Filed under: Social Media | Tags: 2011, audience, Charlotte, communications, PR, research, social media
My initial response. Photo by Corbis.
It happened again. I overheard a seasoned communications professional say, “she’s young, so she gets all that social media stuff.” Seriously? I feel like a broken record – just because we have new communications tools (digital media, new media, social media…) doesn’t mean that basic communications strategy has changed. And it’s about much more than Facebook – what about the fact that there are more than 5 billion people using mobile phones across the globe?
Do you have to be young to embrace new tools? I certainly hope not. (Reminds me of this controversial comment from a Charlotte marketing panel a few months back – really made me feel better to review these comments again!)
I allowed myself 5 minutes of frustration. I boiled in it. But then I realized something – those of us who are “young,” (whether that’s your actual age or your state of mind) and who try to embrace new communication tools actually have the upper hand. So what if only 1 in every 5 new media platforms will eventually become essential to your business? Don’t you want to be the one who “gets” it when it does?
I do.
Filed under: my story | Tags: 2010, Charlotte, communications, Goodwill, public relations
During this season of thanks and celebration, I am thrilled to announce that today I am joining an extremely talented team at Goodwill Industries of the Southern Piedmont as their newest Public Relations and Promotions Manager.
I look forward to helping tell the story of Goodwill’s commitment to changing lives through the power of work. If what you know about Goodwill stops at donation centers and retail stores, take a moment and click on the link above to read stories of how this organization gives people hope through job training programs and much more.
I am certainly looking forward to sharing with you as I expand my own understanding of how communications – public relations, social media, marketing and speaking – is ever evolving. This blog will continue to be a place to share new ideas about all things communications, so I hope you will keep in touch. Here is to new beginnings, new challenges and a new purpose. Thanks for sharing with me in this great journey!
Filed under: behind the scenes | Tags: authentic, Charlotte, communications, customer appreciation, small business, social media
Gratitude is when memory is stored in the heart and not in the mind.
Today I passed a sign at a residential complex that said “Customer Appreciation Week,” and it got me thinking: why do we have to name specific weeks or days to express our gratitude for our customers, residents, clients or companies? Do you feel like a business really appreciates you if they give you a discount on Customer Appreciation Day?
I appreciate my clients. Business owners appreciate their customers. Why don’t we find more relevant, personal ways to show them that appreciate them? Work hard for them. Get to know them. Pay it forward. Let’s change the way we do customer appreciation.
Filed under: behind the scenes, my story, stories | Tags: 2010, authentic, business writing, Charlotte, communications, freelance, freelanceclt, goals, plan, preparation, small business, SMB, social media, Twitter, writing
The best antidote for fear is knowledge.
At last week’s FreelanceCLT event, one theme stood out for me – freelancers, not surprisingly, are afraid. Afraid of failure. Afraid of running out of money. And I know it’s not just freelancers and solo entrepreneurs, but those fears seem louder when you don’t have a salary and a 401(k) to fall back on.
I have seen a similar fear overshadow the confidence of small business owners. It takes confidence to start a small business, to quit a corporate paycheck, to go out on your own and put your stamp on the world.
So, why not name that fear and then do something about it? Are you afraid to start a company Facebook fan page, because you don’t understand the inner workings of Facebook and don’t have time to read a dictionary-sized guidebook about it? Are you afraid that you won’t be able to track your time, your invoices or deal with the IRS?
My philosophy? Jump in, get your feet wet, and then change and grow as needed. The world will not stop to let you catch up.
I am not a blogging expert, but I started one. I am not an expert at naming a company, or putting together invoices, or going after new business – but I didn’t wait to become an expert first. I’m learning as I’m doing – isn’t that what the “real world” is all about?
None of us had a Twitter handbook when it first came out. But I didn’t want to wait for one – I wanted to find out for myself. I think many of us who are freelancers or small biz entrepreneurs have that itch within us. So why do we let fear take away that drive for knowledge?
So today I say to you – just do it. (thanks Nike). Just start that Facebook page, create a Twitter account, put together an invoice system – put pen to paper and just go. You will be amazed, once again, at what you can do. And when you need help, just ask.
Filed under: my story | Tags: 2010, Charlotte, communications, freelance, freelanceclt, preparation, small business, Twitter, writing
Are you a freelancer (any industry) in or near Charlotte, NC?
