Turning Cucumbers Into Peaches - The Power of Twitter

In his blog post today, "Social Media is not a Vocation", Chris Brogan makes the point that Social Media is "tools and a method", not a profession. Brogan also carefully shows in his book, Trust Agents, how when used the right way, Social Media, helps build a network of trust and influence.

Twitter, a type of Microblogging, is one of the instruments in the Social Media Toolbox that assists in forming relationships, 140 characters at a time.


Jumping In

On Twitter, it's not so much about what you say. It's more about how you respond. The trick is to find a "Tweet" or conversation and just jump in. You never know where it will lead. You can make a new friend, have some fun, learn something new, or as was the case yesterday, "Turn Cucumbers into Peaches".

It all started with a tweet that caught my eye:

July 13th @ 7:57 a.m.From @DraperyDiva : Peaches anyone? http://twitpic.com/24wxri 7:57 AM Jul 13th via Twitter for Android

The rest of the conversation:

@DraperyDiva http://twitpic.com/24wxri - Yum! I'll trade you cucumbers & tomatoes (once they ripen)!

@basketsbybonnie You're on! They were really good last year. So many this year I'm afraid the branches are going to break! 9:28 AM Jul 13th via web in reply to basketsbybonnie


@DraperyDiva We should form a #ProduceExchange for local gardeners. I have some cucumbers left and will have ripe tomatoes soon.

@basketsbybonnie Great idea! Not much time this year so peaches is about all I have ,especially if Alvin & friends have their say! Tuesday, July 13, 2010 12:21:55 PM via web in reply to basketsbybonnie

@DraperyDiva - This is Today's Harvest. Let the garden exchange begin! #GameOn http://twitpic.com/256xc7 Wednesday, July 14, 2010 8:24:17 AM via Twitpic

@basketsbybonnie Mmmm, I can taste the cuc salad now! :) Wednesday, July 14, 2010 8:48:25 AM

@basketsbybonnie is bringing me cucumbers from her garden! Yummo! I'm giving her "peach credits" for when they are ripe! Twitter rocks!
Turning cucumbers into peaches with @DraperyDiva. Now I am waiting for my credits to ripen! #PeachCredits http://twitpic.com/259gqp


@basketsbybonnie The begs the telling of the "10 Uses for a Cucumber Joke" but I'm not even going to go there! Thanks Bonnie!

@basketsbybonnie Cucs are delicious! Thanks. Poor peach tree branches are almost bent to the ground from the weight! Ripen soon I hope!

Twitter Magic

As I wait for my "Peach Credits" to ripen, I am excited about what is possible with Twitter. Not only was I able to trade surplus produce for a desired commodity, I made a new friend.

That is the true power of Twitter!

Be Careful What You Tweet For

Yesterday was a happy day at Baskets by Bonnie. A shipment of cookies and treats arrived with three new items for the staff to sample. Once again we sacrificed our diets to insure the products were up to our high standards. We were not disappointed. They were all yummy!

When I "Tweeted" the above TwitPic photo on Twitter, (try saying that 10x fast) Barb from Honey Grove Botanicals tweeted back:

@basketsbybonnie re: http://twitpic.com/ao4b8 *swoon* Need a drool guard on my keyboard. Yah, probably my monitor too.3:58 PM Jul 17th
and then a few minutes later this:
@basketsbybonnie, anything new and interesting on your wine list? Need a tester. I have the glasses. Don't forget the cookies.4:04 PM Jul 17th from web

We couldn't resist indulging Barb and brought a variety of cookies for her to sample. We even brought her a pot of freshly-made coffee ( Coffee Masters Caramel Creme) instead of wine due to potential liability issues. ( drinking alcoholic beverages while working with hot wax at her shop would probably not be approved by OSHA)


After much deliberation, a winner was chosen. Elsa's Story Raspberry Filled Strudel. They were our favorite, too. In addition to being irresistable, these cookies from Israel are also Kosher!


What's your favorite cookie?