This is the sixth of a ten part post- Event Planning Research -Entertainment

Choosing the right entertainment for your event can be quite tricky. Music, speakers, theater, comedy and all artistic expressions are subjective. Different people enjoy different things to some degree or another. The best way to start is to stay close to the theme of the event. Hire entertainment that will add to the overall message. Know the audience. Stay within your means. Check on the venue on what they can handle. The bigger questions will be answered as options widdle down to realistic possibilities.

It’s a good idea to check out acoustics, lighting, electricity, technology, equipment, audio and vantage points for all potential problems. Depending on the actual set up you want people to have access to the corybantic. Keep an active dialog with the facilities manager; she may have wonderful advice on past events and what went well and what didn’t. Her experience will be a great resource.

Presuming you have the category or styling of the entertainment, set up “Plan B”. Rain, cancellations or random acts of God can and will happen. Secure an alternative date if possible. Be sure to heed any safety or security concerns well in advance. For example, if you hire anyone who includes “fire” in their act, converse with the local fire department. Research all code ordinances like sound, occupancy, late hours etc…

Almost all entertainers for hire will have a website and references, if they don’t, leave them off the short list. Be sure to check their references and promotional material thoroughly. A big issue to watch out for is reliability.  When you feel comfortable with your choice or choices make sure you have an agreement or contract set up on your end. Make a list of expectations and compare them with your talents history.  If the discussion goes well, the schedule works out and the lists match up, your good to negotiate price.

I once hired a well known keynote speaker within his ranks for a business seminar. My research indicated this was the right person for the event. He was intelligent, dynamic, funny and a great communicator and orator. What impressed me at first was his tenacity on the speakers’ circuit. He spoke everywhere almost 250 times a year. When it came time for my event he was horse and exhausted.  His voice had this horrible irritation and rasp about it. He constantly complained about how sick and over traveled he was during his presentation. It was a nightmare. Things got particularly interesting afterward when he wanted the other 50% of his fee. Lesson learned: draft out a list of expectations.

Researching entertainment for your event can be fun if you want. Attend similar events or shows that may be a good fit. Google the hell out of the style of choice and it will give you many ideas on how to move forward. Envision how it will unfold and coordinate accordingly.

It seems like I’m forgetting a bunch of stuff on how to research entertainment for events. Help me out, what is your process on choosing talent? Write back, I could use the insight. Any questions, ask away.

This is the fifth of a ten part post– Event Planning Research -Contractors

Most events will require third party contractors for a wide variety of reasons. In the planning process, take into consideration what you can and cannot accomplish on your own. The possibilities for, and varieties of outside-hires are seemingly endless: from wait staff, small wares, tables and linen to video production, marketing, photography, and security.

Never go with the first service you find, always shop and compare. Research at least three different companies in each field. Some may offer a multitude of services, and take that into consideration for convenience. Check their standing with the Better Business Bureau and industry affiliations. Don’t presume, because they have a particular logo on their website, that they are members of the implied organizations. Visit the organizations site and query about your contractor. Ask who others used in the past. Word of mouth regarding their reputation goes a long way.

Procure signed copies of agreements regarding deliveries, set-up and pick-up times and dates. Make sure your venue approves the chronology. Allocate time for incidentals like late arrivals because of bad weather, traffic etc.. Stage everything you possibly can, as early as you can. Setting up your event a few hours in advance is a big relief. It will give you time to double check the overall aesthetics and make adjustments if needed.

Third party contractors may insist you sign agreement forms or contracts of their own. Some examples are liability, property rights, cancellation policy, terms and conditions, compliance with rules and laws. Who has time to read these fine print legalese documents? Often they are straight forward and sometimes a little fuzzy. For example if your renting a carousel for an outdoor family event. Ask the supplier specific questions about insurance and property damage forms. If you’re dealing with a videographer or photographer get a definitive answer about property rights, watermarks or branding. You may come across companies that want to put their name on everything and charge extra to omit. Also, they may want the material for their own marketing. If the circumstance warrants, you could get financial compensation for the release. If you can afford a lawyer to look over the documents, by all means do so.

