarettes, to team up with a beer company to buy the best T-shirts promoting beer, get a payday loans, promoting certain credit cards…etc. I understand the need to make money.  I get that churches struggle to raise funds…but, to me this smacks of leading people into financial slavery, gamboling, destructive health habits, encouraging addictions and gives a stamp of approval to activities that ought not to be encouraged.

This is a church that is “sold out” plain and simple.  If you don’t get my drift; these are paid ads that this pastor and church are condoning by putting tweets up on their page and trying to make money off of each link.  Understand, this is only my opinion; however, some of these are things that are being promoted are contrary to traditional teachings of the scriptures.

Can I tell you what I didn’t see on this Pastor’s Twitter stream?  There was no mention of God,no  Godly things, no tweeting of scripture…no building up of the spiritual nature of the readers…no encouragement to seek a relationship with God.  It upsets me…because I do believe in the power of social media to influence people; because of that, I believe that this pastor and his church are missing the mark.  Not only are they wasting the opportunity to win souls for Christ…they are in effect…leading them away from a life that is dedicated to strengthening the readers relationship with salvation and living a life of service for God.

How do you feel when you hear or see such things?  To me it feels like spiritual prostitution.  I would not want to be judged by God for erring in such a hurtful way to the Kingdom of God.  Scripture says that to those that have been given much, much is expected in return.  They have the opportunity to win souls for Christ and they had best be about the Heavenly Father’s business. It is hard to have respect for Gods values when some teachers, preachers and those in spiritual leadership make it appear as if it is ok to participate in these areas of life that God instructs us to avoid.

Do you challenge yourself to be authentic to your Christian faith online?  How do you make sure that you aren’t contrasting what you say you believe with your personal conduct and interactions online?

The extra mile is what this organization does provide.  They often listen to a parent, of a young cancer patient, express their fears, anxieties and questions about what to expect when cancer hits their family.  Mark and Deloris Bailey, founders of the organization know what it is like as they have been in that position when their son was diagnosed and treated for cancer.  So they created Friends Like Us to meet the needs of young cancer patients by providing them with a chemo bear. 

This chemo bear comes with a medical bag which has tools that doctors and nurses can use to help explain treatments and procedures that the young child may be having to go through.  It is a wonderful tool.  This chemo bear even may have a port just like the child and can have it removed in a bear clinic when the child has his or her port removed.  In the meantime, the bear can be of service when the child is at it most vulnerable going through tests or long lonely nights in the hospital.

Because they are a nonprofit they must get their funds through fund-raising and sponsors.  It costs approximately $550 dollars for them to get 100 bears manufactured to be given to children.  Lately they have combined efforts with some other groups to add books about cancer, musical cds and blankets that wrap the child in warmth.  All of this is done in the name of healing and supporting patients while they are in the battle of their lives.

So if you are a business, a church or an organization that is willing to be a sponsor of Friends Like Us and donate one order of bears to their cause you can contact Mark Bailey  at (419) 557-8543 info@friendslikeus.org .   In exchange for that donation of 100 bears, they are willing to send you a bear with a t-shirt that says Friends Like Us , we helped make a difference, a card shipped with each chemo bear that says generously donated by “your company, church or organizations name on it” and three months of advertising on their front page of their website.

Not only would your business, church, or organization be helping 100 children and their families but you would also be getting exposure for yourself by the willingness of Friends Like Us to promote your name and give you credit for your generosity.   You will be instrumental in helping a child to heal and help to encourage a family who is dealing with a major medical crisis.  Thank you for considering this opportunity to be a friend to Friends Like Us and helping them to fulfill a vital role in the lives of those who are trying to recover their health and well-being!

Like those friends that you have in your Twitter or Facebook social media streams that post way too much private information online and embarrass you;  Barbie and Ken have created a bit of a public scene.  Ken took out ads on billboards trying to get Barbie back.  After a bit of to and fro online it seems Barbie could not resist the call of the plastic perfect Ken.  Uggg…do we need drama introduced to our children through their playthings?  I mean really, isn’t the real drama enough, in most children’s circle of influence through their parents, schoolmates family lives and relationships in school enough?  Do we really need to buy into some fabricated dysfunctional drama through our children’s dolls?

