It’s Free: Why Not Use It?

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Utilizing social media tools is extremely important for anyone who is looking to network and connect with others. The great thing about using social media tools is that most of them are free. When we look at the most popular social media tools, such as Facebook, Twitter, Blogger or WordPress, we find that they are popular because they are free but also because they are easy to navigate and establish a profile.

There are so many tools that can be used to network and find others who have similar interest, but where do you begin to find them? And how do you know which ones are free and which ones cost? I recently found a site that tracks all of the great social media tools that are out there, Social Media Examiner. This site has case studies, how-to, research and videos on all things social media. You can sign up for their newsletter and keep up with current trends.

Check out these popular posts from their site!

http://www.socialmediaexaminer.com/top-5-twitter-tools-for-social-media-community-managers/

http://www.socialmediaexaminer.com/top-10-small-business-facebook-pages-2011-winners/

http://www.socialmediaexaminer.com/34-google-resources-for-your-business-advice-from-the-pros/

http://www.socialmediaexaminer.com/12-social-media-tools-recommended-by-the-pros/

It takes time to build an online platform. There is a lot of help out there and the Social Media Examiner is just one way to help you get started and keep up. Have fun building your online presence, especially if you are getting all the tools you’ll need for free.

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Proofreading 101

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As writers it’s necessary for us to proof our work and find grammatical errors and any inconsistencies. It seems easy but we always seem to miss something. That’s why it’s great to have a critique group to help.

If you think that proof reading is an easy task take the test. The Society For Editors and Proofreaders has a test to check your skill set. Visit their site and see how easy or hard it really is. Let me know your score.

Happy Proofing!

Favorite Places To Write

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May 24th Theme Day – 5 Favorite Places To Write

I could actually write anywhere. Sometimes I wake up in the middle of the night and jot things down in my journal. I love to meet my writer friends at coffee shops to share ideas. I do some serious writing at my public library. I can write just about anywhere when I need to. So here is my list:

1. Home Office
2. Library
3. Coffee Shop
4. Park
5. In the car

I just write where ever or when ever the need hits me.

Happy Reading & Writing!

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Haiku Day – Sunbeams

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Today is day 10 of the WordCount 2011 Blogathon and we are required to post a haiku. I have never written a haiku. All I know is I am to use 5 syllables, then 7 syllables and finally 5 syllables. Let me know your thoughts.

Sunbeams in my eyes

reflections from the poolside

water refreshes.

Whew! I hope you understand it, I am not sure I do.

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Stuck On One Topic: Should That Apply To Freelancers?

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Being new to freelancing is very scary. I’m not exactly sure of what particular niche to stay in. I’m currently writing articles about parenting. I have more than twenty years of experience in that area, as a parent that is. I could write articles for administrative personnel, corporate, small business and crafting to name a few. Does that mean as a freelancer I should only stick to one particular niche or topic?

I recently read a post via The Urban Muse. I love reading their posts by guest bloggers. One post of interest was written by Kelly James-Enger, who is a full time freelancer. Her article “Jack of All Trades, Master of None? Seven Reasons to Specialize,” is very inspiring and informative. But it left me with questions. Should freelancers who have knowledge, experience and expertise in several categories settle for just one? I left a comment asking this question.

My thoughts are to write articles of interest. If a freelancer has good insight on many subjects, I say go for it. Isn’t that what freelancing is?