Some convention centers around the country are union. This will most likely mean that you have to use union provided services. Research which union does what and deal directly with the convention center, not with the union. The convention center will have all the information you’ll need while the union will be only specific to its own offerings. Similarly government venues, schools, libraries, historical buildings and military establishments have restrictions on which out-side contractors you can choose from.

Researching third party contractors can be time consuming. Every now and then you will have to roll the dice. Choosing a larger company isn’t always the best decision. Working with smaller start up services can be very rewarding. Usually the prices are lower and less red tape. Also, as one of their first customers they will be more accommodating to your needs down the road. Building solid relationships for future events can save you tons of money and aggravation in the long run.

How do you decide on third party contractors? What criteria do you look for? What aspects am I missing on this important research? Write back I would love to share.

This is the fourth of a ten part post– Event Planning Research -Food

Food can most likely be the biggest expense incurred by your event. No matter the occasion the food is the one thing every guest will experience and talk about, good or bad. So, do plenty of research before you commit to any provider for assistance. Map out all of your options for pricing, quality, convenience, experience and variety beforehand. Based on the consultation with your client, start to narrow down the offerings. Work out what type of service will be appropriate for the gathering e.g. buffet, full service, food stations, pass around. Know who your guests are. What “types” of food would they prefer? Take into consideration age, ethnicity, culture, geography and trends. Establish an expense budget. How much are you willing to pay and how much can you pay? The percentage will depend on what type of event you’re coordinating. This is your research blueprint for the food aspect of the event. Explore each question and option profusely.

Some venues may require that you use their food services. This can be both a blessing and a curse. The blessing is the convenience and the curse may be the price and variety. When picking the venue, keep this into consideration. Hotels and convention centers will almost always have their own set up, and some museums and halls annex third parties to handle catering. Be prepared to compromise, but these places are geared for events and you can work with them just like any other outside vendor. If they have an established menu don’t be afraid to ask for a personalized bill of fare. With enough time and money they can get whatever you need, but it will depend on their willingness and policy.

Insist upon a tasting with your clients. This will give you a snapshot of what to expect, but don’t stop there. Attend one of the caterers’ events. You’ll be surprised how much the quality suffers from a tasting for four or five people to serving a hundred or more; from fresh to frozen, to great presentation and rushed plating. The better caterers will have consistency throughout and the not so great ones will seem like they are planets apart from tasting to banquet. Researching this will help reduce any quality and organizational surprises. Price all their options according to your needs. I like to use three options with the first being the premium and last being the most value added. Relate to what would suit your affair’s preference, high end or long lasting. If you can do both by all means go for it, people love the food experience at celebrations. Is the event’s focus on the meal or a sustenance break for an all day educational seminar? Alltop has a comprehensive index page regarding all things food.

Keep track of food pricing!! You may have the menu set up months in advance and California has a massive rain fall or drought, killing or damaging millions of dollars in crops. This will make the produce sky rocket in price along with inferior quality. If your acquiring food from an unaffected part of the country be warned the prices will go up anyway, because of demand. Stay attuned to any food related news. Foodborne illnesses are very tricky and time consuming to track down. Early news stories about foodborne illnesses are usually wrong, but perception is everything and this may seriously alter your events provisions. Have a contingency menu ready at hand if any unforeseen emergencies pop up. People will understand and wouldn’t want to consume anything feared to be tainted anyway. Check out all the latest food related news on FoodNavigator.com

Creativity will always set you apart from the rest, but use your intuitive decision making wisely. Exotic or unheard of cuisine may not be welcomed by some. Be true to the vision of the event, stay with the theme. Be prepared for any dietary requests. Try to get this information as soon as you can. Note, some folks will be very sensitive to vegetarian options, try to encompass a veggie choice in every event. Bone up on the ingredients in the food. Guests may have allergies and ask what’s in the meal. Some of the most common food allergens are peanuts, shellfish, milk (dairy), wheat, eggs and alcohol. Keep these in mind when choosing or explaining the offerings. Food is huge business and trends can be hard to evaluate. Just remember this; fresh is best, always has been and always will be.

What am I missing in this food portion of the series? How would you go about choosing a menu and caterer for your event? Write back, I would love to know.

