After you’ve read all these do’s and don’ts, you’ll probably be feeling like you’ve just received a lecture from your glaring parent. Okay, not really. I’m much more lighthearted than that!

But, seriously, there is a way to approach Social Media and there are definitely things you want to avoid as you brave the Social Media waters.

It can seem scary, but it’s not as bad as you think. Don’t worry about it so much that you don’t enjoy the experience, but do worry (in a healthy way) about presenting yourself in a professional manner.

For instance, you can share something fun, while maintaining your professionalism in every way. You don’t have to get rude, defensive, or vulgar to gain a following and become one of the “popular kids in school.”

Following are some things to consider as you mingle the online social scene, attempting to become a Social Media butterfly.

A Few Do’s and Don’ts of Social Media

Do share your personality.

Don’t share what color of underwear you’re wearing.

Do update often.

Don’t update so often that people feel overwhelmed and unfriend you.

Do be honest.

Don’t tell everything you know.

Do share tips to help others.

Don’t give away all your secrets.

Do be helpful.

Don’t help so much that you overextend yourself – you’ll burn out.

Do promote your business.

Don’t make it your primary purpose—Social Media is NOT a one-way street.

Two Ways is the Right Way

And that last don’t is one I’ve seen a lot on the various Social Media sites. I’ve seen accounts where the entire time the person has been there, they’ve promoted their own articles, products, or services. Where’s the “social” part of that?

Social Media is like gift giving. It’s about giving and taking. And remember the old adage: It’s better to give than it is to receive.

I do promote my articles, reviews, blog posts, and contests often on several different Social Media sites. That’s one of the reasons I went ahead and signed up for ping.fm. But I promote others way more than I promote myself.

I share quotes and other people’s articles, blog posts, or reviews/contests because I feel they provide solid value to my followers/friends/readers and because I consider the person/business I’m promoting to be a genuine source.

It’s very easy to get caught up in the taking aspect of Social Media. Don’t be one of those people who only think of themselves. Put others before yourself and you’ll be respected for that. Don’t do it simply because I’m recommending it – do it because you genuinely understand the theory and because you have a desire to approach Social Media in the best way possible.

Do I have all the Social Media answers? No. Do I have a million followers already? No. But the followers/friends I do have at this point know that I’m real. And they know I’m not all about me.

Social Media is a two-way street. Balance out the traffic flow and remember, it’s okay to “pull over” and let someone go around you sometimes.  You’ll definitely find great pleasure in gleaning and passing on wisdom from others. I know I do.

Did you enjoy this article? Feel free to visit the other articles Michele has written for Writer’s Round-About–or contact her to write for you.

Are you active in Social Media? What’s your favorite? Do you promote others? Do you learn from the wisdom flying across the networks? Do you promote your work often, or not at all? Let’s talk!

Photo Credit: brokenarts

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Social Media 101: Do’s and Don’ts of Networking

As freelance writers, a large part of our business comes from connecting with others. In fact, while many of us begin by trawling the job boards we eventually find word-of-mouth brings at least 80% of our clients hammering on our front door. It is important to socialize and be active in the community, both online and off, but how is it done?

I’m not sure if you’re aware of it, but I suffer from social phobia. For those who aren’t familiar with the term, social phobia is a fear of people, social situations, or the judgment of others. It goes beyond mearly being shy to full-out anxiety attack with all the nasty side effects. My fear of people and social situations has left me feeling like I’m at a disadvantage when networking and building my business. The truth is, I don’t KNOW what I think most would consider common social niceties. So, I’m turning to you, can you help me?

I recently read a fantastic blog post and enjoyed the voice and dynamic of the author, Jay Baer. Being web savvy and a social media expert he provided several methods to connect and keep in touch. But, what is the social etiquette when it comes to introducing yourself to a stranger?

• How do you approach someone who has never heard of you?
• How do you introduce yourself?
• What do you say on first meeting someone?
• What would be considered rude or inappropriate?
• If you have a mutual friend should you wait, or ask, to be introduced?
• How do you establish a footing for new friendship?
• Do/Should you introduce yourself in blog comments?
• Do others feel frustrated having strangers introduce themselves (like movie-stars constantly hounded for autographs)?
• Do you introduce yourself when you follow someone on Twitter?
• Do you beg and borrow friends from your other Plurk buddies?
• How do you ask to connect with someone on LinkedIn?
• Do you attach a private message to your Facebook friend request?
• How do you build your network if you’re chronically shy?