As much as I grew up with the make believe work of Barbie and all of her professional unrest…truly the woman just couldn’t decide what she wanted to be when she grew up!  She is like 50 right? Now she is reuniting with her main man Ken after a seven year separation where they each went their own ways supposedly?  What has Ken done as a partner in the relationship?  He is not clearly defined.  He does not have a clear role as a male role model.  What does Ken “do” for a living?  What does he have to offer a partner?  What caused him to decide that he and Barbie could resume a healthy romantic relationship after their previous failure?  Were they in counseling together?  Did they seek to work through individual issues before considering trying to rebuild their relationship?

If I am going to buy into the publicity of this reunited relationship of Ken and Barbie and encourage children to get involved…as an adult who wants stability in my children and grandchildren’s lives; I would want to see a healthy relationship develop.  Today’s families have way too much unhealthy emotional drama in their lives.  I think, the publicity on this thing went in the wrong direction.

Then again, some people don’t often demand healthy relationships of the people in their lives either. Some allow dramas to play out on our social media streams without trying to encourage people to clean up their relationships and get real help for their troubles; instead of temporarily patching things up just to keep repeating unhealthy patterns of behavior.

I, for one, won’t be encouraging this public pandering of Barbie and Ken because I don’t happen to see any socially redeeming benefits.  Have we heard about why Barbie and Ken took a vacation from their relationship only to be wooed back into a surface relationship without benefit of working through their issues?  Are they getting help from a qualified counselor to build up their relationship and repair the troubles that broke them up in the first place? No…we only see that they have decided that they miss one another and still are attracted to one another.  Not good enough.

Kids need healthy boundaries and good role models to encourage strong, healthy relationships in their own real life world.  I understand this is about advertising & marketing…but, if they want the public to go with the flow then the powers that be that came up with this Barbie and Ken drama should have followed up with more than…it is Valentine’s day and I want you back because you are hot, and you sweet talked me into it, kind of script.  Don’t we have a right to expect better from Mattel?

What do you think? Does Mattel have a responsibility to promote their products in a healthier way to children?  Baby boomers are loyal…but, most of us have achieved some semblance of maturity in how we conduct ourselves.  Don’t we have a right as consumers, who helped to build their brand, to expect a better standard of respect for our families than just a gimmicky way to promote sales of their iconic dolls to our children and grandchildren?  Let me know what you think of this controversy!

       Everyone at one time or another has felt the need for more energy.  People everywhere will indulge in a cup of coffee, tea, soda pop, or candy bar to give their energy level an occasional boost.  There are better ways to gain energy such as proper diet, rest, and exercise; but, we are all guilty of taking short cuts, at one time or another.  

          Kids need energy just like adults; but, between poor role models and a sedentary lifestyle that many young people have grown accustomed to; they are even more easily persuaded to get their energy out of a can.  Many marketing images are over the top and come across as radical, or illegal with the names of the products; which can be enticing to a teen who is open to the idea of coming across as rebellious.   Some who are easily influenced are vulnerable to the idea of an easy fix for low energy reserves.   A whole new thriving industry has emerged centered around these energy drinks, and their counter parts; anti-energy drinks, for those times when too much energy is a problem>insert sarcasm here! 

         There are several problems that I see when it comes to marketing these products to teens and children.  Adults should take care to monitor their own use of such products; because your kids will pattern their behavior after the adults in their lives.  The problem is, that kids don’t always have the maturity, or the knowledge, that they need to make wise choices in this area of life.  Creative advertising for these energy drink products has made these products sound not only benign; but, good for you.

          However, not all of these products have the same ingredients as one of their competitors products; nor do they have the same effects, on every person’s body.   There are some good products out there and some not so good products.   The idea behind energy drinks is to increase the energy level of the consumer.  This is done through a variety of ingredients; the main ones being caffeine and some form of sugar.  The levels of those two main ingredients varies from brand to brand…and, it is important to read the labels and compare the results.   You can’t assume that just because they are on the market for purchase that they are all safe to use for every person; because that may not be the case.

