The Social Freelancer: Media, Music, TV & Film

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?

After all its all about YOU and ME. While much of this technology has made my life richer, it’s not the devices or the networks that accomplished that. It was the PEOPLE using them and my interactions with them, online, on the phone and yes, IN PERSON.

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…

I’ve got the ham and black eyed peas on the burner as I sit here reflecting on the strangeness that was 2011. I don’t know about you but I am happy to have kicked last year to the curb! It was a difficult one on many fronts…
A BIG positive note for me was the development of this blog, The Social Freelancer ™. I have enjoyed posting regularly (a first for me!) and the interaction of people all over the world via social media (Facebook, Twitter, Youtube).

One thing I have learned on my blogging journey is this:
Nobody is “great” right out of the gate.

Blogging, like photography, songwriting and other art forms (yes I do consider blogs to be “art”) is something that is learned and built through ACTION over time. No one snaps a few pictures or writes a couple of songs or articles and is then “great” at photography, songwriting or blogging. As with my music, I find that after reflection on past material, a lot of it doesn’t “stand up” to the test of time. I believe I am getting better as I go along. What do you think?

Below are links to five posts that were “successful” in my mind. I believe they met their intended goals in a concise, “reader friendly” writing style. These are not necessarily the posts that got the most traffic (although a few of them did quite well). These are posts that I am proud of, looking back at the past year.

Which of these posts do you like best? Worst? Why? Please comment below, thanks for visiting The Social Freelancer ™

Here they Are! Top 5 of 2011 from The Social Freelancer ™: Read more…

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.

There’s more>> Read more…

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…

A child of five would understand this. Send someone to fetch a child of five.
- Groucho Marx

Two questions I get often:

1. Where do you get your quotes?
The short answer is: a lot of places… multiple sources that are easy to use. After a good deal of research and trial and error, here are the five best sites for quotes on the Internet (in my not so humble opinion!):

READ ON FOR LINKS TO BEST SITES FOR QUOTES ON NET>> 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?”

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…