As you can see, I have many questions and these only begin to scratch the surface. So, I’ll put them to you and I hope you can help me.

How do YOU meet and greet new people?

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How do YOU meet and greet new people?

It has happened to me hundreds of times.  My schedule is clear, children are occupied, housework is caught up, and suddenly my writing time flops because I don’t know how to start.  Starting is necessary to reach a finished article, short story, poem or novel. In order to write, you must practice writing on a regular basis. Inspiring writing comes with routine, innovation, and determination.

• Writing Bursts

  Ban together with fellow writers and have a writing burst.  Twenty to thirty minutes of free writing will loosen the words – and your fingers – while building the creative juices.

• Musical Melodies

  Playing a music selection during your writing time will help train your body to write during those same melodies.  Music will also create a white noise, blending all the distracting sounds.  A particular music selection can also bring back the inspiration of a particular story if you stop the tract when it becomes necessary to move onto other scheduled items.

• Lists

  Writing out your lists for the day, including to-do’s, shopping, bills, and chores will allow you the opportunity to clear your mind of those tasks and focus on what you have set down to do during your writing time.

• Scheduling

  It is not only important, but vital to a writer’s life to schedule your day around the time you write, not the other way around.  If you are trying to take care of life first and fail to nurture the writer within you, the writer within you will fail to perform when time comes.

• Taking the phone off the hook

  Yes, I absolutely mean that.  The phone can be a major distraction.  Friends and family call when they feel the need to share a funny story or complain about the clerk at the store forgetting to give change.  There is no use in telling anyone to call you x many times in a row if it is an emergency.  There will always be one person who believes the clogged sink is worth interrupting you.  Unless you are a plumber and are able to snake a drain, it is NOT important.

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Five Inspiration and Creativity Writing Tips

Musicians do not appear on stage to perform without hours of previous practice. Dancers learn their choreography in the studio before they dance for the public. Singers do scales. Athletes stretch. Writers need to light their Creative Fires and maintain their Creative Flow too.
Writers need to write – often, regularly, for all kinds of reasons.

Last night I handed out the following list to my Write with Spirit class. I asked everyone to consider why they write. It helps to know. In fact setting your intention for writing with a specific purpose in mind harnesses the creative forces of the universe on your behalf. Often we are wishy-washy. We want to write to educate and we end up writing to soothe ourselves. Both are important and valuable – yet require different attention from us.

1. Write to Free Your Creativity – You want to live a creative life and writing is one way to do that.
2. Write for Wholeness – You want to develop, deepen and expand your connection with your Higher Self.
3. Write for Guidance – You want to receive guidance from your Higher Self.
4. Write for Insight and Understanding – You want to broaden your perspective and see through the eyes of Spirit
5. Write for Personal Growth – You want to experience more personal balance, alignment, and calm. You want to know your authentic feelings and needs better. You want to learn and grow
6. Write to Heal – You know writing offers you a path through confusion to clarity, through sadness, depression and fear into hope, appreciation and forgiveness.
7. Write for Relief – You want to step outside of your small mind, find comfort, soothe yourself.
8. Write for Joy – You write because it is fun and you love doing it! You reach for to experience the joy of “Dancing with the Universe.
9. Write to Deliver a Message – You have something to say and you want to teach, share, educate.
10. Write to Entertain – You want your words to provide delight, humor, intrigue, drama or fun for others
11. Write to Inspire – You want your words to help others to wake up to their own Magnificence.
12. Write to Connect, Move, Touch – You want to touch hearts, provide comfort, romance, ease, and hope.

The next time you sit down to write consider your intention before you begin:

• Do you seek inner guidance?
• Do you want to free your Self-Expression?
• Do you want to hone your writing skills?
• Do you want to give words to a message that wants to be born through you?

When you write with a destination in mind you are more likely to get where you are going. Just do not forget to include regular writing practice in your schedule. Writers do need to write.

Do you Love to Write? Join me for Write with Spirit classes from the comfort of your own home. Email me for a link to current events peri@creatorschoice.com

Enjoy my Write with Spirit Blog http://www.writewithspirit.blogspot.com/ and sign up at my website to receive my ezine http://www.creatorschoice.com

I’m all about celebrating your creative spirit with Writing Practice Tips, Positive Partnership Skills and anything else that inspires and engages hearts. I enjoy personal contact with my readers so feel free to contact me directly. Thanks for being YOU!

