Media’s Role in Politics

Article Editor on January 25, 2021

In many ways, the mainstream media and the upper echelons of the Washington political establishment share something of a symbiotic relationship. Without their contacts at the Capitol and the White House, for example, major news organizations such as The Washington Post, The New York Times, Fox News, and The Wall Street Journal would lack insight into the day-to-day workings of American political power.

In order to get their agenda across in Washington, conversely, politicians in Washington need big news media organizations to publicize their talking points and policy concerns on a national level. For a political candidate to launch his or her career in earnest, moreover, they will likely need some measure of attention from mainstream news outlets.

In many respects, President Donald Trump understood more than most the power of publicity inherent to the American media system when he first began running for public office in 2015. Without the constant attention of media outlets, in fact, President Trump may not have been able to run such a successful campaign the next year.

But Trump is not alone in his reliance on publicity: Clearly, mainstream politicians such as Barack Obama are adept at engaging with the media when necessary. Before any big policy proposal hits Washington, for example, most Sunday news shows will be jam-packed with political spokespeople eager to tell their side of the story.

But not everyone is happy with this sometimes too-cozy arrangement. Himself no stranger to the parallel relationship between Washington’s political class and the major news outlets, Fox News editorialist and former judge Andrew Napolitano has frequently commented on the stalwart connection between news organizations and political heavyweights in Washington.

A stern constitutionalist, he is frequently concerned about the rights enshrined by the Founding Fathers to ensure free speech among American citizens. To this end, he has sometimes voiced concern about the power of big news outlets to silence non-mainstream political operatives.

By his standards, we must also weigh this political ecosystem of intrigue and information aggregating against the recent rise of social media platforms such as Twitter. In Washington and elsewhere, media outlets often pick up on Twitter pronouncements made by leading politicians; these “tweets” often become headline news.

Without Twitter, for example, President Trump would arguably not have been able to secure his political base in the run-up to the 2016 election. But the question arises: When private citizens become leaders of the nation, what kind of speech becomes protected by default? Should Twitter be treated as a public utility or a private company? Does Twitter have the right to censor speech that occurs from users who hold high-level political office?

Andrew Napolitano appears to think that the answer is more complicated than we might imagine. Because the social media service is a private company rather than a government agency, for example, he has suggested that the First Amendment does not necessarily apply to Twitter.

As more and more news organizations shift to online-only formats, it will only be a matter of time before these issues become a widespread concern. For now, however, it is clear that the close relationship between the mainstream media and Washington won’t let up anytime soon.

Real Estate Investment Tips

Article Editor on January 25, 2021

There are many different options for becoming successful with real estate investing without necessarily being a successful and professional real estate developer like Shalom Lamm. Some individuals have simple good luck with real estate by making astute choices, maximizing their leverage, and by improving or flipping properties.

Leverage in Real Estate

Real estate potential is often unlocked by maximizing leverage in real estate transactions. Lenders are often willing to lend real estate owners significant amounts of money to fund their real estate purchases because of the long term staying power surrounding real estate.

Real property is an asset that will have long term value and often appreciates, serving as a hedge against inflation. Over long periods of time, real property tends to appreciate and a loan that is secured with real estate offers lenders with recourse against those who will potentially default on their property. In other words, a real estate lender will likely recover all of their loan value through repayments of their debt or by seizing and selling the property they acquire. Because of this, lenders are willing to extend significant loans to borrowers which they can use to purchase assets that will potentially make them very rich over a long period of time.

Choosing a property that appreciates in value and provides cash flow to repay a mortgage loan can be a great choice for a real estate borrower, if you can select a good loan with reasonable terms and interest. Using the leverage available to real estate investors is the key in seizing this opportunity and learning about leverage is a key real estate investment tip.

