Call me a blog swagger jacker, because I’m totally swiping this idea from Travis Robertson, who got it from social media virtuoso Chris Brogan. 
Every Friday, Twitter users the world over participate in what is known as “Follow Friday”, where they recommend some of their favorite Twitter users to those who follow them. On one hand, Follow Friday is great because it’s an opportunity to get hip to some great new folks to follow, and I’ve met a lot of really cool new people. At the same time, all the Follow Friday tweets can get a little out out of control.
As Brogan says,
“Follow Friday has become a bit of a mess to look at on Twitter, because every Friday, many people start posting 140 characters worth of names of people they feel you might benefit from knowing. [This new blog strategy] solves two problems: It gives you more than 140 to talk about the people you recommend, and it also cleans up Twitter so that we don’t watch a stream of @someoneawesome names rushing by all day.“
I concur and will add that there are some Twitter users who consistently recommend the exact same people every week, which can be equally annoying.
So, taking a cue from Brogan, I am switching up how I participate in Follow Friday. Each Friday I will post a new Follow Friday blog and feature 3-5 Twitter users who I feel are worthy of your follow and why. My goal is to feature at least one Twitter user from each of my primary focus topics of Faith, Life and Culture. In addition, I will also recommend 1 blog each week that I think you should check out. I will then send a tweet to my Twitter followers with a link to that week’s post. Fun times, eh? Fun times, indeed.
Here is my inaugural Follow Friday post
@gritandglory – Alece is the Founder of Thrive Africa and a blogger at Grit & Glory. I love the vulnerable way Alece communicates both the pain and hope in her story. She’s bold, honest and always has something to say that will truly challenge you.
@foodnetwork – I am a big fan of Food Network. I could literally watch it all day long, and I actually have before. On Twitter, Food Network sends out a recipe of the day, behind-the-scenes show info, lifestyle and entertaining tips, cooking and food prep tips and more.
@LifeOnDiscovery – The official Twitter account of the new 11-part LIFE series on Discovery Channel, from the makers of PLANET EARTH. This show is incredible and following them on Twitter is a backstage pass to additional info about the show, special offers and more information about the animals on our planet than you ever wanted to know. Good stuff!
Blog
TRAPPSTR.com is the homebase for writer Brett Trapp. Brett blogs from the frontlines of a fast-growing, for-profit company that merges business and world-change. Brett focuses his writing on Capitalism and Grace. He grew up in Alabama, lived in Nashville and has recently made his home in Atlanta. Brett loves having a foot in two worlds as a student of fine business and a clumsy follower of Christ. By day, Brett serves as the Lead Innovator for a world-changing, Atlanta-based company that does financial development for schools & leadership development for organizations. I met Brett not too long ago and have really enjoyed getting to know him and reading his blog. I love what he has to say and how he says it. You should definitely check out his blog!
Are you on Twitter? Leave a comment below with your Twitter name so everyone reading can follow you as well!