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This is the third of a ten part post– Event Planning Research -Venues

When you research a venue or meeting establishment, you should realize that the place itself is a major character in the theme. Once guests are invited there is an instant perception. Whether there will be ample parking, what the traffic will be like, or the reputation of the area. For example, if you are having it by the seashore or water try to stay with a beach or vacation relaxation theme. If perhaps it is in the middle of the downtown financial district, play in to the high end corporate theme. Have your location and all the atmospheric acuity coincide with the general premise.

Consider an unique location where people haven’t been before. If your organizing an educational meeting, college campuses are a great setting for a learning environment. Museums and historical locations can create greater curiosity and incentive for people to attend. You will always find more locations than you thought were available. Event venue locations can be found here and here. Always check the local web directory as well.

Be proactive and investigate each location personally. Scrutinize the floors, walls and ceiling for anything out of place, like water stains or old decorations. Examine with keen eyes that every element is in good repair. A chip on a table top may be covered with a cloth, but when a guest puts down their champaign flute, a tipping it will go. Inspect that all the utilities are in working order. If you need to use their kitchen, test the gas and electricity. Turn on water taps, look at the refrigeration. Everything should be clean and sanitary. Count and map all the electrical outlets and test them; yes all of them. Sometimes the itinerary will change and a surprise presentation is in order. You don’t want to be fumbling around looking for an outlet for the projector while everybody is waiting, and then come to realize it doesn’t work. Have the vision in your head on the traffic flow. Will there be a bottle neck at the coat check, bar or food stations? Is the stage to small for the twelve piece orchestra your client has in mind? Where can you warm up a baby’s bottle in a jiffy? Are the bathrooms in good shape, are they large enough to accommodate the head count? Have a contingency plan for every possible scenario, expect all the issues that may arise.

If the venue is providing third party services, insist that you have their contact information so you can follow up personally. Double check all deliveries yourself. When preparing to book your space ask about any related fees. Especially with hotels and convention centers. Hidden fees are an open secret intended to pass the cost down, but almost all of them are negotiable. The more you save, the better value for the client. Have a cancellation agreement written for you and the client. Sometimes venues will want to book a more lucrative or prestigious event in your place. They may not even care if they loose your business forever. Having an agreement will ensure your date.

Take into consideration all of the venues policies and procedures. Don’t assume anything. Ask about decorations, security, fire codes, taxi services, internet access, property damage, insurance, and all the services and amenities they provide. Write everything down and communicate with your client. Together, assess the pros and cons of each, along with the budget. This will narrow down the decision making for you.

Selecting the venue for your event is extremely important. It could make or break the entire affair. Exercise all options and research every aspect thoroughly. There are no cutting corners on this one.

What other aspects of venue research am I missing? Do you have any recommendations or horror stories about event venues you’ve attended? Write back I would love to know.

This is the second of a ten part post– Event Planning Research- Clients

When speaking about clients throughout this blog series I am referring to the people that hire, want, commission, conscript or just plain ask you to organize an event for them. They could be family members, neighbors, bosses, children, charities, coworkers, customers, guests, religious establishments, communities, entertainers and politicians. For the sake of simplicity, they are all going to be understood as clients here. With that said, who are they?

I have always found listening to clients at the first sit down to be the most valuable aspect of research. This may sound elementary, but event planners tend to have out-going, talkative personalities. Sometimes their ideas explode into words too fast. Attentive listening and copious amounts of note taking on the first meeting is essential to understanding their vision, and making it yours. Too many times event coordinators verbally steam-roll over their clients wishes instead of gathering important information first. A couple of things may happen if you do. The client, bombarded by rapid suggestions may initially agree with you, but then rescind later when systems are already in place. That will cause you to undo the work and planning, and that costs money. Or they may feel too pushed and push back by taking total control of the situation, because you don’t appear to value their roll in the process. If that happens you’ll get micromanaged to death and that makes for a lousy atmosphere, if they hire you at all.

This first communication is too important for emails and phone calls. The emails and such can follow, but it’s best to air all expectations on the table, less guessing and assuming. Additionally, this engagement doesn’t exist in a vacuum. The level of emotional involvement has a profound effect on clients. There is no substitute for a face to face. Clients want to see that you care and understand their vision. Also, you ascertain an unprecedented amount of insight by meeting in person. What they wear, how they carry themselves, their manner of speech, facial expressions. Both consciously and subconsciously you’ll relate to one another in a much more reliable and forthright way.