Improving and Flipping Real Estate

Not every piece of real estate out there is in great working shape. Individuals such as Shalom Lamm, who have skills in performing repairs, negotiating with contractors, or finding and building on distressed properties can all earn significant returns on real estate. Doing so often takes a keen eye to identify what is on the market, just how deep those damages are, and what the potential opportunity for the real estate is. By understanding the opportunities surrounding distressed properties that can be rejuvenated and turned into significant sales, a real estate investor can truly earn their salt and set themselves up for a fortune.

Making Astute Choices

There are many choices to make when investing in real estate. Selecting a property, finding a tenant, negotiating on the price, understanding how much improvements are worth making into a real estate property, are just some of the significant considerations that an real estate investor should have.

When making these considerations an real estate investor must examine both the market out there as well as the options for obtaining tenants, selling or expanding property, and collecting rents. Astute investors who understand the market can make significant returns on their investments in real estate.

Investing in real estate can be challenging. Keeping in mind the aforementioned tips and considerations can help to improve the overall return that an real estate investor experiences on their underlying investment.

2021 Fashion Trends

Article Editor on January 25, 2021

Although fashion month had to improvise in the time of the COVID-19 pandemic, it did not stop the best designers from showcasing the best of 2021 trends.

Someone to look for inspiration? Of course, Helen Lee Schifter, who certainly paid attention during fashion month and always keeps up with the latest trends. Continue reading to learn about the top 5 fashion trends in 2021 that everyone can expect to see on this style icon.

1. Belts

To start, expect to see statement belts everywhere in 2021. Mid-section belts are the perfect accessory to cinch a dress, blazer, or sweater.

2. Oversized Clothing

Another trend to look out for is oversized clothing. From voluminous sleeves to oversized pants, this trend is all about comfort and play. Oversized clothing can make basics feel fancy, but make sure to create balance. Try pairing a crop top with oversized pants or an oversized blouse with leggings.

3. Bright Colors

There is nothing more exciting than bright colors, which will create a bold statement in 2021. Don’t be afraid to go all out with this color blocking trend to stand out in any crowd.

4. Monochrome

Then on the other end of the spectrum, monochrome will also be a huge trend in 2021. Black and white is a classic look–just pair a white button-down with black pants. Or mix it up with a checkerboard print for a whimsical style. Feel free to mix and match with scarves, belts, and jewelry as well for the complete look.

5. Maxi Dresses

Can’t forget about the versatile maxi dresses. While it’s always been around in the past, this trend will be big this year. To make it more fashion-forward, consider styling a maxi dress over a pair of pants or a turtleneck shirt.

6. Sweater Vests

Expect to see this accessory everywhere in 2021. For a quick look, pair a sweater vest over a basic shirt or a dress. For the summertime, wear the sweater vest as a shirt instead.

7. Stirrup Leggings

Try switching it up, this time with stirrup leggings. Although an essential piece in any closet, stirrup leggings are a more high-fashion trend on this classic piece. For a polished look, wear a pair of stirrup leggings with a button-down shirt.

8. Baseball Hats

Baseball hats are another trendy accessory that will be big in 2021. It’s an easy trend to master, especially on bad hair days.

9. Matching Sets

Lastly, matching sets will still be a top trend this year as well. Wear a matching sweatsuit at home for comfort, but switch to a matching top and bottom in social settings.

Concerned about how to tackle these trends? Be sure to keep an eye on Helen Lee Schifter, who always stays on top of the current fashion trends and makes a statement, no matter where she goes. Expect her to try out these trends throughout 2021, as she truly knows how to combine the right pieces together to create a fantastic look.

Benefits of Sleeping In

Article Editor on January 22, 2021

One of the biggest things that successful people have in common is the fact that they like to get up before the rest of the world. While this can make a big difference, it is still important to sleep in sometimes. There are actually quite a few benefits to sleeping in every once and awhile.

A Better Mood

The first and most obvious thing that sleeping in does is that it helps improve your mood. While the body is asleep, the brain is processing all of the different emotions that happened that day. When the body gets enough rest, it has the proper amount of time to process these emotions which means that the next day you will be in a better mood.

