…and why do I need it?

For the past couple of months a small percentage of Twitter users have been using the new Periscope app. Last week it released for Android devices and the number of users is climbing.

What is the Periscope app and why do I want it?

You’re probably wondering if you really need another social media platform. Here’s why I joined and I think you’ll be interested, too!

My friend Tabitha of Meet Penny (founder of the Inspired Bloggers Network) mentioned it on her Facebook group this weekend as ‘the next big thing’ for bloggers. I trust her intuition, she forecasted Pinterest’s power!!

Sunday night I linked my Twitter account to Periscope and dug in.

Game Changer!

Let me just say, I do not claim to be a social media expert. I do not consider myself particularly entrepreneurial-minded. However, I see the potential value with using Periscope! Immediately I’ve started gaining wisdom from the leaders in those fields. But that isn’t all!

I know, I know. Social media already eats away at our productivity if we let it, right? Facebook nonsense, Pinterest vortex, Instagram image overload.

I get it, I do.

I know your time is valuable and I would never recommend giving time to social media over your family and responsibilities, so I am committing to use Periscope to add value when you generously share your time with me.

Live Sharing!

There’s no surprise to you all that I just don’t have the time to write everything I want to share with you, and I’m not talking about family updates. How many recipes are you waiting to read from me? I’ve taken the pictures but just can’t find the time to edit them all to write up. I cook off-the-cuff, and now I can live broadcast my recipes (I did it for the first time, yesterday!) and while watching live you can ask questions. Want to watch the process of some of my artwork? No more 15-second time limit! Want to see the steps of a craft in real time and watch how I deal with mistakes? Tune in when a craft broadcast is live and ask me to clarify the steps.

No more one-sided discussion!

I love writing on the blog and I know you all read, but I really don’t enjoy talking to myself. Many of you don’t like to comment and that’s okay, but I love having an easy and instant way to answer your questions and give deeper info and Periscope is opening that opportunity to busy mom bloggers like me! I’ve shied away from vlogging because I cannot imagine how long the video editing will take, but I love the idea of sharing with you as if you were here sharing a cup of coffee with me!

What if you’re not a blogger? Don’t want to scope?

You can totally join Periscope just to watch and interact with those you want to follow. No need to get in front of the camera… but I suspect you may want to jump in and tell your story some time. Have you ever found yourself discouraged while browsing Pinterest and other mom blogs about the seemingly perfect lives and women who are doing it all or have it all together? MYTH!! There are a number of us on Periscope already whose primary goal is to be authentic sharers of our real lives. No scripted ‘reality’ TV here.

Right now, Periscope has an advantage for us ‘little guys’!

I’ve been blogging for a long time, but I am definitely one of the little guys. I blog because I have a story to tell and I’m finding my footing in my mission of encouraging women that they’re not alone in this struggle of motherhood. It isn’t easy, but it is worth it.

Periscope being a new platform means that everyone has a chance to be seen and heard, regardless of your ‘numbers.’ We’re all learning over there.

I’ve never been comfortable with speaking on front of crowds. I’ll admit I get butterflies every time I get ready to tap that ‘Broadcast Now’ button, but it is getting a little easier and it is definitely a lot of fun testing the waters of broadcasting!

Come and find me (@CreativLEI) and let me know what you think!

I’d love to hear your input. I can’t wait to show you things during live broadcasts and answer your questions. It’s such a natural extension from this blog.

Are you on Periscope? Leave your handle in the comments so we can find you!