Posts Tagged ‘Mass media’

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Feb
13

Three things I want to add

Saturday, February 13th, 2010

I spoke in Los Angeles on Wednesday.  I had a great time and met some fun people.

I’m the guy people call in when they want answers to the question: Why do I need social media? Although my answers focus on the “what” — or the various tools and platforms used in social media — first you need to know the “why.”

I unveiled my updated presentation in L.A. Afterward, I thought of a few things I didn’t mention, but are worth sharing. Here are three small points I’ll add to my next talk:

How to be a social media expert. Usually when I start my section on the tools for social media, I like to make everyone an expert first.  I begin by asking: Who has a first and last name and can think of an eight-character password? If you raise your hand, you’re an expert.

Next, I remind everyone that they don’t need to enroll in a course on how to use social media tools.  Most applications are easy to use and  straightforward. After you sign up, just watch and listen for a while. Progress by small steps.  Each site has its own culture;  respect the culture.

Different people consume media differently: Consider using different platforms within your social media solar system.  Some people prefer to read. Others are audio people. Even more people like visual presentations and find video their medium of choice.

Give people options. It will generate more opportunities over time.

LinkedIn: I shared with the L.A. audience that LinkedIn is based on the philosophy of six degrees of separation, but I didn’t go much deeper.

The power of LinkedIn is that you can ask for referrals from people in your network to people in their network you want to know.  I don’t have a huge community in my LinkedIn network. I’m not aggressive about collecting names.  The reason is when I call on someone within my network for a referral I want them to know who I am and be willing to help.

I really like my new presentation for 2010, but this was only my first opportunity to share it this year.  I have a little tweaking to do, as always.  I’m excited to share it again soon. Feel free to call on me if your organization is in need of a speaker.

Rosh

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Jan
6

The benefits of photography 365 project

Wednesday, January 6th, 2010

On Jan. 1, 2010, I started my 365 project.

A 365 photography project is based on the commitment to post photographs — often random — representing each day of the year.

There are many variations and approaches to the project. Some people post to a traditional blog. Others send images to a flickr, tumblr or posterous account. Some people choose to upload their images once a day, once a week or when they feel like it.  My project is a daily commitment to post. Every day I capture an image and post it.

Participants don’t have to take a random approach to the project. Some photographers focus on a theme: people, landscapes, nature, family or documentary images. There is even a 365 cloud project.

A large number of the 365 photographers use their phones and are a big part of the phone photography movement.

Traditionally the 365 project is known as an opportunity for amateur photographers to learn new skills, develop their style and keep photographing without the benefit of regular professional assignments.

It’s easy to see why many professionals do not embrace this concept. But, I felt it was an opportunity to stretch my abilities and keep my skills sharp. I don’t photograph for local media outlets much anymore. Since most of my projects are larger and more spread out, it means I don’t find a camera in my hands on a daily basis anymore.

I’ve become better known in the photographic community for my writing, marketing and social media ideas. I wanted to take the opportunity to share more of my photography abilities while participating in social media. This project is a perfect fit.

The search engine optimization for my blog and images is also beneficial. Although I’m posting to a blog, I’m also using the benefits of flickr.com to share my work.

After only five days I’ve already laid the foundation for a community  around the new photography blog. More people are visiting my flickr images and I’m amazed at the passion of the new audience.

I’m experimenting with different types of images and asking questions of the community. Not every image is perfect. In fact, the more flaws I point out the more constructive engagement I seem gain from the community.

I encourage you start a 365 project. It’s not that hard to fit in your workflow. You will improve or learn new skills, build a new audience, give yourself the opportunity to have fun with your craft and improve your visibility in the photography world. What’s not to like about that?

Rosh

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Nov
28

Will 2010 be good for social media?

Saturday, November 28th, 2009

Here are a few random things I thought were worth sharing:

I see 2010 as the year social media becomes an official standard form of communication.  In 2009 it was still considered cutting edge or a stupid waste of time.

Social media will not be standard for everyone, but it will become a standard in professional marketing plans.  Still, it will take a couple years before online social communication becomes mandatory for business.  Just like the conversion from film to digital, it will be here before you know it.

I will be stepping up my speaking next year.  I’m looking at West Palm Beach for a seminar in February.  I will begin sharing more details next week.

If you are looking for a way to sell tickets to an event online, you might want to try http://www.eventbrite.com/. If you know of some other quality options feel free to sharing in the comments.

Judy Hermann wrote a great post for the ASMP Strictly Business blog asking: How many clients do you need? Her thoughts fit very well in the social media model.  Step away from mass media and focus on people and build quality relationships.

Next year more of my photography focus will be on multi-media and unique photography styles, with an emphasis on Adobe Photoshop techniques. Custom photography for Web sites is still working well, but I need to expand my focus if I’m going to grow my visual business in my market and beyond.

I’ve selected a few non-profit groups to create multi-media portfolio material.  This is a great way to professionally grow your portfolio and support your local community.  Notice I said I’ve selected.  This topic will make a good post for next week.

I think I’m ready to announce some New Media Photographer award winners in the coming weeks. It’s been about six months since I last handed out awards.

Rosh

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Nov
27

Don’t force social media

Friday, November 27th, 2009

One of the biggest problems people have with new communication technology is they try to force it into their current workflow or methods of doing business.

A classic example of this is business owners trying to use hard marketing techniques in the social media realm.  Some creative people make it work, but the majority fail.

Others see the shiny new technology and change their marketing plans to fit the new platforms.  Unfortunately, they often leave behind and neglect marketing strategies that were working for them.

Social media is its own line item in the list of marketing concepts worthy of consideration for growing your business.

Don’t force social media into other strategies.  In many cases social media can play a supporting role for other marketing methods, but ultimately it is best to develop a social media goal.

What do you want to accomplish with social media? Is social media the best tool to achieve your goal?

If your goal is to drive traffic to your Web site on a mass scale in order to sell a product, then e-mail marketing might be a better solution.

If you wish to develop yourself as an expert in your field — social media would be an excellent choice as a tool to support your efforts.

Before social media, companies depended on public relations. They used PR to get the word out about their people’s expertise, new products, and service successes in the traditional media.  The problem many PR professionals faced was proving the direct ROI (return on investment) from their work.  Thus, many business professionals didn’t see the value.

If you are a by-the-numbers person, social media may not be for you.  Don’t jump on the bandwagon if you don’t see the compound value of social communications over time.  You can’t force it.

Rosh

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Nov
9

New Media Photographer Podcast 74

Monday, November 9th, 2009

This week Rosh talks about digital media for the photographer.

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