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Do you need help discovering your passion, motivation, or true purpose? Perhaps you need a Date With Destiny. Join inspirational life coach, Tony Robbins, this December!

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Why Do You Write? – Examine Your Motivation

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As writers, we struggle against inspiration and creativity but can we truly know the source of insight and ideas? Our job is to show up, hands on keys or pen on page, be there, each day and perform the act of writing; participate in the process. We can’t control the quality of our creativity, we can’t control how receptive to our thoughts readers will be or which novel makes it to the best seller lists and which don’t. Our part of the process is to show up at the keyboard and get the words on the page.

Listen as Elizabeth discusses the importance of nurturing creativity and trusting the “genius” that exists outside of ourselves, and in putting aside fear to do the job.

What are your thoughts about what Elizabeth has shared? Do you feel creativity is an external power? Where do you think your own creativity comes from?

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Where Does Creativity Come From?

How do professional freelance writers find expert sources? Several ways.

Find experts.

Social networking makes it easier than ever before to find expert sources. Peter Shankman’s popular “HARO” network connects reporters to PR people who can connect you with experts or even experts themselves. Tweeting a query on Twitter will also connect you with people, or try Facebook. Perhaps a friend of a friend is an expert in the area you need.

You can find experts on message boards and forums, but spend some time lurking on the forum, learn the rules of the land, and connect with the regulars before asking questions as people may be turned off if you just sign in announcing that you’re a writer seeking answers. How long does this take? There’s no rule. You should know when you feel comfortable enough to start approaching members with questions for your article. You might do this through private messaging or, if you feel comfortable enough, start a thread asking for comments.

Finally, you can often find experts by doing a Google search on your topic and looking over the more popular blogs. Contact experts who write blogs via e-mail if you can’t find a phone number. Again, it helps to become an active member of their community, by reading and commenting on their blog, but chances are good they will want the positive publicity a reporter can offer, so they might be more than happy to speak with you even if you are a new reader.

Collect experts.

Keep a file in your computer, listing the names of different expert sources. As this file grows, you may want to break it up into several categories—public officials, technical directors, teachers, historians, or whatever categories best suit your needs.

List the person’s name, when you first spoke to them, and regarding what, their area of expertise, and any personal details that will help jog your memory so you can connect with them on a personal level. You may want to add a JPG to their file, too, because some editors request head-shots of interview subjects.

Ping your sources.

As your writing experience grows, so will your file. Keep in touch with your expert sources on a regular basis, asking them what’s new in their industry. Soon, you’ll be the first one to hear about ground breaking news. “Pings” don’t take long. Simple notes on Twitter, Facebook or an e-mail once a month works. Some people prefer phone calls. Make a note in their file of each expert’s preferred contact method so you don’t intrude. You can also include special notes about the best times to reach them, like “always reachable by cell,” or “works from home Mondays and Wednesdays.”

HARO

Peter Shankman’s website, HelpAReporterOut.com lets you post queries that go out to thousands of PR reps and professionals. With a well-targeted question, you could get hundreds of sources all willing to help you. Or maybe just a handful with exactly the information you need. I’ve come to rely on this almost too frequently, as it’s making me lazy about using my other techniques!

Of course, these are just the basics. If you trust in synchronicity and the law of attraction, experts will come your way when you need them. These tips help that process along.

Writers: What’s the oddest way you ever found an expert source for an article?

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How Do Freelance Writers Find Expert Sources?

Once started, I couldn’t put the book down; I was learning so much from it. I’m a budding writer, unpublished. This book is going to help my first book change from ordinary to wow.

Don’t get me wrong, I know it’s a tough business; the ‘wow’ above is for me personally, I want to feel that ‘wow factor’ for myself.

My father wrote his memoirs, it was directed at his friends and family who knew him well. He wrote the way many would “this is my life and how it happened.” I didn’t want that but hadn’t the first idea how to turn it into something with more punch. Sue Silverman’s book did just that!

I learned so much while reading this book, I believe the most important lesson is where to start, how to create what Sue calls the it-was-a-dark-and-stormy-night effect and catch the reader’s attention immediately.

