How To Use #MrTweet Instead of #FollowFriday + My Weekly Recommendations

Hello there! If you haven't already, you might want to subscribe to the RSS feed so you don't miss any updates.

It’s Friday again, and the hordes of #FollowFriday lists are filling up the Twitter stream once more. Every Friday for the past several weeks I have written a Follow Friday related post to share my thoughts and insights into this social media phenomenon, and I have started my own tradition of recommending at least 10 people here with a more detailed explanation of why I follow them in the hopes that you would follow them too and discover the value I have in each of them. At the end of each of these posts I have said that if you desire to recommend me to others on Twitter I would greatly appreciate you using the website known as "Mr. Tweet" to express yourself. I have had quite a few people say they found me through Mr. Tweet, which is even more encouraging because it means they have made a somewhat educated decision to follow me by reading my profile and recommendations on the website, rather than randomly clicking on one of countless lists of names that provide no explanation for the recommendation.

So this week I wanted to give the uninitiated a more detailed look at some of the many features Mr. Tweet offers and help you to see how the benefits of using this tool far outweigh the anonymous Follow Friday recommendation. Of course, at the end of this post I will share with you 10 more people that I truly enjoy following on Twitter. But don’t skip to the end just yet! Let’s take a quick tour of Mr. Tweet and see if it is a tool that you can use to enhance your Twitter experience.

SIGNING UP

Sign up is quick and easy. Mr. Tweet simply uses your Twitter username and password to connect with your account. Shortly after that you will receive an auto-DM that will give you further instructions. Not bad for a quick and easy beginning, eh?

GETTING STARTED

Once you are signed up, there are 2 ways you can begin recommending people. You can either sign in and recommend people from within your account or you can tweet recommendations using the #MrTweet hashtag.

Signing in opens up a world of possibilities because Mr. Tweet recommends people that you follow for you to recommend. You can choose to scroll through the provided list or you can search for people you already have in mind to recommend. Then you simply fill in the reasons why you wish to recommend the person and then click OK. A dialogue box pops up asking if you want to tweet your recommendation, which I always do because it lets the person you recommended know what you’ve done and usually brightens their day. Isn’t that better than tacking their name onto a list of as many as you can fit with no explanation whatsoever?

Recommend from Mr. Tweet

You can also recommend others by just tweeting about them from within Tweetdeck, Seesmic or whatever Twitter app you use (from within the Twitter web interface also, but if you’re still using that, please stop and download a 3rd party app. Email me if you need help with that!) All you have to do is start your tweet with the #MrTweet or #TellMrTweet hashtag and then explain your recommendation. Something like "#MrTweet I recommend @bkmacdaddy because he’s a cool guy who writes great blog posts and is very humble." Mr. Tweet automatically adds the recommendation to the database and it becomes part of your profile! Of course, the person you recommend gets the tweet also, so you haven’t missed out on brightening their day. Can it get much easier?

Recommend using hashtags

THAT’S NOT ALL!

On top of the fact that Mr. Tweet provides these simple ways to build other people’s Twitter reputations, the tool provides much more for its users. When you log in to your account, you are greeted with recommendations of people you may want to recommend, others that people you have recommended have also recommended (meaning you may want to follow these people because tweeps you’ve recommended think they’re cool) and your own statistics. For instance, today when I logged in I learned that through Mr. Tweet I have been recommended to 8,466 people in the past 43 days! I can also see that 15 people have viewed my profile.

Plus, the people that Mr. Tweet recommends to me are listed in a very informational format. I am given their avatar and bio, the number of people they follow and how many followers they have along with the calculated ratio, the people that I follow who also follow them, the number of Mr. Tweet recommendations they have and more!

This is definitely one of the most helpful tools I have used for discovering new people to follow and recommending my own favorites. And the more you use it the more your reputation grows!

