The Power of Twitter

Natalie Léger, a student at Toronto’s Ryerson University, is no stranger to tweeting celebrities. She says she doesn’t do it obsessively, but has been fairly successful at getting replies from people. “You have to know what to ask them and when,” Léger says. “I think they appreciate unique questions and thoughts.”

Celebrities’ Twitter followings often range in the thousands or even millions. Two of the biggest followings among celebrities include Lady Gaga and Justin Bieber, whose follower counts have each exceeded the 15-million mark, and are still growing. Given these numbers, it’s not always easy for fans to have their voices heard – and replied to – among the crowds.

But Léger says she’s been fairly successful in getting responses. Her biggest success story happened last April. Unable to get tickets for a concert with John Stamos and the Beach Boys, Léger tweeted to Stamos, former Full House actor, about her situation:

“Freaking out because @JohnStamos comes to Niagara Falls on Thursday and I still don’t have tickets for The Beach Boys!!!! HELP!”

Léger didn’t expect any acknowledgement from Stamos, but minutes later, he replied: “”BE MY GUEST-2tix at will call.”

[pullquote]… Twitter is also widely used by small businesses running campaigns or contests for publicity, radio stations advertising their programs, larger businesses advertising, or even celebrities themselves writing about their latest endeavours.[/pullquote]

Léger later received a direct message from Stamos, confirming the offer and also inviting her to meet him backstage before the concert. Leger attended the concert – with her grandma, a Beach Boys fan, and as promised, the two got to meet Stamos and the band backstage before the show.

“One of their band members also asked me if I’d like to go up on stage with them and sing one of their biggest hits, “Barbara Ann,” and of course, I jumped at the chance. I don’t think I had ever experienced so much excitement all at once!” Léger says.

In April, Léger was interviewed by several media outlets about her experience, and even featured on ET Canada. The event built up buzz and publicity around Stamos, even if he was just genuinely being nice to a fan. For Léger, she’s just happy to have had the experience of a lifetime.

“I had been a Twitter addict for a while, and I was always told that it was a waste of time, and that I should pay more attention to my schoolwork,” says Léger. “However, being glued to Twitter at just the right time – it was during a class! – brought me one of the most memorable experiences I have ever had. I’m happy to say that this girl got her fifteen minutes of fame that she has always dreamed about.”

While part of the excitement of Twitter is the ability for fans and celebrities to interact in the same space, the site is also widely used by people to get the word across about any projects they’re working on. This can include small businesses running campaigns or contests for publicity, radio stations advertising their programs, larger businesses advertising, or even celebrities themselves writing about their latest endeavours.

London is currently working on her second style book. The first, Dress Your Best: The Complete Guide to Finding the Style That’s Right for Your Body, was written in 2005 with her What Not To Wear co-host, Clinton Kelly. The second book is set to be published in September 2012. London advertised via both Twitter and Facebook for submissions, asking for models that are “real women of all ages and sizes” to tell their stories – who they are and why they want style help. London says there were thousands of submissions for the book, and though only a handful could be picked, she personally read every application.

London’s book is only part of her packed schedule – she’s also working on a jewelry collection called Assembly with the company Sorelli, which will debut in the upcoming spring. Additionally, London is working towards the national launch of her company Style For Hire in March – not to mention filming new episodes for What Not To Wear’s ninth season.

Despite all that, London still finds time for social media when she can, and says she’s curious to see what will come next and what the “next big thing” will be.

“I think it’s only going to get bigger and more interesting from here,” says London. “A friend once said to me about social media platforms and tech in general, ‘the tsunami’s coming. Keep your eye on the horizon because it’s going to be here before you know it.’”

ARB Team
Arbitrage Magazine
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