        The much sought after goal of gaining more energy is underscored by many consumers who believe that higher levels of caffeine is good.  In fact, it can be rather harmful.  Adding too much caffeine to a person’s body can raise blood pressure levels, put stress on the heart and it’s ability to regulate it’s rhythm; as well as other organs.  They can cause headaches and nausea.  The long term effects of this roller coaster ride can be very harmful to the body. 

        There is a huge dependence on these energy drinks in the daily diet, by many teens and preteens.  Parents may or may not be aware of their child’s use of these drinks.  It is critical that parents are made aware of the physical, social, and even the mood- altering impact, on their children, of the energy drinks; and, even the so called anti-energy drinks.  Side effects from some of the ingredients can be made worse if there are extra strains on the body such as extreme physical exertion from participating in a sport or an underlying health complication.

          Many young people are taking prescription medications for various conditions such as ADHD, ADD, Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders, Autism, Depression and many other chronic medical conditions.  Mixing these drinks and the ingredients they contain with legal, and or illegal substances can harm, or even cause death for some individuals with underlying health conditions. 

          Only a doctor or pharmacist can determine whether any specific individual can safely consume these products along with the medications they are taking.  However, I don’t think that message gets communicated properly to the consumer.  Talk to your family doctor; discuss the issue with your kid’s school nurse and make sure that they are aware of  the effects of energy drinks on the health of minor’s bodies which are growing and changing at a rapid rate.

          Advertising for many of these drinks can appear to promote health because one or two of their ingredients may have positive health benefits like vitamins, minerals, or herbs.  Again, some of those ingredients can be harmful…some herbs can have stimulant or depressant properties.    Wisdom demands that you be aware of mixing any kind of substance that has the power to affect how the body operates or functions.  Care must be taken because you could be, in effect…mixing medications by drinking these drinks along with taking legal, prescription medications.   The average person or teen may not be aware that drinking  these drinks can cause a harmful interaction.

           The availability of these drinks is as easy as the nearest vending machine, convience store/gas station or grocery store.  They can be a bit pricey, generally around $3.00 a piece.   The products often appear as a can of soda in an aluminum container…sometimes they are bottled in glass.  Do you know if your child has had access to these drinks today? 

            Adults use these products as well.  However, if you are going to purchase these drinks for your teen or preteen; or, allow them to be used by your children; at least teach them to read the labels.  Teach them to understand that the numbers are often doctored by dividing the calories, sugar levels, caffiene numbers according to servings; not by listing the total amounts in the can.  The consumer has to understand that there may be MORE than one serving per can.  This makes all the difference in how the person’s body handles the drink; consuming a serving or the whole container in one sitting can be the difference between a positive or a negative after effect.

         Whether the consumer is an adult, or teen, or pre-teen; it is a good idea to communicate that too much caffeine (whether it be in coffee, tea, soda, hot chocolate energy drinks) can dehydrate the body and damage the kidneys, heart, or other organs.   Encourage them to drink plain old water to re-hydrate the body when they drink these kinds of energy or anti-energy drinks.

           As a side note, please be aware that some of the anti- energy drinks can have just as damaging effects on the body.  They are just like they sound….the opposite of energy drinks.  They have substances such as herbs and hormones in them that produce a slowing down of energy levels.  Some of them even add melatonin, a hormone that is naturally produced in the brain to promote sleep.   However, when this hormone is added into these anti-energy drinks it is not being naturally produced.  How much is too much for your or your loved one?

          Some users of these anti-energy drinks are using them to self -medicate either physical or emotional conditions.  If a person struggles with mental illness, depression or any other type of mood disorder…could these drinks cause them to experience mood swings of a harmful nature?  It would makes sense to me that it could.    There are also conflicting reports on the internet about these drinks ability to produce a positive result on drug tests.   For those individuals who are on probation or under a courts jurisdiction, this could impact them legally as well, if it is true that the drinks can affect a drug tests results. 