CONCLUSION

Okay, I know I sound like a Mr. Tweet salesman. But I want to be clear that I am not associated with Mr. Tweet in any way other than a user and a huge fan. I am just so impressed with this free tool that I had to share and encourage everyone I can to opt out of the Follow Friday madness and use Mr. Tweet instead. For me, it provides a much more substantial way to show the respect and admiration my Twitter friends deserve. I hope this little tour of the tool will help you see the benfits as well.

Now on to this week’s recommendations! Once again, please take a minute to read how each of the people listed below have enhanced my Twitter experience with their personalities, friendship, resources and more. If you are truly looking for people to follow who add value to your Twitter stream, then give my friends a try. I am certain you won’t be disappointed. And if you ever feel the need to recommend me to your followers, please take a sec to do it through Mr. Tweet. I would be honored.

@LaciiJay – Lacii Jay

Lacii is a lot of fun! She’s very sweet, funny and engaging. We have had a few conversations covering everything from dinner recipes to hypnotism. I really enjoy tweeting with her!

@printedproof – Christian Collard

Christian is a cool guy who I am beginning to discover may be a kindred spirit. Has a great love for his family, is a design workaholic & pursues focusing on the truly important things.

@workingmoms – Ann Marie and Anessa

These ladies are truly fun, friendly & love to engage in conversation with people on Twitter. Always up for a chat, and always get me laughing and smiling.

@ADesignInMind – Sean Haney

I’m still getting to know Sean, but he’s a really nice guy. Describes himself as a Freelance Graphic Designer/Student of Design and he shares a lot of great design resources.

@ionacosmetics – Jude

This lady is very playful and funny. I met her early on when I started tweeting and she consistently cracks me up. I can always count on a smile to be born from her tweets.

@RedHouseMedia – Aaron W Hautala

Aaron was one of the first people I interacted with on Twitter. He’s a gifted photographer & designer (check out his site) and a genuinely nice guy with an appreciation of a good cup of coffee.

@joycecherrier – Joyce Cherrier

Joyce is a former Maui girl who I’ve had the privilege of tweeting with enough to know she is for real – genuine, caring and friendly. Also a #PositivePosse member.

@Ben_Sky – Ben Sky

A gifted fellow creative who shares a lot of great design resources and happens to be a nice guy too! Check out his work on his site.

@LadyProducHer – Lady Tha ProducHer

Smooth. Laid back. Classy. Cool. Passionate. Creative. One genuine lady and friend. Need I say more?

@jonrawlins – Jon Rawlins

Just getting to know Jon recently, but enough to know he’s a really good guy and a talented designer. Check his portfolio out here.

RELATED / YOU MIGHT FIND THESE INTERESTING

Comments ( 34 )

[...] How To Use #MrTweet Instead of #FollowFriday + My Weekly Recommendations | bkmacdaddy designs [...]

What I’ve been reading this week (July 31/2009) - Roger Stringer added these pithy words on Aug 01 09 at 12:53 am

[...] How To Use #MrTweet Instead of #FollowFriday + My Weekly Recommendations | bkmacdaddy designs Good read, No more #followfriday, just give #MrTweet recommendations! [...]

Branden Blackwood » Blog Archive » Daily Links For 2009-08-04 added these pithy words on Aug 04 09 at 12:40 am

[...] designer in Tennessee named Brian McDaniel, better known on Twitter as bkmacdaddy. Last week Brian wrote a post about a service called Mr. Tweet, and I thought, YES, this is a much better alternative to the Follow Friday Flood. You can write a [...]

Here in HP, a Highland Park, New Jersey blog » Twitter Time and Mr. Tweet added these pithy words on Aug 04 09 at 6:29 am

How To Use #MrTweet Instead of #FollowFriday…

A detailed look at some of the many features Mr. Tweet offers and how the benefits of using this tool far outweigh the anonymous Follow Friday recommendation….

You are now listed on FAQPAL added these pithy words on Aug 28 09 at 6:42 pm

[...] get an overview of the most awesome people according to your friends and get recommended yourselves (see bkmacdaddy). BETTER [...]

