Meetups- I really like meetups because they are topic/genre specific. For example if you’re in the culinary industry and looking to promote to the food industry, simply search food groups on the site and you’ll see all of the food meetups in your area. Great for meeting and promoting to like-minded people.
Linked in.com is the Facebook of business social media. And while I’ve listed it in the section above, it bears repeating because quite a number of people (still) aren’t aware of it or never use it. Here’s why you need to take a second look. Not only is ‘LI ‘good for finding work, it’s a great resource for everything from webinars and blogs to local events. One question you’re likely to hear at a networking event is whether or not you’re on Linkedin.com. If the answer is no, then I’d suggest creating a profile ASAP. Trust me; it’s imperative to improving your professional brand.
Huffington Post/Examiner.com and Allbusiness.com- These 3 sites are terrific for the writer looking to gain some international exposure while earning a few bucks. What I liked about blogging for such established sites is the “brand boost “associated with writing for a high profile and well established site. Writing for an established site means that while you’ll still need to promote your blog, your brand receives a boost simply by writing for the site. Of the 3 sites, Allbusiness.com is the only one that pays its writers a small regular monthly stipend. The other 2 are mostly pay per click which is fine if you’re just looking for brand exposure but if you’re looking to pay your rent then keep looking. Want proof that sites like these are worth your time? When I was writing for Allbusiness.com I was contacted by a Manhattan based small business owner looking to increase his sales team’s close ratio. This business owner requested a consulting quote which I sent along with basic info on my services and excerpts from my book. Not only did he hire me for a long term consulting gig, he also put me up in a four star hotel, paid for my flight and bought copies of my book. This exchange led me to a six month commute (I love NYC) to and from NYC and a $500 a month sublet in Harlem. And while living in NYC, I promoted my second book, The Single Person’s Cookbook www.amazon.com and wrote the draft for my first film The Mo Diaries www.amazon.com ;all because of a little blog on www.allbusiness.com. The moral of the story? Just because a low paying or pro bono opportunity presents itself doesn’t mean that it won’t garner recognition and revenue in other ways. As long as you’re getting the results you want keep at it and the profits will come.
Youtube/Ustream.com/ Livestream.com/Animoto.com- Want to host your own online TV show? Consider videotaping and posting your own segments online for your audience (and the world) to see. Youtube has become so synonymous with online viewing that more than 30% of Americans have gotten rid of their cable and now watch TV online (yours truly included). Ustream and Livestream are essentially the next generation of online TV viewing and streaming. Although you won’t see popular TV shows like Modern Family on these sites, you will see original programing (most of it live). And best of all, uploading a 30 minute program costs absolutely nothing.
Animoto.com has become a lifesaver of sorts for me because it allows me to edit video footage and add music and content in a few easy steps and all for a monthly subscription cost of $39.00.
Blogtalkradio.com-Interested in hosting your own radio show? Then Blogtalkradio.com is for you. While there are a number of online options, Blogtalkradio.com is the gold standard with over 2 million shows on the site. Producing a half hour show costs you nothing (just a bit of pre-production)and is as simple as knowing which buttons to push. However, I highly recommend upgrading (over time) for as little as $39.00 per month. Still not convinced? Deepak Chopra has a show on the network. Good enough for him. Good enough for me.
VIP event 6-7:30pm ART WALK & AUCTION/RAFFLE
$25 donation suggested at the door!
Cash Bar
PUBLIC Event starts at 7:30pm!
49er Cars
Music - TBA
ALL proceeds go to Performing Arts Workshop
Sponsored by Mangiare Bistro
Thank you to Chef Georges Hawawini for donating a 1997 Private Reserve bottle of Beringer