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…

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…

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…

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…

Dallas, TX (Aug. 16, 2011) A rocked up remake of Doug Sahm’s 1974 landmark track “Groover’s Paradise” has been released. The track is available at Trace Relations Band Official Site. “Groover’s Paradise” is one of four tracks released from the band in advance of their full length CD “Prosperity Street” coming in December, 2011.

The song was arranged and performed by vocalist Tracy Ready and guitarist Kevin Lewis of Trace Relations Band with Shawn Sahm of Texas Tornados, a tribute to his father, the late Texas music pioneer Doug Sahm.

GROOVER’S PARADISE

Read on for the story behind the track >>> 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…

“Sittin’ on the corner of Prosperity Street, wonderin’ where my next meal’s coming from, Yesterday I was rakin’ in the coin, today I’m just a poor old bum.” – Augie Meyers, from “Prosperity Street”

A lyric so timely for the economic conditions of 2011, who would guess it was written in 1975?

Trace Relations debut with their arrangement of “Prosperity Street” with special guests Augie Meyers and The West Side Horns:

This track available for download now > Trace Relations Official Site

About 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…

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…

For all you trumpet aficionados out there…
Read more…

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…