I also liked how she reminds us to reveal our scenes rather than state them; using the senses to hold the reader in that moment with you so they can almost taste, smell, see, feel, and hear everything going on.

Losing unnecessary words and tightening up sentences is extremely important, especially for me as I can float away a little. Another useful lessons was the vital use of metaphors to engage the reader, to bring them on your ‘ride’.

Overall, I really loved the book and Sue’s style of writing. This book isn’t a ‘how-to’, it’s a guide with important information for budding writers like myself or those who need a refresher.

Thanks to this book, my book won’t be a “this is my life and this is how it happened” styled memoir, instead it will invite readers to “ride this roller coaster with me” and I thank Sue Silverman’s Fearless Confessions for introducing me to the new direction.

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A Review from our Fearless Confessions Winner!

“You can only become truly accomplished at something you love. Don’t make money your goal. Instead, pursue the things you love doing, and then do them so well that people can’t take their eyes off you.”–Maya Angelou

In the first post in this series (Stay Sane While Multitasking–A MJSS Diagnosis), we talked about Multi-Job Stress Syndrome and why freelancers are prone to this disease.
I promised to follow-up with some natural, Zen solutions for coping with having to multitask as freelance writers and so… here we go!

Natural, Zen Remedies for MJSS:

• Herbal tea – a cup of hot herbal tea enjoyed while sitting outside on the front porch or deck can do wonders for your mind, body, and soul. Not only do herbal teas have medicinal benefits, it is truly relaxing to simply “zone out” for a few minutes as you sip a hot cup of bliss.
• Exercise – Prying yourself away from the computer long enough to get some fresh air and stretch and exercise your muscles is not only good for your body, it’s fabulous for your mind! Once you get those endorphins going, you’ll feel more mentally alert and will find inspiration and passion abounds. I’m amazed at how yoga has changed my freelance life. I feel more inspired than ever and am writing much more prolifically.  (Yoga Is Yummy is one of my favorite go-to yoga sites – especially for beginners.)
• Sleep – If we don’t get adequate sleep we can’t function properly. Life is chaotic enough – we don’t need to be starting each day like zombies. That will only aggravate MJSS and make our lives harder. I realize there are times when we’re on deadline and have no choice but to pull an all-nighter, or we have to drag ourselves out of bed to write down those out-of-this-world ideas that keep nagging us and won’t let us sleep, but the majority of the time we can make sleep a priority – and we should.
• Raw foods and juices – Of course, most of you know me as Raw Juice Girl. I love fresh, raw juices and, foods and have juice fasted extensively (52 days is the longest fasting journey I’ve experienced so far). You don’t have to juice fast to enjoy the health benefits of raw juices, though. Make yourself a fresh juice and incorporate more raw foods to your diet each day and make note of the changes you feel in your body and mind. Energy levels begin to rise, mental clarity and focus is enhanced – even eyesight has improved for some people. (Visit Healing With (Raw) Juices to learn more about raw food, juices, smoothies, and their healing benefits.) Living foods can make all the difference!
• Don’t forget to eat! – As multitasking freelancers with a gazillion things to do every day, we can sometimes go hours – or days! – without proper nutrition. Don’t starve your body. When you starve your body, you’re starving your mind and your creativity and putting your business – and your health! – in jeopardy. Make eating a priority. Make yourself a priority!
• Outsource or Barter – Have you been trying to manage your website(s)/blog(s) yourself but don’t really know what you’re doing? Are you lost in all the e-mails, phone calls, marketing, and paperwork? Have you considered hiring a Web Tech and/or Virtual Assistant to take care of the tasks you don’t have time for, or don’t enjoy doing? If your freelance business can’t afford one or both of these professionals I’ve mentioned, have you considered bartering? Trade the service you provide to them for the services they’ll provide for you! Just get it all in writing and be clear that all parties are completely understanding of the exchange of services – then you’ll have more time to do what you truly love each day!

Stay tuned… In the next post, I’ll share with you specific herbs (both teas and capsule form) that help relieve stress.

Did you enjoy this article? Feel free to visit the other articles Michele has written for The Writer’s Round-About–or contact her to write for you.

Do you have other natural ways to combat stress while dealing with MJSS? What have I forgotten? Do you have anything to add? Fill us in – share your natural solutions!