Improves Heart Health

Sleeping in can also improve many different aspects of the body’s health. Getting enough sleep can improve heart health. When you are asleep, your heart rate will naturally decrease. This will give the blood vessels and heart more downtime to relax.

Promotes Healthier Immune System

When you are asleep, that is when your body is fighting off germs. Chronic sleep deprivation can cause the body to react to a common cold the same way that it would the flu. That is why it is important that you are sleeping in and letting your body get the proper nutrients it needs to fight these viruses.

Boosts Productivity

Even though plenty of successful people claim to only run on a few hours of sleep, this lack of sleep can actually hurt productivity levels. When the body doesn’t get enough sleep, it makes it harder to remember and recall small details. This can make it hard to be productive throughout the day. Whereas, people who get enough sleep have an easier time remembering old information and learning new things. Helen Lee Schifter tries her best to get the appropriate amount of sleep, because that way she can be more productive during her work week. 

Improves Physical Performance

Although not everyone cares about athletic performance, it is still nice to be able to walk up a flight of stairs without getting winded. Lack of sleep can actually make it harder for your muscles to repair themselves. Sleeping in can boost muscle recovery, as well as provide motivation.

Aids In Weight Control

If your body is well-rested, then it is going to help in weight control and maybe even weight loss. When your body is running on just a few hours of sleep it can mess with your leptin and ghrelin levels. These are the hormones that control the body’s appetite and even willpower. When these levels are down, it can become a lot harder to resist the tempting, sugary sweets and snacks that everyone loves. There are numerous ways that sleeping in can help live a happier and more productive life. That is why people such as Helen Lee Schifter like to ensure that they are getting the recommended amount of sleep. When someone is as successful as her, it is important that they are keeping their body in perfect working health.

What 80 Percent Lower’s Right For You?

Jen Lambert on January 22, 2021

We’ve covered the reasons why any new gun owner should consider buying an 80% lower for their next pistol or long gun build. It provides plenty of unique advantages that include lower taxes and costs, fewer fees paid to an FFL, and the avoidance of paying a premium for a branded firearm. Most of all, you get to build it entirely on your own.

But that leaves you with the most important question of all: Which 80 percent lower is right for you? There are a plethora of ‘em available across the web, but you should only consider a quality unit from a reputable seller. More importantly, you need to consider all the different factors and features that’ll dictate how, exactly, you fabricate your new firearm:

Material and finish

Some 80% units are made from polymer, while others are made from aluminum – either forged or billet. These aluminum units are heat-treated and are tough as Hell, which can make fabrication a tad more difficult. If you’re inexperienced with machining metal, a polymer receiver or frame is a great first project, since these can typically be fabricated with hand tools. If your unit comes without a coating or finish, you can apply your own for a customized piece.

Engravings

Your receiver or frame will often ship with engravings to indicate the safety lever’s FIRE and SAFE position. Some units ship un-engraved, allowing for you to add your own markings or custom roll mark or stamp. In states that require serialization, you may need to visit an engraver to have a unique, identifying number applied to your new firearm. This is applicable in California and other states.

Commercial vs. Mil-Spec

The AR-15 is the weapon most 80% builders choose to fabricate. The modern AR has to standards of fitment: Mil-spec, which requires the use of a forged 80% lower, or commercial, which requires a billet receiver. These two standards use different threads and fittings for the buffer tube (the component that secures your buttstock or pistol brace). 

Caliber and Configuration

80% lowers are no longer reserved for the old-school AR-15 rifle chambered in just .223 and 5.56 NATO. These days, the AR platform comprises loads of available configurations that include rifle, pistol and SBR builds. Calibers range from .22 LR, through the various hunting cartridges, specialty rounds like .300 Blackout and 6.5 Grendel, up to big long-range loads like 6.5 Creedmoor and .308.

And of course, the handgun market gets some love these days. 80 percent frames can now be sourced to fabricate a custom GLOCK-compatible pistol, a lightweight aluminum 1911, or a modular Sig Sauer P320. Your choice of caliber and configuration should come first, with the lower or frame coming second.