Twitter’s #FollowFriday #FF – Over the Top. Literally « Laika’s MedLibLog added these pithy words on Oct 02 09 at 7:57 am

Thanks for the inclusion, Im honored. Glad to have you in my social network you truly have great-ness to offer anyone who follows you.

[Reply]
bkmacdaddy Reply:
August 4th, 2009 at 7:51 pm
No need to feel honored. I’m no big deal. Just glad to know you, my friend!

[Reply]
designerleeds Reply:
November 18th, 2009 at 7:06 pm
I’m fed up of follow fridays and tweets about making millions arghhh!!

[Reply]

printedproof added these pithy words on Jul 31 09 at 11:17 am

You words have touched my heart ((HUGS)) TY for including us in your #FF rec…But most of all thanks for the explanation on Mr. Tweet…I will definitely be using it more…U Rock as always….

Still waiting for my coffee…LOL

Ann Marie and Anessa

[Reply]
bkmacdaddy Reply:
August 4th, 2009 at 7:52 pm
Coffee someday. For now, just caffeinated kindness and appreciation. Thank you for being YOU!

[Reply]

Ann Marie and Anessa added these pithy words on Jul 31 09 at 11:31 am

I’m honored my friend. Thank you. It’s a pleasure following you because you always keep the links fresh and informative, plus you’re just a cool guy. Keep up the good works my talented friend.

~Lady

[Reply]
bkmacdaddy Reply:
August 4th, 2009 at 7:52 pm
Glad to honor you, though I’m nothing special. But I appreciate you!

[Reply]

Lady Tha ProducHer added these pithy words on Jul 31 09 at 11:32 am

Including me…You must have been up late…JK. Thanks for the inclusion. You are the greatest!Have a great weekend!

[Reply]
bkmacdaddy Reply:
August 4th, 2009 at 7:54 pm
Yes, it was a late night and i was scrambling for people to fill this post…your name came up. NOT! You’ve been nothing but what I said: cool, genuine, generous. Thanks to you!

[Reply]

Sean Haney added these pithy words on Jul 31 09 at 12:03 pm

Thanks for screencappin my avatar bro! Good read, great post, Its so true, I Love Mr Tweet. would much rather have #MrTweet recommendations than people spamming handles all over the place

[Reply]
bkmacdaddy Reply:
August 4th, 2009 at 7:54 pm
The screen cap was all in my master plan! Hehe…thanks for stopping by and taking the time to read this & comment, Andy. You are the man!

[Reply]

Andy Sowards added these pithy words on Jul 31 09 at 1:47 pm

OMG I really am truly honoured that you’ve included me in your list of top ten. You’ve really given me a huge smile on my face. Great post by the way, and not just cos I’m in it lol. Thank youuuuu and hope I can continue to crack you up mwwuuuaaahhh xx

[Reply]
bkmacdaddy Reply:
August 4th, 2009 at 7:55 pm
There is no doubt in my mind that you will continue to keep me laughing. The pleasure is all mine!

[Reply]

Jude added these pithy words on Jul 31 09 at 3:56 pm

I really am honoured that you included me in your weekly recommendations (I know I said that already, but it really did brighten my day). Sorry I jumped the gun and did my #FF through Twitter already. I briefly checked out Mr.Tweet shortly after I first joined Twitter, but I had no idea of the things you could use it for, so thanks for the heads up. I’ll definitely check it out again. And I thoroughly enjoy tweeting with you, too. (((Hugs))) x

[Reply]
bkmacdaddy Reply:
August 4th, 2009 at 7:56 pm
Glad I could provide some helpful tips. You have been a blast from the get-go. Thanks for being a great new Twitter friend!

[Reply]

LaciiJay added these pithy words on Jul 31 09 at 4:40 pm

Hey there, I am very honoured and greatful for your mention, especially so formally on your website. I am pretty new to the whole twitter phenomenon, but have enjoyed reading what you have to offer as well. I will take a look at the trusted Mr Tweet. Until I read your private message I didn’t really know much about it. I will be updating my website pretty soon, as I am still waiting on a cable connection at home.