Photo Credit: by Gare and Kitty

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Natural, Zen Remedies for MJSS: Multi-Job Stress Syndrome

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November is a crazy month for many writers, especially those who are taking on the NaNoWriMo challenge. Even those of us who aren’t beginning a new book, are working steadily through gigs for our clients, submitting articles, or completing existing projects. We are working harder than ever toward year’s end.

What do you do differently in November? Have you looked at the goals you set earlier this year and evaluated where you stand today? Now is the perfect time to look at what you need to do to make remarkable accomplishments for 2009.

With just 69 days until 2010, what goals are you committed to completing before the new year?

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Are You Writing A Book Next Month?

I have some advice for you…

Wading out into the Social Media waters can seem scary. It almost feels like the first day as the new kid on the block, or like that haunting peer pressure we experienced in high school—and, for some of us, it was horrific!

If you’re caving under the pressure from Social Media invites, or have already jumped into the Social Media pool but aren’t sure exactly how to go about getting started, you might be wondering things like: What will people think of me? Will I say something stupid? What kind of things should I say in my updates? Why would anyone care about what I have to say?

The fear of fitting in seems to follow us throughout our lives, doesn’t it? From the first day of Kindergarten, we struggle to fit in—often worrying what others will think of our every move.

These are all legitimate worries but you’ll soon see that if you follow the tips I’m about to share, you’ll fall into a Social Media groove you’re comfortable with.

Five Tips for Social Media Success:

1. Honesty is always the best policy.
   I was raised by these words. I’m glad. There’s nothing worse than lies and falseness. The truth may hurt, it might be ugly sometimes, but it’s real. It’s who you are. No, you don’t have to tell 100% of every minute detail of your life, but you can approach your business and Social Media with honesty. You don’t want to end up with 20,000 followers all based on a lie. Start with a solid foundation, who you truly are. Be yourself. No, not everyone will like you, in fact, some people may despise you. But if you’re just YOU, you’ll end up networking with like-minded people and will be much happier with the direction your network takes.
2. Be sincere and genuine.
   This is similar to being honest, but goes a little further than that. If you aren’t sincere in your Social Media updates and responses, people will eventually pick up on that. Just because you’re behind a computer screen, doesn’t mean that you should put up a false front and post fake responses. If you don’t care that someone’s in the hospital, or you don’t care about breast cancer awareness, don’t act like you do.
3. Learn the ropes.
   It doesn’t take too long to pick up on how the various Social Media sites operate. Some pick up quicker than others but we can all learn new things—even if we only have small spurts of time to dedicate to learning, here and there. Give yourself some time and have an open mind for catching on to various techniques (such as #FollowFriday on Twitter, where you share people you enjoy following with others—on a Friday).
4. Figure out what is unique and different about you and your business, and use it to your advantage—in a positive way.
   Do you have a unique product or a special talent? Do you provide services unlike other businesses out there? Is the name of your business different? Is your location odd? What’s your story? Once you realize what it is, if you don’t know already, share it with the world! Mesmerize them. Excite them. Make them crave more of your product, or your services.
5. Share your personality.
   Without YOU, your business is nothing but an idea. You make your business happen. You’re a real person. So, don’t be a robot. You laugh, you cry, you get angry, you mess up, you have epiphanies, you forget things…. Show snippets of your personality. You don’t have to curse when you’re mad or tell the world you just went to the bathroom but you can share milestones, struggles, or a funny thought you just had. Be warm and inviting and people will want to friend/follow you!

Social Media is an amazing marketing tool. Used correctly, it can bring you business success beyond your wildest dreams–and friendships you’ll cherish, that can last a lifetime…

Did you enjoy this article? Feel free to visit the other articles Michele has written for Writer’s Round-About–or contact her to write for you.

You can also find more tips in part one of Rebecca Laffar-Smith’s 3-part interview with me: On Social Networking Success.

What are you waiting for? Come on in, the water’s fine!

Are you active in Social Media? Have you been holding off because of fears I’ve mentioned today? Has anything I’ve said swayed your decision and prompted you to run and sign up for the Social Media sites you’ve avoided? Start the conversation, somebody, I’m itching to discuss!!!

And be sure to subscribe if you aren’t already. I’ll be sharing do’s and don’ts of Social Media in an upcoming post!

Photo Credit: lusi

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Social Media 101: How to Be a Social Butterfly