Wow! This graphic timelines the technology and social media explosion we have witnessed in recent years. Gazing at this spurs memories of my own experiences with the technological advances represented. I flash on days in my life (good and bad) that involve these things and I am left to wonder:
Have we made progress as PEOPLE?

It's people that count

I believe that if technology and social media are feeling like restrictors on your life one should take a step back to “breathe and re-boot.” Then jump in again focusing on the avenues that bring you the greatest feeling of freedom and FUN. When you combine those things in a way that also enhances your business, it’s a winning combination.

What do you think?
I’d really like to know! Post your thoughts on the matter in the comments sections at the bottom of this post. That would thrill me, but then again, I am easily amused…

Hope you enjoy this visualization of our recent techno past courtesy of Visual.ly Read more…

What a crazy week, and it’s only Wednesday! Now I am compelled to have a bit of a rant. Our regular slammed busy week is further complicated by this exchange:

Lauren: “Damn, they changed Facebook again. What is the deal with this News Feed? I don’t get it. Why do they keep changing it all the time?”
Trace: “Who the hell knows? I’ll try to figure it out later but right now I have to answer these ten mind-numbing emails, go to the post office and return some gear. Who’s got time for this stuff?”

Facebook FAIL

What They Don’t Get – WE DON’T LIKE CHANGE! Especially when it seems completely unnecessary… Read more…

It’s a busy week here and I have had several requests to see this post again so here we go, reminding you to:

KEEP THE SOCIAL IN SOCIAL MEDIA
Hope you find this helpful. I look forward to your comments and criticism, it’s all good. Won’t you post something in comments below? Many thanks, Trace

Freelance Media Professional Tracy Ready discusses the analogy of social media for freelancers as going to series of parties and outlines the relationship between social networks, a blog and small business websites.

“Have fun at the party but don’t be a jerk!”

See the rest of the story>>> Read more…

Is your head spinning trying to make an impact for your small business through social media?
Join the club.

On the bright side, prior to this “revolution”, advertising your business even through local radio, TV or print campaigns was an expensive proposition. Now, you have the ability to spread your word for free across the Internet. It’s working for big business, and it can work for small ones, but going it alone makes it tough.
In this video, I try to put it in perspective. My suggestion? Build your own team and help each other. It costs nothing but time, and if you are not working enough (which is the case for many freelancers these days), time is something you have to work with.
Check out this short video for an example of my suggestion>> Read more…

Having worked in “traditional” media (television) for more than 20 years, I have been astounded at the growth of social media and it’s impact on how we do business as freelance media professionals. It’s also apparent to me that many of my colleagues in television and music production are not taking part in this revolution, often because of a lack of understanding of how it all works.

Social media is about people sharing information and learning from each other, not directly pitching products.

READ ON and see 3 concise videos that lay out the basic concepts. >>> Read more…

Facebook for Freelancers

I have had many friends, colleagues and some very annoying acquaintances flow into my Facebook stream in recent years. In particular, I know family members and close friends who are self-employed and see some value in Facebook but are confused (rightfully so!) about how to use it to benefit their own businesses. Over time I have learned a few things about managing what I do and see on Facebook. Today I am sharing five tips that I hope you will find helpful.

This post IS NOT about how to get on Facebook, create an account or any of that. For all general and technical questions go to Facebook Help.

It IS about making it easier on yourself to interact with others and to promote your own brand responsibly on Facebook.

Freelance on Facebook: 5 Fast Tips>>> Read more…

Last year I had an idea to produce some videos describing my experiences with social media. I did so with the help of some fine friends (watch video #4 to see who they are) and began posting this site:
The Social Freelancer ™.
Since then I have been gratified by the response to these posts. I have also had requests to put multiple videos in one post. So here you go!

Trace says "thanks for tuning in!"

Introducing The Social Freelancer Blog and Facebook Page

Why?

I have dreamed up some great names for businesses, bands and websites over the years, but gave very little thought as to how to protect them. I thought as long as I was using something as an email address or domain name on website, I was somewhat protected. WRONG.

How I Screwed Up – A Cautionary Tale
Read more…

“You don’t want to be a promotional bullhorn in social media. You have to learn when to speak, when to promote and how much self promotion is expected, or tolerated.” ~ Tony Cecala, Ph.D., Business Strategist

Freelance Media Consultant Tracy Ready interviews Tony Cecala, Ph.d. about managing Social Media for small business, entrepreneurs and freelance consultants:

Read more…

Technology is so cool. I never would have dreamed of this growing up. Now you can rent or buy films and have them streamed on demand. Take that US Postal Service! Here are a few of my recommendations, available on Amazon. Hope you enjoy exploring this digital realm…

Read more…

Image Communications Expert Cathrine Hatcher discusses color and how it affects public perception in this video for TraceTV – Film – Music – Social Media.

We are all constantly communicating, both verbally, and non-verbally. Cathrine’s message here exposes how our choice of color in clothing can affect those that we meet with in our daily lives. It is interesting to note the origins of our perceptions of blue and red in particular. It also seems evident that these concepts carry over to the colors chosen for websites, advertising, television; anywhere, anytime we are communicating a message to one or more individuals. As soon as you arrive for a meeting, or as soon as a potential client is visiting your blog or website they are forming subconscious impressions of you based simply on color.

Read more…

Freelance Media Professional Tracy Ready speaks about his experience in learning social media skills to promote small business. Included is list of Top 3 skills to attract more followers on Twitter, Facebook and other Social Media sites. This is first in series of 10 videos on this and related topics. Free newsletter at TraceTV-Film-Music-Social Media blog
Read more…