          I have even read that there are people who combine these drinks with alcohol.  Whenever people start using substances to alter their physical or emotional state of being you have to be careful.  These can become not only physically; but, psychologically addicting.  Teens who are wanting to “escape” painful emotional or physical situations can find themselves on a roller coaster of dependence…affecting not only their health; but, their relationships with their parents and their peers.  If they already struggle with addictive behaviors or choices…using these drinks to self-medicate can cause additional problems.

       Parents, many of you will not even be aware of this culture with your teens or their circle of influence…but, teens using these drinks is common.  If you purchase these energy drinks, or anti-energy drinks for your home…at least control how often these products are used.  But also be aware, they may be consuming them when you are not around to monitor their actions. 

        In my opinion, it is better to prohibit the use of these drinks altogether.  I don’t see the potential benefits outweighing the risks, to the health and well-being of the person drinking them.   However, if you are going to allow it…at least educate yourself about your child’s views on these drinks and how they and their friends see these products in their daily lives.  You may be shocked at what you hear.  Many young people see them as non-harmful; and use them as commonly as they drink soda pop.  Do some research for yourself.  What are your thoughts on this subject?

      If you are in business to make money by selling products or services online…then this is a tool that may be just what you need to add to your income in 2010.  Expensive written sales copy stopped many a beginner entrenpeneur from getting their products or services out there to the masses as they could ill afford to spend thousands of dollars to pay a copywriter.  Sales videos have quickly replaced the need for pricey sales copy; the impact on internet marketing is amazing. 

         Sales videos let the customers “get to know the salesperson” and make their decision about purchasing the products or services without feeling manipulated by all of the hyped up, over-the-top written sales copy that was the mainstay of marketers in the past.  Customers feel more respected by being spoken to in a real way without all of that manipulation and the sales video results appear to prove that theory of mine.  Since the beginning of time things have been sold and purchased, that is not going to change.  How that process takes place has changed.  I think that the video sales letter improves the relationship between buyers and sellers.

         Keith has been, quietly been behind the scenes, perfecting his techniques and the results are proving that his video skinning formula has really been ramping up the conversion rates.  If you want to know more information so that you too can make more money and get a leg up on your competitors in the affiliate marketing field check out this video: http://bit.ly/7wQP8j Yes, for full disclosure that is an affiliate link!

        She joined them and according to some news reports she too began drinking.  At some point, this group found it’s way to a darkened out of the way area on the school grounds where some terrible violence occured.  This young woman was violently gang raped, beaten and robbed; left to lay curled up alongside of some benches.  The story is still evolving, however there are reports that she may have been raped by as many as 10 individuals while other individuals came and watched, possibly taking pictures with their cell phones…and others were involved in physically assaulting her.    All in all, the numbers are still changing…but, at this point…five individuals have been arrested so far; ranging in ages from 15-21 years of age. 

       It is being said that those who viewed the crime but didn’t report it wont be brought up on charges, even though it is against the law for people to view a crime against children and not intervene through law enforcement; but it only applies from my understanding to children under the age of 14.  Still, if it is true that some by standers did in fact capture the attack on their cell phones…that is evidence.  But, if any of those people turn it in to the authorities…i wonder if they wont be charged for filming “sexual images involving a minor”, especially if they published it online.

        Investigators are still interviewing individuals and processing evidence.   A large number of people actually watched this rape and assault take place and did nothing to intervene; nor, did they call authorities or emergency personel.  

        This is a huge disconnect on a compassionate level for human beings; law enforcement, social workers, mental health experts, educators, parents and students will be studying this unfortunate situation for years to come to make sense of it and try to find a way to correct the conditions which allowed it to take place.   This attack allegedly took place over 2 1/2 hours; that is a long time to watch someone being abused and not be moved to act.  Eventually, some young men were discussing the alleged events and someone overheard it and called to report it to the authorities. 

         There are so many levels of horror to discuss here that it begs to be argued over which issue is more important.  However, rape and assault are never ok…and should never be condoned or viewed as entertainment or a spectator sport…that is my first thought that I want to communicate.    Beyond that…certainly we need to understand the reasons why our young people who were involved in this situation could allow themselves to witness and or participate in such dispicable behavior towards another human being.  Those who witnessed it and did not make attempts to stop it, nor to notify law enforcement need to examine why they did not take appropriate, compassionate action! 