Make sure you know who is funding the event. Not all clients that you sit with are in control of the money. This would be a good question to ask during the initial meeting. On numerous occasions I have been caught in the cross fire of billing and planning. This can be dangerous waters if the two have a disconnect. Tread very lightly when posing this question and even lighter when you ask to copy them in. Be very sensitive to egos and levels of participation. This is a judgement call.

Use social media and the web for research. If it is a company, read there website inside and out. You’ll learn about their values and purpose. Check out Twitter and Facebook for individuals or families. You can gather much helpful knowledge from their updates and photos. This could be a good ice breaker if you have some interconnection or random interest that may never have come up otherwise. It’s really good detective work and can help drum up some ideas.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                       I mention client research first becuase you don’t know what ideas and resources you’ll utilize until you have a perfect understanding as to what the client needs. Start at the home or office and write down as many questions you can think of before hand. No scenario is to bizarre, and then go over them with like minded people or colleagues. This question list will be a work in progress for the rest of your career. Keep an open mind to all the possibilities and don’t procrastinate on any pending issues. The vision of your event must be mapped out way ahead of time so problem resolutions have a sporting chance to work. It’s all about systems and time-lining after that.

What have I forgotten about client research? Any helpful hints for understanding your clients better? Write back I would love to discuss them.

This is the first of a ten part post– Event Planning Research- Outline

If you’re about to organize an event, remember to do the research first.  All it takes is one miscommunication for all of your hard work to fall apart. Especially with event planning, your reputation is absolutely dependent upon your proposal to the client. What you say you can do, and what happens for the event must be intrinsic to the overall plan and budget.  Barring any acts of God, the client should never encounter any unwanted surprises on your part. Thorough research will help control the future. Not any one person can be all things to all people, but event planners should be as close as it gets.

There are two types of event planning; social and corporate, and in between the two occasionally meet. While the scenarios and themes of any given event can vary greatly however, these are research tips and practices that have done me well in the past. This is the first post of a ten part series. Originally it began as one post and quickly grew out of hand. In this series I am discussing the research aspects of event planning. How to stay ahead of future problems, keep organized, and what resources you need to gather before planning your events.

• Clients: We will start the series off with your clients. Nothing happens with out them. All events start and finish with clients, and the better you know them the better you can understand their vision. There is a lot more to it than just asking a few poignant questions. Listening to the clients needs is the very first step. We will go over some basic client research methods in the next post, along with customer service strategies.

• Venues: Choosing and finding venues and locations. This is a little more detailed than walking in to a party hall with arms akimbo saying “this looks good enough.” We’ll be discussing what to look for and what to watch out for. And going over some questions that you should ask will be in this post.

• Food: Even if your company doesn’t supply the eats, it is your event and ultimately you will be held accountable for quality and service. Looking into ways you can preempt any serious food issues before you hire out. The food is the number one thing attendees will discuss with each other. It’s very important to know current food trends, price value and what will be in season as well as any health and nutritional information.

• Contractors: Third party contractors for your event can bring unyielding set backs. From staffing to stages to small wares, the more research you do the less likely you’ll choose the wrong people to work with. How to navigate through the myriad of services and what the warning signs are, will be discussed in this post.

• Entertainment: Understanding what kinds of entertainment will work for your event and how to evaluate and locate bands, DJ’s, actors, speakers and so on, is this posts topic. Your nephew’s garage band may be inexpensive and need the gig, but are they the right musical talent for the theme of your event?

• Logistics: There may come a time you will have to move people and equipment around and get them to and from an event. In this post we’ll discuss many different logistical problems and how good research will help avoid any unnecessary hiccups. In addition to hotels, transportation and pricing.

• Technology: What are the different technological tools  event planners need, and how to keep up with what’s new. We’ll gather all types of different technology  from video, audio, internet connection and social media services. Also, what software and templates can assist in your event organizational methods. Technology can be an event planners best friend, and we’ll talk about why here.

• Promotion: If your event is open to the public and you need to get the word out, promotional techniques can make or break you. We’ll address that here, as well as invitations. Who makes them and how you can go it alone for a more personal touch. What information should be included and how creative you can be.

