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image from dmn3.com
I began blogging in September 2007. A few months later I posted a few thoughts about how to use social media, particularly those new online networking programs — Facebook, LinkedIn, and Plaxo (remember that one?).
At the time, I was excited about the prospect of online networking, and expected it would be a great way to be more efficient and effective.
Actively engaging with people on these sites would add to how we share information, ask questions, and get answers. As we learned how to use social media, each new link would expand our circle of contacts, so more of us could work together.
For those of us who contact lots of people all the time, learning how to use social media would introduce a new way to play the old game. Or introduce an entirely new game. Or both.
Well, that’s what I thought then. My perspective on how to use social media has shifted a little. I’m not a social media expert, and never will be. I work as a musician — performing, managing my band, helping people plan their wedding and party music, networking, and discovering how to use social media to market the band.
The world of social media has exploded since 2007. Facebook and LinkedIn are much more powerful and useful now. I’ve abandoned Plaxo, but I’m more active on Twitter, YouTube, Google+, and Pinterest. Who knows what new opportunities will come along tomorrow?
These days, my blog IS my website. Despite the dramatic growth in social media, I’ve come to regard my blog as the hub of all this online activity.
In other words, all the contacts I establish on Facebook and all the rest ultimately wind up as traffic to my blog. And all along the way, I invite people to call or email me to either leave me a comment, ask me a question, or (whenever the time is right) reserve the band for their next celebration.
Five years from now, this assessment will probably seem hopelessly naive, However, these days, I believe the blog is “where it’s at”, and everything else serves to drive traffic to the blog. For marketing my band, Facebook and the rest are “the means”, and my blog is “the end”.
How about YOU? How do YOU use social media? As the “best practices” keep changing, is your blog “the tail” or “the dog”?
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Meanwhile, the Magnolia Jazz Band entertains at weddings and parties throughout the San Francisco Bay Area. If you are ever nearby, you’ll love catching us in action, seeing and hearing us create a great mood.
How can I help you? Call 408-245-9120 or use [email protected]. Planning a celebration? Ask about our availability.
I have only recently become involved with blogging, social media, the traffic game, online connections, etc. I’m still trying to figure out the simpest of things.
But, Robbie, I think you’re doing a great job, because you DO have a consistent online presence and a blog with fresh content, and you actively spread the word about it — I don’t think the majority of musicians have this kind of activity.
Thanks, Eleni. Glad you enjoy my blog. I’m enjoying yours, as well. Just by blogging and showing up on social media, we’re setting a good example. We’re all pioneers, finding our ways through the jungle, while the terrain keeps shifting beneath our feet.