Tattoo artist Ryan Fitzgerald from Dayton, OH was...

Tattoo artist Ryan Fitzgerald from Dayton, OH was...:

'via Blog this'

Umm...Cheaters...

All I can say is "just look at the picture..."

Holistic treatment

It is said that the sum of the parts is greater than the whole... Or is that misquoted?

Social media is not a whole, it's a part of an entire machine that makes up your business.  However, that business is a part of my client.  

Social media management is NOT a magic bullet that will take out competitors or fix internal problems.  It is used to showcase your business products and services.  It's also used to communicate and build a relationship with your clients which is a large part of your marketing. 

Consults always welcome...

Working working working...

On school...

Trying to finish up my degree in Nuclear Engineering Technology...

I find that the more I have on my plate, the more I get done.

Started another project... We'll see how this goes!

Not having BJJ or the motorcycle is driving me nuts.

I'll update you on the clients in a bit.

Social Networking, before Facebook...

So recently, I've been introduced to the social network before the internet...Actual networking groups.

BNI, TEAM, Chamber of Commerce.  As a casual consumer, I didn't know that these organizations existed. As a freelance (well, sorta freelance) social media manager/specialist for business owners, this place is the place to meet and greet, toss your name around and be found in the business world. My guess is that if they knew how to connect to others online, they wouldn't be at these meetings.  However, I must also say, that the power of face to face and the almighty handshake is much more effective than a great headshot online.

A big thumbs up, but memberships fees are almost a turnoff. Almost...

More information as I get it. 

Six months

In six months time, I have almost a dozen clients that get closer and closer to the internet and engaging their customers online.  Most of them are surprised by the amount of feedback they receive from pictures and how devout their fans are.

In all the frustrating parts of my job that include the "I'm too smart for you" potential clients and the "I can do it myself" potential clients (who still don't have up a website, social media presence or any idea that they're bombing on review sites), I have the most wonderful clients that really just appreciate what I do. The fact that they can now draw on their feedback to make their job easier and revitalize motivation gets that pep into their step.

The photography is going well, too!

Life

Funny how it works...

The last 6 months of it have been a roller coaster.

I can only thank my extensive support group, especially my wife.

I've been working with hotels, local businesses and coaches.  I work hard to keep my clients happy.  I pitch myself where ever I go.

It's not really who you know, but who knows you.

The Actual "Official" Start

I actually thought about it and I guess I've been involved with social media on computers since 2000.  Starting with a simple Xanga page, upgrading to Friendster, moving to Myspace, following Twitter, upgrading to Facebook and eventually landing on Blogger, I've been doing social media for quite some time.  It started out with me just wanting to keep up with all the new friends I was making in the military and sharing snapshots of my adventures with friends and family back home. 

Then I met my wonderful wife.  With her starting a business and not being as technically savvy, it gave me the opportunity to show off my stuff.  Her business associates started to ask her how her business bloomed and tripled online in just one year.  That was the official start to "Ask Paul d".

I understand that not everyone is receptive to computers.  I also understand that not everyone has someone with time that is willing to sit down and explain social media on the internet.  Everyone and their mom (LITERALLY) has a camera attached to their body, either via phone, point and shoot or iPod.  Business owners can take their own pictures and post them.  But why should they?  When people hire me, they buy time and organization.  Time is a commodity we never get back.  My most loyal customers understand this, because in the end, they realize that instead of spending the hours to learn and implement, they can buy time using a guy that specializes in social media.

I sweat through social media for my clients so they don't have to.  I take hundreds of pictures for my clients so they can focus on more pressing issues in their business.  Do you think my clients would rather be taking pictures of their work or be spending more face time talking business with their clients?  As the dedicated social media photographer, I'll be the one worrying about shooting your product and service while you do what you're best at...your business.

I've had some people ask for tutoring and mentoring on how to work through social media sites, post pictures, and get the most use out of your technology, whether it be an iPhone, computer or wireless internet.  I can make out calls or show you how to operate at our office in Westlake Village. 

Whatever the question is, just make sure to ask YourFacebookGuy, Ask Paul d.