Types of 80% lowers and Frames

Let’s take a look at the top 80 percent lower and frame options available and explain what their configurations and specs entail.

Forged and Billet AR-15 Lowers

These two units comprise the bulk of most 80% builds. They’re made for the original AR-15 configuration, which is to say they both chamber .223 Remington or 5.56 NATO. Builders who opt for a custom rifle or pistol in a specialty cartridge can instead opt for the 6.5 Grendel, for long-range shooting, or 300 Blackout, made for using a suppressor. The 300 BLK and Grendel loads are perfect for short-range nighttime and long-range hunting, respectively.

Billet AR9 Lower Receiver

The AR9 lower is designed for 9mm AR builds, mostly configured as pistols. These receivers can accommodate any 9mm AR upper, including a rifle-length upper for maximum velocity and accuracy at range. The proprietary design of the AR9 80% lower negates the need to modify your existing AR-15 receiver to accept 9mm magazines. This lower uses any Glock magazines and comes with its own ejector and magazine release to be installed after fabrication. No gas system is required for this build; the 9mm cartridge relies on blowback operation with a modified bolt.

.308 (AR-10, LR-308) Lower Receiver

Based on ArmaLite’s old AR-10 design, the modern LR-308 receiver is the .308 Winchester / 7.62×51 NATO variant of the AR-15. Introduced before the AR-15 itself, the AR-10 was the battle rifle of choice in testing for a new service rifle. The AR-10 has been replaced by DPMS Panther Arms’ take on the platform, officially called the LR-308. It provides comparable performance in a package that is much more affordable, with greater access to custom components. Assembly and fabrication are identical to that of the average AR-15.

80% 1911 Frame

This aluminum 80% frame, introduced by Stealth Arms, provides a massive and easy-to-fabricate upgraded frame compared to the original 1911’s steel frame. It weighs approximately 50% less once fabricated, allowing for a more ergonomic and easy-to-control shooter. Frames are available with a custom Hardcoat anodized finish, or a raw finish so you can apply your own coating or paint job. These frames can be configured as a Government (full-sized, 5”) or Commander (compact, 4.25”) handgun. These frames are compatible with all retail 1911 parts.

GLOCK-Compatible P80 Frame

The P80 frames earned favor among builders as an affordable alternative to buying a GLOCK handgun. Compatible with all Gen3 components for virtually all GLOCK series and models, the P80 frame is also one of the easiest-to-fabricate frames available. It requires just basic hand tools and light fitting and sanding before assembly. These units use a disposable jig, which comes with the necessary bits for fabrication. A hand drill, Dremel, and files can be used, without the need for more complex equipment.

Sig Sauer P320 80% Fire Control Unit

The Sig P320 Fire Control Unit is the modular “heart” of the P320 handgun. It serves as a universal host for a plethora of calibers and configurations, ranging from subcompact to full-size and provides four calibers. The FCU is the only part of the Sig P320 that’s considered the firearm, in similar fashion to the 80% lower and AR-15 platform. Fabrication requires a Dremel, files, and light sanding and fitting. Once fabricated, the FCU is compatible with Sig P320 parts.

Frequent Questions

Q: How do I fabricate an 80% lower?

A: You will need a tool kit called an 80% jig. The jig is a proprietary milling machine that requires the use of a drill press or mini-mill. The jig shows the end-user where to cut and drill the receiver, transforming it from a receiver blank (not a firearm) into a functional stripped lower receiver, a firearm under federal law.

Q: Are these units banned in some states?

A: Yes. Some states, like New York and New Jersey, have outright banned 80% lowers. Other states, like California, require serialization of the receiver before fabrication. Although these firearms are not serialized by default, their ownership means you must still adhere to all gun laws in your state. That may include serialization even still, or requiring that your handgun or long gun be locked in an appropriate gun safe. The end-user must also submit to a state background check to verify eligibility of firearm ownership. If you’re unsure of the legality of fabricating or otherwise owning a firearm in your state, you must consult legal counsel beforehand.

