The Social Freelancer: Media, Music, TV & Film

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…

This blog is fun for me. I like to write and I’m interested in expanding scope of my business, so it’s a good fit. But it’s not for everyone. I made a lot of mistakes getting started. I got past a hump, a time when I didn’t have a strong identity for the site. I didn’t have a clue, but I slogged through it. It is a big time commitment and something that I believe you should think through before starting. More about this HERE > Should You Blog? Don’t Be Fooled, It’s a JOB.

To blog, or not to blog... that's the question

I am very thankful for the kind response we’ve had on the release of this song “Open Mind, Open Eye” a Trace Relations ™ original. The lyric was inspired by a single line from my friend, guitarist Kevin Lewis. I posted the story about the lyric HERE> A Crash A Day.

Today I am posting the track (click play on ReverbNation box below) along with the full lyric, for those of you curious about the words. I hope you enjoy our song and look forward to your feedback. Please post in the comments section below, that would thrill me!

Trace Relations - The Band

A Crash
You were seeing the beauty of the Swiss Alps up close and personal in a private helicopter. A rogue crosswind slammed the chopper into the side of the mountain with no warning. Miraculously you find yourself outside of the wreckage, the only survivor and basically unscathed, save a few bumps and bruises. This is the way we wake up each morning.

Rescue in the Alps - photo courtesy DataLife Engine

June 22, 2011 – Trace Relations Debut – For Immediate Release

In today’s San Antonio Express-News, Music Writer Jim Beal wrote this story about the project > The Music Beat: “Prosperity Street” beckons

A project 12 years in the making, Trace Relations sets to release their debut studio CD “Prosperity Street” on November 2, 2011.

Trace Relations - The Band

Debut tracks “Prosperity Street” (with music video) plus a Trace Relations original “Open Mind, Open Eye” were released June 15, 2011 and are available now at> Trace Relations official site.

The song “Prosperity Street” and the video feature the band and special guests Augie Meyers and San Antonio’s famed West Side Horns.

SEE VIDEO “Prosperity Street”, READ ON, GROOVE ON… 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…

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…

Why “Reruns” Rule Social Media ….I just jotted down this headline and then thought how funny it would be to hear Elmer Fudd read it: “Why Wewuns Wule” hahaha…
As you may have seen from my post last week “Headed to Hong Kong” I’m out of the country and busy with a corporate production, so I hope you won’t mind that I am posting a “rerun” today. This post was originally titled “Why What’s OLD is NEW in Social Media.” I hope you like it. Next week I will be back in action with something new… Cheers, Trace
>>READ: Why What’s OLD is NEW in Social Media>> Read more…

The life of a freelance video professional is a strange one, no doubt. It’s “feast or famine” as the old saying goes. Financially, it was a dreadful ending to 2010 and a sluggish awakening of the business starting this year. Now, at last, things are starting to look up (fingers crossed it continues).

Hong Kong Night - Image courtesy TravelGent

Last week I was shooting a health education PR piece on the west side of San Antonio, Texas. This week I am traveling to Hong Kong with my good friend and colleague in the business, Max Warren of Imagemax Productions.

An international trip opportunity doesn’t pop up in my world very often, so it’s quite exciting. Thanks Max!
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!"

What I Have Learned
A sound business strategy in today’s market should be a mix of “traditional” media, done sensibly and “new” media. There are more ways to economically promote your business than ever before IF you have the knowledge and experience necessary to use both old media (television, radio, print) and new media (Facebook, Youtube, Twitter, etc.) to your best advantage.

Who I Am Learning From
It’s astounding, the amount of good information in this “new media” age available for free online for anyone who cares to seek it out. There are many sources out there; I want to share my favorite five with you.
READ ON and visit the Top 5 >>> Read more…

Think you can’t build “real” friendships through social networks? Think again.

Be a fan, build your fanbase

I have noticed that people get bored with social networking because they are only interacting with friends they have known for years. To really benefit from being on Facebook, Twitter or Linkedin, you need to engage with others and learn about what they do. In turn, they will learn more about what you do and become new friends and potential clients. I have “met” an array of people from all over the world through social media. There are many people that I now feel like I “know” who are doing incredible things online.
See who they are>> Read more…