I am very greatful for your mention and opinions that you have expressed. I look forward to getting to know you, and continuing to read your tweets.

Thank you kindly for your generosity and being so genuine.

Again, I am truely honored.
Thank you,
Jon

[Reply]
bkmacdaddy Reply:
August 4th, 2009 at 7:57 pm
Jon, you are a genuinely good guy, which is obvious by your response. the honor is mine to know you.

[Reply]
Jon Rawlins Reply:
August 5th, 2009 at 3:27 am
Thanks again for the kind words mate. It’s truely appreciated.

[Reply]

Jon Rawlins added these pithy words on Jul 31 09 at 5:12 pm

Brian. Without saying, cool blog, cool social media sharing icons (love them) and cool post. Special thanks as well for the mention of RedHouseMedia being worthy of a follow in Twitter. I still remember your first @ message you sent me. You said “Trying to pass you a coffee, but it keeps hitting the monitor” still, most likely the best response I’ve ever received to one of my “need coffee now” tweets. Peace out, spread the love, and group hugs.
Best Regards,
Aaron W Hautala
RedHouseMedia.com

[Reply]
bkmacdaddy Reply:
August 4th, 2009 at 7:58 pm
Aaron, you’re the man. From day one it has been a pleasure to talk with you and share a coffee. Thanks, my friend!

[Reply]

Aaron W Hautala added these pithy words on Aug 01 09 at 9:42 am

I so hate getting list and lists and lists of “Follow Friday” tweeters. I NEVER look at them, because a Twitter ID by itself means NOTHING to me.

I wish I could block them.

[Reply]

Janice in GA added these pithy words on Aug 07 09 at 12:05 pm

I’m glad I read the whole thing! This is helpful!

[Reply]

Meerkat 24 - Dave Delgado added these pithy words on Aug 07 09 at 12:18 pm

This was very informative. I did not realize until now that you were using MrTweet to format your recommendations.

Your method is a great idea and really makes it more meaningful. I have followed a few people based on your recommendations.

[Reply]

Mark added these pithy words on Aug 14 09 at 4:00 pm

Thanks for these recommendations! I rarely actually follow peeps on #FF lists, but feel very comfortable in following those you recommend because I know you don’t recommend anyone you don’t feel is a valued follow. Thanks for adding credibility to your recommendations by using your blog and Mr. Tweet!

[Reply]

Decotta added these pithy words on Aug 21 09 at 7:41 am

Hi.
I found you on mr tweets like your bio and i am following.

Thanks.

[Reply]

mark added these pithy words on Aug 27 09 at 9:56 am

is it possible to use #mrtweet in addition to #followfriday rather than instead of? like can i kill two birds with one stone?

[Reply]
bkmacdaddy Reply:
August 28th, 2009 at 5:46 pm
I believe you can tweet your recommendation to Mr. Tweet and by doing so you are publicly recommending that person anyway. Go for it!

[Reply]

Carrie added these pithy words on Aug 28 09 at 1:25 pm

WOOT! I am SOOOO glad that I stopped by tonight to scour your blog while trying to corral my rebellious brain that cannot seem to focus on what it SHOULD be at the moment!

I had registered with Mr. Tweet some time ago and have not yet given it a test drive, was just getting ready to ask a colleague about how she uses it and I have found this MAGNIFICENTLY and DETAILED blog post that will get me in gear sooner than I anticipated!

I really like the idea of being able to recommend people using the #MrTweet hash tag since I am using TweetDeck, which I quickly installed upon my reading one of your first few blog posts! Thank you!

[Reply]

Linda Walton aka bobbysgirlforever added these pithy words on Aug 29 09 at 1:00 am

I’ve done the followfriday thing a few times, but haven’t done so recently..

As far as #MrTweet I keep procrastinating and hesitating in trying it out.

[Reply]