Q: Are these units, once finished, any different from a retail firearm?

A: Functionally, no. Any AR-type rifle or handgun fabricated from an 80% unit is identical in form and function to its branded retail counterpart. This allows for easy assembly and further customization by way of purchasing your own components piecemeal, minus the premium costs associated with buying a fabricated rifle from an FFL or gun dealer online.

Importance of Daily Prayer

Article Editor on January 22, 2021

Prayers are what Christians refer to as direct communication to God. When Christians pray, they get to tell God what is in their heart and mind. George Rutler encourages Christians to make time with God at least once a day. He strongly urges Christians to go for catechisms and confession. So Christians can create the right channel with God. He is a priest who was ordained in Rome in 1980. He has now written and published up to 30 books on theology. Below are some of the benefits Christians gain when they pray.

1. Prayer Start of the Day Off With 

When Christians pray, they set the foundation of their day. A prayer is a good weapon to start the day with. There are so many frustrations in a day that can destroy one’s mood. But when people set aside time to pray, they have new hope that today will be better than yesterday. There are so many bills that make life harder and sometimes hard to keep up with it. But when prayer is involved, people have new hope that they will be able to pay those bills on time. Believers feel better when they know that the Lord is listening to their daily struggles. It also creates hope that the Lord will help them find a way to pay those bills.

2. Prayers Create a Good Communion with God

Imagine not praying until Sunday? Or worse, praying only when in trouble? Most people do not like it when their friends call them only when in need. God needs to be part of your life daily. When people make it a daily routine to pray every day, they create companionship with God. It is a gesture to God that they don’t just need Him when in trouble. Pray daily to thank Him, praise Him, and tell Him their daily plans. That way, even when in danger, He will come through.

3. Prayers are Spiritual Weapons

Many people may start their day very well with no bad luck. But suddenly, they receive bad news from every corner. At that point, they feel like the devil wants to see them lose. There are so many spiritual battles around us. Some may be as a result of generational curses. Some may be demons tormenting your life. The devil does not like seeing Christians pray because it is a weapon against him. When people create time for prayer every day, they stand a chance to win. Daily prayers act as weapons for unknown battles. The Lord will give them the strength to believe that they can do it, and you will prosper. The Bible talks of these are not our battles to fight. Mention every struggle that we have in our lives in daily prayer. Then leave it upon the hands of the Lord to fight for us.

In conclusion, Father Rutler has mentioned various ways in which prayers are beneficial to us. When we create time for prayers daily, it will help us in many things. Take a chance to pray to the Lord so we can make an opening for God’s glory in our lives. Confess our sins to God, thank him for various things, and worship Him in prayer. People can create time, even if it is just once a day, to pray.

Tips for Writing a Solid Personal Bio in 2021

Jen Lambert on January 21, 2021

Even though the New Year got off to a shaky start in terms of political instability and high coronavirus contagion rates, economists are confident that things will get better over the next few months. If you are one of the millions of professionals who lost their jobs or experienced a business downturn in 2020, now is the time to start preparing for the gradual economic recovery, and this means making sure that your online bio is engaging and up-to-date.

Take a look at this personal bio example to get an idea of how your own bio should be written. Notice how it is approximately 500 words long, and this is the sweet spot for most professional bios. Naturally, you may not always have this much space to write; on social networks such as Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter, you have to keep details very short. You have more room to work with on LinkedIn and Crunchbase, but you should try to stick to 500 words even if you have an unlimited word count, which is the case when you are publishing within your own website.

In the example we are following, the bio is written in the third person. This is a good and neutral strategy, but if you are a self-employed professional or an entrepreneur, writing in the first person is perfectly fine. The tone of voice and writing style should be crafted in a way that builds a narrative. You want to stay professional but not too wordy or pretentious; incorporating industry slang, acronyms, or overly technical jargon is not recommended. You also have to keep things friendly and slightly conversational.