• Feedback: Knowing  what worked and what didn’t in any event is essential for the learning experience. In this last post we’ll bring up questionnaires, what services are out there and how to use them. Also, what types of questions should be asked for better data.

Keep popping back into this blog and share any comments you may have through out this event planning research series. I would love to hear your thoughts on event planning and what you have done in regards to preparation. What helpful hints you might recommend or some stories you’d like to share.

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As social media is beginning to take hold and grow in the business community, so in turn does the stoic, jargon riddled messages. If you’re the social media manager, marketer, blogger, or the online communications proficiency content advocacy regulatory agent for your company brand; you’re not in the board room, you’re in the social (as in socializing) media (as in vast communication) room. Speak to me please, so I can understand you. Stay away from the esoteric business mumbo jumbo; it’s me you’re talking to remember?

I’m all for good information and hey, who wouldn’t want 50% off, but there is a “social” aspect of social media as well. You’ll get better results when the updates are personalized and familiar, not so staunch, stamped and forgettable. People love to laugh, it brightens up the day. Try to make the language less bombastic.                                                     

Do you find it difficult to answer, when your boss asks why they are paying you to sit there and shoot the sugar with someone that isn’t buying your product right now? “Send out the message” they would gnarl. Now you’re stuck with the big corporation’s way of talking to the masses, “shut up and buy.”

The next time you get written up for being too cutesy with the company verbiage state that you’re using Humoristic Humanized Social Media Communication or HHSMC for short. It’ll be sure to keep them at bay. Besides, that’s what social media is all about, the back and forth, the give and take. Those are actual human beings behind the little icons. I heard some say social media is like a bazaar. I disagree, I believe it’s more of a mix and mingle atmosphere. So don’t grab my arm, shove dates into my hand and demand money.

There is a time and place for everything and it’s the same with social media. Leave the mission statement on your website, the sales pitch for the sales team and start interacting. Open up a bit. You would fair better speaking about what is happening with you and your company than trying to just drum up business. The sales will come, but patience and trust must purvey in this new medium.

Get involved, setting up an account and profile isn’t enough. You must partake. Read up and research about who’s doing what in your industry. Counterintuitive to established businesses, social media can’t be controlled. It is so much more because of the lack of control. The information is dynamic. If your message is or isn’t working you’ll know relatively soon. The rules are always changing and it could be you that changes them, and at a fraction of the cost, but it will take time and effort. We all know time is money, don’t take the time and you will lose the money.    

What do you have to say about Humoristic Humanized Social Media Communication? Do you think that businesses should articulate the same way in meetings as they do in social media platforms? What’s your opinion?

Tricky thing this funny business. Have you ever been in a board meeting and thought you were at Yuk Yuk’s. Ever been to an insurance seminar and milk squirted out of your nose because you were laughing so hard? Have you been to the companies quarterly bashing and the CEO starts off with his best Pee Wee Herman impression?  How about sitting on a whoopee cushion, slyly put there by your supervisor right before your annual review? No? Me neither, but I bet you wouldn’t forget it. Here, I’m going to supply you with 10 reasons humor in business is a good idea. This isn’t about what type of humor is appropriate. I’ll let you figure that part out. And I’m not going to list the different “technical rules” of comedy. Funny is funny damn it. It’s like pornography; you know it when you buy it.

1. Discards the Ego. Self deprecating humor takes a good chunk of humility to perform. It also puts everybody on the same page because laughter is contagious. Now that everybody is in a similar mood you may speak honestly with most preconceived negative perceptions dulled or diminished.

“As to the Seven Deadly Sins, I deplore Pride, Wrath, Lust, Envy and Greed.  Gluttony and Sloth I pretty much plan my day around.”  -Robert Brault                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          

2. Creates Active Listening. When humor is used people tend to sit up straighter listen more attentively, observe and feel more at ease. They are readily available to give suggestions, feedback and ideas.

“Humor is perhaps a sense of intellectual perspective: an awareness that some things are really important, others not; and that the two kinds are most oddly jumbled in everyday affairs.” -Christopher Morley

3. Dealing with Uncertainty. Helps people handle a situation where power and status have a significant roll. Reduces the anxiety of the process.