         The young woman’s father allegedly tried to reach her by her cell phone and got no response.  I can only imagine the thoughts that ran through his head that evening or even now, knowing what took place and how his child was violated.

           The school where this took place has said that the homecoming dance event was a success with no problems…it was only after the young woman left the building that this assault took place.  While I understand what they were trying to convey…it did come across as somewhat insensitive to read articles that alledge that the school said that the school doesn’t take the students home…meaning that they aren’t responsible once they walk out the door.  Whether that is what the person speaking meant to say, or whether it was in fact what they did say…it does little to reasssure parents or community leaders that minor students are in fact safe in these environments once they are beyond the eyes of those who are supervising.

         Does any of this alleviate personal choices made by any of the individuals involved in the actual assault?  No…certainly we are all responsible for individual choices and actions.  Those who beat, raped or viewed the assault and did nothing have to understand their own responsibility.  The young woman who made the choice to stop and drink alcohol (which can lessen a person’s ability to make clear and responsible decisions in situations that are not safe) will be questioning her own decision making for a long time to come.  She will have a long road towards healing physically and emotionally.

        Let’s be clear…drinking alcohol certainly does not give anyone permission to physically or sexually assault another person.  Was it a wise decision to stop and drink alcohol on school grounds with a group of people when the young woman was only 15 years old?  No, underage drinking is not wise.  Still, no one deserves to be beaten and raped.  She will spend a lifetime trying to overcome this horrible experience and heal from the traumatic memories.

           These questions and more will be asked and pondered over.  In a larger sense, maybe as a society we need to examine the things that go on in our society that desensitize individuals to do these types of things.  We need to look at our cuture for some of these answers.  Everyday we bombard our citizens, both young and old, with images and words in marketing/ advertising aimed at sensualizing and sexualizing everything from soap to clothing, to food, to music, movies and video games.  Extremely troubling is some music videos and video games that seem to highlight treating women and children violently and with disregard for their well-being. 

         There are serious consequences to this kind of behavior in real life.  Rape and violence of any kind are troubling breaches of appropriate behavior and an acceptable personal moral code of conduct.   Some of these images and audios promote violent and uncaring attitudes towards others.  Respect for others is lacking; and things that seemed to be valued are monetary things.   Is it any wonder why some individuals appear to have a lack of control or compassion?

        We must start demanding positive and uplifting changes if we are to combat these types of incidents from becoming common place. 

            However, for those that do spend….they are quickly overwhelmed when they discover the amount of new skills and knowledge that they must acquire before they can even begin to make lots money…not to mention the discouragement that sets in when they realize how long it will be before they learn enough to make that huge investment of money back.  It just isn’t practical to spend thousands and wait 12 months to 2 years to learn enough knowledge and skills to make your money back.  Marketing is a system for selling products or services; and, because it is a system…that means there are many components. 

          What if you could learn some of the techniques that would bring in enough money to pay an extra bill or two a month?  Would that be a benefit to you?  I am sure that it would.  Rapid Cash doesn’t promise to make you millions or guarantee that you will be driving a new car in a week…that is foolishness.  On the other hand, Rapid Cash can add enough cash to your pocket to help take some of the pressure off the average person’s monthly struggles http://tinyurl.com/djr2a7 . 

       You see, what alot of those big named gurus and their programs promise you is unrealistic when you think about it.  In their sales pages and videos…they are flaunting their cars, their mansions and piles of money.  Yes it is possible to acquire those things; however, what they often don’t tell you is that it has taken them years and tons of money to learn how to earn the kind of skills and knowledge needed to make that happen.  It does not happen overnight like that for the average person.  It takes alot of work…and a whole lot of expert help to get to that level. 

          People are often manipulated by those ads to believe that they can achieve that level of success quickly.  Realistically, learning is a process and everyone has to start somewhere.  I am an affiliate for Rapid Cash Marketing.  http://tinyurl.com/djr2a7   They teach you how to use skills and knowledge to earn extra money while you learn those other things about making money online, learning a proven, in- depth internet marketing system that can lead to a higher level of internet marketing success. 