The content you produce should tell readers about who you are, what you have done, and what you intend to do. Entrepreneurs and professionals who work on their own can take advantage of bios to inject personal branding. With regard to how much context should appear on the bio, think about your top three accomplishments and write them as bullet points before expanding on them. The same formula of three items should be applied to goals and values, but they should not be written in a lofty manner. A bio is a piece of writing where modesty should prevail.

Prior to sitting down to write, you want to think it over but not too much. Do not spend too much time hunting for adjectives in a thesaurus. This is a task that you will want to complete in about two hours, and one of the most important goals is to come across as being authentic. One interesting tip that some bio writers have found to be useful consists of sitting down with friends and telling them what you plan on writing. This practice is not so much about getting feedback as it is a way to adopt a friendly tone of writing.

Finally, if you have projects that need to be promoted, you can incorporate keywords as well as search engine optimization strategies, but they should only appear on the websites you manage. Trying to game LinkedIn with SEO will only come across as tacky.

Best New York Slices

Article Editor on January 21, 2021

What makes a New York pizza so different from any other pizza? Well, answers vary by person but there are a few things everyone, including New Yorker Andrew Napolitano, loves – the crispy, hand-tossed crust, the wood-fired brick ovens that produce a one-of-a-kind flavor, and the thin, foldable slice that is so easy to enjoy. Of course, New Yorkers know the best places to find authentic Italian slices.

Start with Best Pizza, in Brooklyn. Here loyal customers can find pies that come from a wood-burning oven that is over a century old. Sicilian roots help owner Frank Pinello to craft cheese and white pizzas with all of the traditional yummy toppings. Grab a slice of your favorite and add toppings like caramelized onions or pickled veggies for an added punch. There’s a reason this joint is called ‘Best Pizza’.

Okay, so who really knows pizza better than the Italians who invented it? Joe Pozzouli, the owner of Joe’s Pizza, is originally from Naples, Italy – the birthplace of the famed pie. There are no frou-frou pizza pies in this place. Just honest-to-goodness ooey-gooey cheese, mozzarella and Sicilian square pizza slices. You can add your favorite toppings, but true New Yorkers love the simple, wedge-shaped slice. Large, hot and cheesy pizza at it’s finest is found at Joe’s Pizza.

Nothing beats the original and that includes pizzeria’s. Lombardi’s is heralded as the first American pizzeria. It still stands in the Little Italy section of Manhattan, serving up the New York pizza that was invented here in 1905. This is the favorite pizzeria of Andrew Napolitano, and with good reason. Smoky crusts, ultra thin and flavored with garlic infused oil or freshly crushed tomato sauce, can be embellished with basil, fresh oregano, and Romano cheese. There are also specialty pizzas like the Clam pie or the Spinach, Ricotta and Pancetta pie for those who like a little zing with their slice. The flavors, fresh ingredients, and love that Gennaro Lombardi used to craft his pies in 1905 are still being put into every slice that is proudly served to New Yorkers and visitors today.

Come and see why the people love the truly New York delicacy of a hot, thin-crust, slice of pizza made by these and other fabulous pizzerias.

Top Classical Violinists

Article Editor on January 21, 2021

Today, there are many artists worldwide, and it may not be easy to differentiate them since the industry is wide, and it is still growing bigger and better each day. Even though that is true, it is quite different when it comes to violinists because you can easily know the top classical violinists who possess creative skills. Such people have achieved recognition over the years since they possess something special that sets them apart from others. Here is a list of the top classical violinists.

Pablo de Sarasate

As a nineteenth century violinist, his talent stood out from the crowd from 1844 to 1908. He became famous due to his creative compositions and got the privilege to tour various parts of the world, including South Africa, America, and the Far East. Father George Rutler loved his performance and creativity, and he remains one of the best violinists of his time.

Itzhak Perlman

No doubt that Itzhak Perlman is also another classical violinist of his time. He almost attained a super-star status due to his creativity and outstanding composition and performance. He is one of the most sought violinists each year and one of the favorite artists of the New York pastor. Perlman has previously interacted with top performers and highly recognized artists around the world. He also received various awards due to his top and excellent performance and creativity. Perlman continues to delight his listeners with his outstanding uniqueness.

