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…

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…

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…

Let’s face it. Nothing is easy, especially trying to promote original music in a world of shrinking budgets, a stagnant live music scene and the proliferation of free online music sources. If you are trying to make music, record it and get people to listen, it’s clear you have to work a whole bunch of channels (Facebook, Twitter, Youtube, etc…) to make anything happen.

I am in the same boat with my band, Trace Relations ™ and our debut CD release. If you are an independent artist or band, I have a proposition for you that I think is a win-win.
If this sounds good to you, join in. If not, that’s cool too, thanks for dropping by. I hope you’ll take a moment to listen to some Trace Relations ™ music, and tell me what you think of the project.

HERE”S THE DEAL FOR INDIE MUSICIANS AND BANDS: Read more…

This week I am evaluating the most effective times to engage with others using social media. Time Management is my #1 challenge in LIFE. I have seen positive results from interaction on Twitter and Facebook (more traffic to my sites, more productive relationships with friends, family and clients). The only question is when to interact. 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…

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!

Read on and watch the videos>>> Read more…

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

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…

I like my doctor.
Why? Well he’s a nice guy, plus he’s chubbier than me, so I don’t feel so guilty about my expanding middle aged girth! He’s a realist. He told me once that he wouldn’t tell me to not have a beer or 2, maybe 3? …once in a while. He said if he told me not to I might run into him at the concession stand at the Dallas Mavericks basketball game and see him walk away with a cold beer and some nachos. He’s no hypocrite.

He also gave me this sage medical advice, which I think applies well to growing your social media influence:

It’s not what you do some of the time that matters, it’s what you do ALL the time.

I said “huh?”
Read more…

South Texas Soul: The San Antonio Sound – Augie Meyers, Doug Sahm and the history and influence of South Texas on popular music of today. Documentary filmmaker Tracy Ready examines the influence of German, Polish and Irish immigrants in South Texas on popular music styles including Country, Tejano, Blues and Rock and Roll, from a unique perspective.

Read more…