       There is a team of coaches who are there to teach you how to pick up extra cash to supplement your income with skills that you may already have or can quickly develop.   They are knowledgable in many areas and use these skills themselves to earn money online.    Do you have digital photo experience, interviewing skills, graphic arts skills, writing skills, direct marketing skills, writing sales letters, video skills,  voice over abilities, editing skills, etc?  The list goes on…but, if you could learn how to use those skills in an effective way to earn enough money to take the edge off of your present financial situation it would be a blessing right?  

          If you are willing to learn and willing to take action towards achieving some financial success online then check out this link:  http://tinyurl.com/djr2a7   Yes, I will get a financial reward if you were to purchase…but, if their program improved your finances; then, I think you would thank me anyway!   I think you will see the wisdom in investing a small amount of money that will quickly repay your investment if you put in the effort to do what the successful internet marketers Jeff Wellman, Dixie Brown, and Paul Counts instruct you to do. 

How many businesses do you know about who have started up only to go out of business in the first year or two?  Often after investing much time, energy and money; they go out in a flame of glory.  It can happen in small business and it can happen in the world of high finance.  It takes alot of know how to start a business, to nurture it and to direct it’s growth to a place of prominence.  Knowing when to diversify and when to narrow your focus with your sales or service is an important skill to have.

In today’s world we hear about all kinds of strategies to get your business off of the ground, to keep it afloat, to build it up, and take it to the next level.  What if your business doesn’t have a long legacy like the one I just told you about who have had a 100 year track record and base of customers; how do you stay in business in today’s economy?

Well, I think you can try many of the new strategies that other experts are recommending.  If your business is a brick and mortar business…you can benefit from adding an online presence to harness the power of the web.  You can get creative with your advertising…but beware, many of your customers are going to be looking to your online presence…and, if you educate yourself, it doesn’t have to cost you an arm and a leg.  You can add bells and whistles to your business and the latest and greatest attention grabbing techniques….but; if you are wise you will listen to the wisdom of that business owner I just told you about.

You see, he realizes that no matter what you do to draw in your customers…if you do not provide a commitment to customer service…you are not going to keep their business if they do happen to purchase your product or services.  You need to hire a staff that cares as much as you do about making the customer feel satisfied not only with what you are providing them…but, also with their choice of your company as the provider of that product or service.  Once you realize the importance of the “keeping the customer happy and satisfied” you will have begun to build the kind of business that future generations will celebrate as having had a legacy of staying power!

       I love Twitter because it is immediate.  It is the thought process and relationship equivillant of instant gratification.  That is pretty addictive for most people.  On the other hand, blogging is the process by which a thought, a statement or an idea is presented in a deep and meaningful way.   It is the vehicle through which a post can be fleshed out.

         I like to think of it this way, Twitter is verbal shorthand.  It is clear, concise, direct and immediate.  Who doesn’t love that when time is short and people want to connect to others and not feel isolated in the midst of their day.  Blogging is more like a novel or  a streaming consciousness.  It is a full on conversational connection; if comments are encouraged, embraced and followed up on.

Or for those of you who are more visual; think on this:

        Twitter is like fast food and blogging is more like an all you can eat buffet.  Both are tasty, both meet the need and both have their fans.  But, when you combine them…you get a fullness of good food, tastiness, and service.  Both have their place and serve their purpose. 

         Twitter doesn’t have to replace blogging just because time is short and people have limited attention spans.  After all, there will be down time eventually for longer reads if they are temporarily short on time.  Blogging (or reading blogs) isn’t always possible because of demands on a person’s time.  However, Twitter can be a blogger’s best friend by simply being an immediate word of mouth referral (or an advertising)…an introduction of sorts.  It is like being invited to a party where you know no-one.  Then, the host of the party (Twitter) introduces you to people who share the same interests as you, have connections that will bless you; and maybe, just maybe, you will discover that your blog and some of Twitter’s referrals have mutual friends that you both know and love.  That also works in reverse…your Twitter stream can be enriched by the readers of your blog.  Don’t you just love it???