Friedrich Kreisler

Fritz was his common name, a violinist and composer who became famous through his amazing performance from 1875 to 1962. His distinctive, passionate, and melodic work caused him to maintain a high standing in the industry. He featured in the Time magazine cover on the 2nd of February 1995, and people like Father George Rutler still celebrate his classical recording and creative compositions. Many people love his vivid expression in the music, melodic prowess, and excellence in the industry.

Jascha Heifetz

This famous musician is one of the most sought after violists with a high ranking in the industry. He became a household name between 1901 and 1974. Heifetz started his career at the young age of five and spent 65 years entertaining and touching people’s lives with his magnificent performance. At age 16, he made an incredible performance that made him start climbing up the ladder in his career. In the recent PBS installment, Heifetz was identified as a top performer, leaving behind a great recording that most musicians emulate.

Niccolo Paganini

Niccolo Paganini came to the limelight from 1782 to 1840. He is an Italian and among the top violinists of his time. He composed outstanding classical music and performed excellently before he got addicted to gambling and alcohol. However, he remains one of the top celebrated violinists. Paganini became so famous, and his 24 caprices for Solo Violin remains one of the favorites to his listeners and other artists.

Hilary Hahn

Hillary Hahn is a young American musician who started her career at the age of 16 in 1979. Her classical music and Jennifer Higdon’s concert earned her the Pulitzer Prize. Hahn also received international awards for her performance.

Tips for Writing Tweets in 2021

Jen Lambert on January 20, 2021

Despite not enjoying the status of being the world’s most popular social network, because that would be Facebook, Twitter is often described as the most influential social media platform. There is something about Twitter that makes it irresistible to news media outlets, and this is enough to make it the social network that you should pay attention to in 2021.

When you break Twitter down to its base statistics, it does not seem as grandiose as Facebook. As of early 2021, there were about 330 monthly active Twitter users, and at least 40% of them were very active on a daily basis. On any given day, nearly a billion tweets can be generated, and each of these short social media updates can result in new conversations. To really appreciate Twitter, you really have to consider that this was the preferred social network of former United States President Donald Trump, or at least it was until he got kicked out prior to leaving the White House. The sheer engagement, visibility, and quotable potential of every tweet is what makes Twitter a great opportunity to develop your personal brand.

Another advantage of Twitter is related to its excellent track record as a platform where users are plugged into brands they are really interested in following. On average, Twitter users will follow six brands, and they will do so more closely when compared to other networks. Approximately 60% of Twitter users who follow brands will make a purchase within the year; moreover, more than 80% will keep these brands in mind when they need products or services.

With all the above in mind, let’s review a few recommendations about how you should express yourself on Twitter in 2021:

Adopt the Right Tone and Voice

The voice of your brand should be uniform and unchanging on Twitter; the tone, however, should conform to each situation. Here is an example of tweets from a philanthropist who exercises proper tone on each update.

Visual Language Matters

As internet users, we are increasingly becoming visual communicators, and this can be clearly observed when scrolling through Twitter conversations. Whenever you can attach an image to make your point stick, feel free to do so. If your brand voice is supposed to be conversational, inserting emoji in your tweets would be adequate, especially if you think it will enable you to get a point across.

Find the Sweet Spot for Tweet Length

In 2021, you will still have 280 characters to play with when composing tweets, but researchers have found that many Twitter users prefer to stick to the old length of 140 characters. If you are a prolific Twitter user who posts new updates several times a day, you are better off staying closer to 100 characters. Longer tweets are more appropriate when you do not post as often.

Promote and Reward Twitter Followers

Some small business owners do not bother with other social networks because they have found Twitter followers to be more responsive to promotions. If you run an e-commerce store, for example, you will want to post special discounts for your Twitter followers, but make sure it is only available to them in order to underscore your appreciation.