“Before you criticize someone, you should walk a mile in their shoes.  That way, when you criticize them, you’re a mile way and you have their shoes.” ~Author Unknown

4. Empathy. You’ll get a better understanding about where someone is coming from with humor. You will relate to there point of view better than a stoic, opinionated stance.

“Just because I don’t care, doesn’t mean I don’t understand” – Homer Simpson

5. Flexibility of Thought. Humor will enhance your problem solving ability. Humor and creative thinking go hand and hand.

“The kind of humor I like is the thing that makes me laugh for five seconds and think for ten minutes.”- William Davis

6. Risk Taking. Even though business is at times a very serious matter, taking things to hard can be a detriment to your decision making. Having a sense of humor will help you fear loosing less.

“Humor is something that thrives between man’s aspirations and his limitations. There is more logic in humor than in anything else. Because, you see, humor is truth.” -Victor Borge

7. Trust. When you’re being funny you’re presenting the unreserved you. People are more apt to believe what you are saying, which is essential in business dealings.

“Humor is the great thing, the saving thing. The minute it crops up, all our irritation and resentments slip away, and a sunny spirit takes their place.” -Mark Twain

8. Collaboration. The process when two or more people share a creation. Opening up an understanding of sorts that humor unlocks.

“Good humor is one of the preservatives of our peace and tranquility” –Thomas Jefferson

9. Maximum Likelihood Criterion. I actually don’t know what this means. I found it in the big book of business phrases, but I bet funny could fix it.

“Have you ever noticed that anybody driving slower than you is an idiot, and anyone going faster than you is a maniac?” –George Carlin

10. Innovation. By definition innovation means something new and different. If something is funny it has to be new and different. It takes away the old slide rule way of looking at things and gets you thinking outside of your socks.

“Why does Sea World have a seafood restaurant?? I’m halfway through my fish burger and I realize, Oh man….I could be eating a slow learner.” –Lyndon Johnson

All right, now it’s your time to shine. What are some of the funny interactions you had in the business world? Any good jokes? Slap them on the comments section.

Yes and is the main pillar to Improvisational Theater. Theater that provides no script, theater that relies on few rules and theater where the actors have almost no control on how the scene is going to proceed. It is a very simple concept that can be adhered to in business as well as general life. In this process, Improv actors have to make up the script as they go along. Acceptance and cooperation is essential to the story moving forward. For instance if an actor started the scene saying “I’m going to the grocery store”, and the second actor says “no your not, you’re going to the movie theater”, it pretty much brings the scene to a screeching halt, options are now strictly limited. Or even worse an argument can occur on stage. Now lets take the Yes and, and put it into the  same scenario. First actor- “I’m going to the grocery store”, Second actor- “Great you can take my hot air balloon. Here are the keys”. Now we have a scene brewing; now the options are limitless. A great adventure is about to be had, instead of bickering and nothing happening.

The Yes and concept can and should be used more often in business communication. Too many ideas are thrown out of hand because saying “no it won’t work”, is a lot easier than thinking it through. Ostensibly, it’s giving up on innovation. An idea has to be planted and nurtured  for the  “innovation” scene to move forward. This also works well in the negotiating process. The similarities to Improv and negotiations are uncanny. Both parties have a set of loose ground rules, and both have no idea how the ending is going to turn out. When going into the process if the parties that be, only strive for their expectations instead of listening to the other side, many opportunities can be missed. It’s amazing how it works out.

Try using Yes and in your everyday life, slowly at first, even in your own thoughts to start. You will be surprised at how many different scenarios pop up, compared to the stubborn road map you already laid out. Accepting an idea, whether you like it or not, then adding your own thoughts can be quite stimulating. You have to give up some control, but you may notice that too much control can steer you right into the ground anyway. Adding on is the key. Risk is not inherently a bad thing.

Imagine if the sales department promised their client 10,000 widgets by next month. The company was recently down sized; the budget is at bare minimum. Is the manufacturing side going to say no we can’t? We don‘t have the staff or the money. Or, could they say Yes and, we can now hire temps, approve overtime and adjust the budget accordingly

Yes and doesn’t always work out, but even then you will know that that option has been tried and learned. And remember, common sense still rules the day.