Tomorrow night, I’m serving on a panel of freelance specialists as part of the Freelance CLT meetup group. We will be discussing how much freelancers should charge for their work and other related issues. Some of us write, others communicate, others edit or shoot film, and others do it all as serial entrepreneurs.
Sometimes it’s hard to be “on your own.” This group of people will understand your gripes about invoicing, clients, work/life balance and other freelance-related issues. Do you know how much your time is worth? Is it time to give yourself a raise? Join myself, Melissa Lamkin, Adam Hobbs, Brian Pace and Philip Dodds to explore these questions and more.
If you can’t be there in person, follow updates on Twitter.
Share your own tips, advice below and I’ll be sure to mention them tomorrow night.
Details:
Tuesday, June 29
6:00 p.m.
1430 South Mint Street
Suite 103
Charlotte, NC
Filed under: stories | Tags: 2010, Charlotte, goals, National Small Business Week, small business, SMB
Entrepreneurs are simply those who understand that there is little difference between obstacle and opportunity, and are able to turn both to their advantage.
If you think about it, every business in America started out as a “small business.” I remember growing up thinking that I wanted to work at a large, international company, because that meant more opportunities for me, right? In the past couple of years, I’ve started to understand more clearly the beauty of small business. To me, small business entrepreneurs exude drive, passion, responsibility and creativity.
Today kicks off a week of events celebrating National Small Business Week, designated by the U.S. Small Business Administration to honor the almost 28 million small businesses in America. Did you know that more than half of Americans either own or work for a small business? Check out the link above to see the awards, forums and town hall meetings that will be happening this week in Washington, D.C. There are also some great resources for business owners – I was particularly glad to find some valuable resources through the National Women’s Business Council (NWBC).
Several other states and regions are celebrating National Small Business Week, but I haven’t seen anything related to the event in the Charlotte area. So, let’s recognize those deserving entrepreneurs! Please list some of your favorite Charlotte small businesses in the comments section, and why you support those businesses. I look forward to hearing about and celebrating some of our great local entrepreneurs.
I will Tweet your answers all week under the hashtag #CLTsmbiz. Let’s support our local community.
Filed under: behind the scenes | Tags: 2010, Charlotte, communications, research, ROI, social media
I wanted to share today’s story written by The Charlotte Observer‘s social media reporter, Eric Frazier. It’s a great recap of a meeting of local social media minds that I attended yesterday – put on by Social Media Charlotte.
Fittingly, the title of the presentation we saw was “Social Media ROI – Necessary, but not Evil.” Measuring the power and the expense of social media is top-of-mind for many business owners. We know that social media is important, and we are learning how to do it. But how much does it really cost, and how much return on that investment can we expect?
If these are questions that you ponder, I encourage you to read Eric’s recap of the meeting for some ideas. If you are on Twitter, follow #smbCLT for updates. I’m excited to continue working with such a smart, proactive group!
Questions? Feel free to leave comments so we can discuss.
Filed under: behind the scenes, my story | Tags: 2010, authentic, Charlotte, communications, goals, life, plan, social media
a goal without a plan is just a wish.
antoine de saint-exupéry
Life changes. Good things happen, and bad things happen. To all of us.
What’s your story?
I’m launching this blog with a purpose – to share my passion for communications. To tell great stories, and comment on how to tell them better.
I am a writer and communicator. I work behind the scenes. My background is in public relations – corporate, non-profit and business-to-business. After three years at a large Atlanta agency, I was laid off. I jumped into freelance projects and contemplated work/life balance. I slowly realized something that has since been better explained by Gary Vaynerchuk in his new book, Crush It:
love your family.
work superhard.
live your passion.
Why do we fight against our work life? Why don’t more people go after their goals? Why do we settle?
If being laid off doesn’t force questions like these, I don’t know what will.
So, what are my goals? To be true to myself. To be authentic. To become a more effective communicator. To build a business based on collaboration and partnership with clients. To never stop learning. To enjoy my work.
My plan? Connect with people and organizations that have passion, and help them communicate that passion better. Learn as much as possible about communication, networking, and building communities both online and offline. Listen. Share.
Interested in coming along for the ride?
You can expect:
- a dose of southern flair
- the honest opinions of a gen y-er
- a little life mixed with work
The journey is just beginning. I hope you will come back for more!
-Lelia
