Love it or hate it (I am sure there will be lots of hand wringing commentary on both sides) Facebook IS changing, rolling out the new user interface, Timeline. Next week you’ll be changed over. NOPE, no choice on your end. What do you think of all this? Please comment at the bottom of this post. I read every single one, and value your feedback.

Want to have a look before you get switched over? HERE > Introducing Facebook Timeline

Here’s official Facebook video which gives a quick overview of the new Timeline interface: Read more…

Not convinced social media matters? Watch ANY news program on television, from CNN to Fox to MSNBC – EVERY SINGLE ONE now will bombard you with invitations to connect on Facebook AND Twitter. Trust me, I have worked in television for more than twenty years. If social media wasn’t having a positive impact on their relationship with viewers, thereby driving up the value of advertising, THEY WOULDN’T BE DOING IT.

Repetitive messaging works with ALL MEDIA, whether we like it or not...

Who gives a Twit to share a Tweet? What does it all mean? Well, it takes a bit of instruction (or self teaching as I did) to understand it but the numbers don’t lie, Twitter is a powerful news, information and marketing platform. Everyone who is ignoring it, think again, wrap your head around it, it’s here to stay.

Check out this Infographic…

Read more…

Getting just a little knowledge one time and then thinking you’ve got it all figured out doesn’t “cut it” in these economically difficult times where EVERYONE is struggling to be heard above the noise in social media.
READ ON FOR TOP 5 SITES>>> Read more…

I’m no expert, just a freelancer trying to make my way in this world. I watch what others are doing (or not doing), implement ideas that make sense to me, and share it here. I use social media as an outlet of expression and a way to assist growth in my business.

Being “social” can certainly enhance your business, but it won’t MAKE a business.

Where to Begin? Read more…

So much nervousness about what to post on social media! I see many people worried about what others may think if they post “the wrong thing.” Most of us have some insecurities when it comes to socializing, whether it be at an informal party, a networking event or in social media (Facebook, Twitter, Google+ etc…). I think most of it stems from these five self-doubting thoughts:
READ ON – 5 Reasons We’re Afraid of Networking Plus 5 Helpful Posts >>> 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…

In recent weeks there has been a lot of speculation about Google’s new social networking interface, Google+. Yes, I am a social media junkie, so of course I have a profile on Google+ and you can easily find me there. Truth is, I am only there because I have gmail and Youtube (Owned by Google) accounts and they naturally made it easy for their current users to migrate into Google+.

My Take on Google+? 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…

Today’s post is a showcase of indie musicians who really “get it” about Social Media. One month ago, I posted this article > Let’s Stick Together: Share to Become 1 of “My Top 5 Socially Smart Indie Musicians”.

In it, I asked indie artists to help spread the word about my band‘s upcoming CD release, with the promise that I would post an article highlighting indie musicians who responded and whose music I genuinely respect.

It had to be Top 7! Read more…

What makes you feel good? For most of us just being acknowledged for something we have done does the trick. When someone mentions me or posts one of my articles, it warms me up. One little mention lets me know I’m not just “spittin’ in the wind” with social media.

What’s the easiest way to thank someone? Reciprocate!
On Facebook or Twitter it’s easy to thank someone. Post an update and use the “@” symbol in front of their name. That becomes a link to their profile and (on Facebook) shows up on their wall or (on Twitter) shows up in their “mentions”. As soon as that person checks in with these services they will likely see that you have mentioned them or gave them credit for a compelling post.
>>>READ On to see how I do it and who is on my Top 15 “Reciprocators” List>> Read more…

Many look at Twitter and Facebook as a waste of time. They also question the sanity of those of us who use these sites extensively.

If someone offered you a free billboard for your business, but you had to put it up yourself, would you do it?

I’ll bet the first question you’d have would be “What street is it on?” Because then you could judge whether or not putting up the sign would be worth the effort.

What if?
You were told that your free billboard would be on a dirt road in the middle of nowhere. However, if you would maintain the sign, and keep it posted with current, interesting content, it would be gradually moved to rural highways and eventually to busy interstates and be seen by thousands every day. Would you do it then?
Read more…