Kathryn Lively

While waiting to speak at a regional science fiction and fantasy convention this past weekend, I sat in on the panel preceding mine. The topic, using social media in promotion, is one that always holds my interest, as social media optimization is more a part of my job than ever before. I took away from the discussion a better sense of using networks like Facebook and Twitter with regards to promoting products and services. What I learned at this panel could be applied to anybody new to SMO who is not sure how to use these networks to their advantage.

Avoiding the Hustle

So let’s say you set up a Twitter account, and slowly but surely people are following what you have to say. That’s great, that’s what you want to happen. Once you establish this captive audience, however, you want to keep them in place and perhaps get them to “re-tweet” your posts and spread the love. It’s important to do this in a way that doesn’t lead followers to think you are constantly trying to sell to them. If every tweet you post implores people to buy this or buy that or hire me, you risk losing followers. The point of social media networks like Twitter and Facebooks is the social aspect of them. To keep people tuned into you, you must engage them directly.

So what does this mean? Well, if you’re an author and readers follow your social profiles, talk to them via the medium. If you receive a note complimenting your work, return with a thank you but don’t feel pressured to deliver a hard sell of your other works. You would be amazed with how your name or brand can stick in someone’s mind just by being yourself. In talking to some authors this past weekend, I discovered how well this tactic could work. One author trading tweets with a reader found that person bought his entire backlist, while another author noted that hits to her website spike when she posts about a new book cover or pictures from a con, not necessarily a new book release. You may think this is not productive, but visitors come to the site. They just might return to buy.

Maybe you operate a business catering to local markets - talk about the weather, what is going on in the city. Reply to a follower’s remarks about favorite television shows and music…let people know there is an actual human being behind the social avatars, lest anyone suspect the profiles are there merely to regurgitate sales copy. If a follower enjoys your content enough to click through to your site, your profile has served its purpose and may just attract new followers through word of mouth.

Give it a try. You just might find you can build trust among your online following…and customers.

The best of Atlanta is yours to explore, at a great price! As thoughts on vacations turn to worry with finances in flux, rest assured you can enjoy a day of fun in this classic southern city for fifty dollars. You can absorb the city’s history and experience global cultural phenomena which originated right here. A day in Atlanta provides not only a learning opportunity, but the chance to have some fun.

How can see Atlanta on $50 a day? Here is our suggested itinerary for exploring the cultural icons synonymous with Georgia’s state capital.

Early Morning – Visit the Gone With the Wind Museum.

After seventy years, the image of Scarlett and Rhett locked in a passionate embrace amid the chaos of the Civil War is still one of the most recognizable in cinema. Though the movie was not filmed on location, Atlanta nonetheless plays a significant role in the film’s conception. You’ll see original props and costumes from the sets, and personal memoirs from the film’s actors and the author of the book, Margaret Mitchell. A must for movie buffs. Price: $7; Total: $7

Lunch – The Varsity

“What’ll you have? What’ll you have?” asks the cashier. For over eighty years this Atlanta institution has served up hot dogs, burger, and the best onion rings in the South. No visit to the city is complete without lunch at The Varsity. Most combo meals, like two chili dogs with fries or rings and a soda ($6.99) go for seven dollars and under. Price: $6.99; Total: $13.99

Late Afternoon – Visit the World of Coca-Cola

Pop quiz: where was the most famous soft drink in the world invented? Atlanta! A century later, the city remains the headquarters of the Coca-Cola Company, and you can experience the history and flavor of this and other soda created by the beverage king at the World of Coca-Cola. This interactive museum is one of the most popular attractions in the city, and a great place to sample Coke and other exotic soft drinks for free. Price: $15; Total: $28.99

Dinner – Williamson Brothers BBQ

What’s a day in the South without a succulent barbecue dinner? Williamson Brothers is known for serving up the juiciest cuts of pork, chicken, and beef in their signature sauce. It’s a favorite among local celebrities, and it can get busy so be sure to budget your time in Atlanta well so you can enjoy dinner. A pork plate with two sides, iced tea, and a slice of homemade pecan pie for dessert will fill your stomach and keep you within your spending limit. Price: $20.97; Total: $49.96

For just fifty dollars, you can have a wonderful time in Atlanta, embrace the local culture and savor the taste of the South. A vacation here is more affordable than you think.

Though the outlook for employment may seem grim with reports of companies executing mass layoffs, it doesn’t necessarily mean there are no jobs to be found. A simple search through Internet employment databases may reveal many vacancies, opportunities for you to stand out among others with your expertise. In order to get noticed and get the interview, however, it is important to have an updated, concise resume of your qualifications.

Take a look at your current resume. How long has it been since you last revised it? On average, a person may only update his vitae once a year, if at that. Often, a resume becomes an afterthought while one is employed, and unfortunately is hastily retooled when it is needed. So as not to be caught off-guard, it may be best to pull out your resume every three months or so to see what is relevant in your career path that needs to be recorded. Remember, a resume is not just a list of jobs you have held, but life experiences. A resume is a record of your continuing education through employment, community achievements, and your employable skills.

Have you learned any new skills in your present job that may benefit you during a new search? Work with new computer applications and others skills should be pointed out here. Larger companies emphasizing a sense of community among their employees may search for well-rounded candidates, so if you have done any recent volunteer work be sure to mention it. It is also a good idea to refresh your references, and list somebody who has worked with you in the last six months or so who can vouch for you during a job search.

For years the rule of thumb with resumes has been to keep everything to one page. If you have much information to share, it can be challenge to limit your experiences. Including a URL leading to a more detailed vitae may help an employer see a fuller picture of who you are and what you can bring to the company.

As you work, and as you search for work, remember to keep your resume current and relevant for the jobs you seek. This simple document is your first introduction to a potential employer, so have it ready to make a good impression.

Kathryn Lively is a freelance writer specializing in articles on jobs in Hampton Roads and Virginia Beach website design.