About six or so months ago I sent out a tweet that looked something like this: “I’m trying to set up PayPal buttons on my site but they keep turning out huge!”

[This is actually what my buttons looked like]

I’m not sure how he found me, but Jeffrey Pia appeared out of the Twitter mist, cape and all, to say: “What’s the problem, do you want me to have a look at it for you?”

The Start of a Beautiful Friendship

One thing led to another and we were emailing back and forth. Jeffrey fixed the buttons out of the kindness of his heart and told me to email him should any other problems arise. I offered to help him with his social media needs in return. He hooked me up with Desirai Labrada, designer extraordinaire and plain ole lovely person. We formed a neat little partnership. I did two mini Twitter critiques for them. They answered my WordPress questions. I sent clients their way, they fixed my site every time I messed it up.

All because I sent out one tweet asking a question and Jeffrey was looking out for ways to help.

Then, yesterday, my site failed. Granted, it was 100% my fault, but Jeff and Des couldn’t figure it out. They spent hours doing tech support with me on Skype at 5am US time. They backed up my site and experimented and fiddled around. They called BlueHost for me because they’re awesome.

At the end of the day though, I had messed up my site so badly and they aren’t Thesis experts so I sent out another tweet:This tweet prompted a rash of responses. I got a link to a free ebook on Thesis, the name of a designer who teaches you how to customize your own site, tons of resources, recommendations and commiserations. It was pretty epic.

Then the superwoman that is Amanda Farough responded with an, “I can help! Thesis is my expertise. If you’ve got questions, ask away.”

I DMed. We emailed. I explained the problem and she “happily” spent HOURS on my site tweaking code and doing whatever those genius tech-savvy people do. Even after realizing she had no idea how to fix the mess I was in, she posted it onto the DIY forums. Then continued to mess around with my site until I got an email from her that started with this line: “HOLY SWEET JESUS ON A CRACKER I FIXED IT. *dies*”

This is why we love Amanda. This is also why I’m obsessed with Twitter.

You have a problem? Just ask the interwebs. Do you know how to solve a problem? Keep your eyes peeled for those asking questions. Something that may be easy for you can be headache for someone else. Here’s what will probably happen:

1. The person you help will be so grateful they’ll do you a solid right back.
2. You’ll show off your mad skills and land a new client or have someone who will consistently give out your name as a recommendation.
3. Said person may also write a blog post about you.

So here’s to you, Jeffrey, Desirai and Amanda. You guys saved my ass and there’s no way to properly thank you enough. To everyone else? Hire them. Send them awesome waves of good karma. Recommend them to your friends.

Social Media: A Web of Awesome Serendipity

I’m always talking about how a social media can lead to weird, serendipitous events: Jobs you never knew you wanted, friends you only wish you had, press coverage you never would’ve received otherwise. This is just one example of how powerful and useful social media can be. It’s not just about breakfast. It’s not just about getting famous online. It’s about helping people, good karma and some kind of shared experience.

What’s one really awesome, serendipitous thing that’s happened to you because of social media? Share in the comments! I love these kind of stories…

Tagged as: Thesis, twitter, web design