Has anybody out there used the Yes and concept? What would be a good Yes and moment in your life? Please write back, I would love to know.

{Thank you for stopping by the  new home of Billy’s Bloggin Blast. Please feel free to roam around the site and pages. If you enjoy this blog you can subscribe to the RSS icon at the top of the page and share with your peeps by clicking the share button right below this. Some of them are actually useful. I’m still learning and could use all the advice I can get. Let me know if there is anything that you would like to see added or axed from this blog. Comments are always welcome and encouraged. Feel free to email me directly with any questions, comments or suggestions billgriffin04@gmail.com I will get back to you.} –Bill Griffin

Getting into the spirit of the season I came up with this bastardization of a lovely Christmas classic. You can play the background music here as you sing along.

On the first day of Twitmas my true Tweet shared with me, –A link to Follow Me please!!

On the second day of Twitmas my true Tweet shared with me, –Two Follow Friday’s, And a link to follow me please!!

On the Third day of Twitmas my true Tweet shared with me, –Three ReTweets, Two Follow Friday’s, And a link to follow me please!!

On the Forth day of Twitmas my true Tweet shared with me, –Four Custom Themes, Three Retweets, Two Follow Friday’s, And a link to follow me please!!

On the Fifth day of Twitmas my true Tweet shared with me, –Five API’s

Four Custom themes, Three Retweets, Two Follow Friday’s, And a link to follow me please!!

On the Sixth day of Twitmas my true Tweet shared with me, –Six Whales a-failin’

Five API’s

Four Custom themes, Three Retweets, Two Follow Friday’s, And a link to follow me please!!

On the Seventh day of Twitmas my true Tweet shared with me, –Seven lists to follow, Six Whales a-failin’

Five API’s

Four Custom themes, Three Retweets, Two Follow Friday’s, And a link to follow me please!!

On the Eighth day of Twitmas my true Tweet shared with me, –Eight Sport Stars rambling, Seven lists to follow, Six Whales a-failin’

Five API’s

Four Custom themes, Three Retweets, Two Follow Friday’s, And a link to follow me please!!

On the Ninth day of Twitmas my true Tweet shared with me, –Nine Trending Topics, Eight Sport Star ramblings, Seven lists to follow, Six Whales a-failin’

Five API’s

Four Custom themes, Three Retweets, Two Follow Friday’s, And a link to follow me please!!

On the Tenth day of Twitmas my true Tweet shared with me, –Ten Hash Tag searches, Nine Trending topics, Eight Sport Stars rambling, Seven lists to follow, Six Whales a-failin’

Five API’s

Four Custom themes, Three Retweets, Two Follow Friday’s, And a link to follow me please!!

On the Eleventh day of Twitmas my true Tweet shared with me,–Eleven Books on Twitter, Ten Hash tag searches, Nine Trending topics, Eight Sport Stars rambling, Seven lists to follow, Six Whales a-failin’

Five API’s

Four Custom themes, Three Retweets, Two Follow Friday’s, And a link to follow me please!!

On the Twelfth day of Twitmas my true Tweet shared with me, –Twelve Self promotions, Eleven Books on Twitter, Ten Hash tag searches, Nine Trending topics, Eight Sport Stars rambling, Seven lists to follow, Six Whales a-failin’

Five API’s

Four Custom themes, Three Retweets, Two Follow Friday’s, And a link to follow me please!!

Phew!! That was a mouthful. If you sang through the whole thing congratulations. I’m sure I’m missing some Twitter topics. Help me with some of your ideas. What would be another holiday song we can change the lyrics to with social media lingo? What kind of ideas can we come up with? Write back I would love to know.

{Thank you for stopping by the  new home of Billy’s Bloggin Blast. Please feel free to roam around the site and pages. If you enjoy this blog you can subscribe to the RSS icon at the top of the page and share with your peeps by clicking the share button right below this. Some of them are actually useful. I’m still learning and could use all the advice I can get. Let me know if there is anything that you would like to see added or axed from this blog. Comments are always welcome and encouraged. Feel free to email me directly with any questions, comments or suggestions billgriffin04@gmail.com I will get back to you.} –Bill Griffin