FreelanceCamp San Antonio 2009!

On January 31, 2009, San Antonio will play host to the first ever FreelanceCamp in Texas. The event looks to draw the attention of freelancers, entrepreneurs, and independent business owners as they look to learn to earn, and share with their tips and techniques within their network.

Topics will range from how to start a business, the challenges, finding investors, how to find and follow leads, and other related material. This user generated "unconference" looks to be a big one!

If you're interested in signing up make sure you visit our sign-up page HERE.

Click HERE to download the information package for the event.

2009 is going to be an amazing year for San Antonio as the industry leaders come together to make their mark.

Top 10 Things To Do When Planning a Camp

I'm currently planning my first official camp. In the past I've always helped organize or advised by sharing my ideas and concerns for certain aspects of past camps, but never have I spearheaded a camp. FreelanceCamp San Antonio 2009 is the first FreelanceCamp in the city and possibly the state of Texas. It's an honor to be able to bring the freelance community together, but it's not easy.

Here's a quick and dirty list for you if you find yourself inspired enough and passionate enough to plan your own camp. This list is not in any particular order, but are just some of the bases you will want to cover.

1. Find a trending topic that people seem to be discussing a lot. If you're heavily involved in a community, chances are the ideas are being given to you, it's just a matter of fleshing them out. Find a topic that you know will be a draw and start the planning.

2. Put together the right team to help that will help pull off the event. The first place to look is inside your own networks, especially if they've been vocal on the topic of your camp. You never now how deep their own network is and sometimes you'll be surprised. Don't be afraid to ask, the worst they can say is "no."

3. Brainstorm! Mind map your ideas, write them down in a list, whatever it takes to capture ideas. Don't worry if they sound silly, once you filter it will take care of itself, but until then get everything down and make sure all ideas are given the same attention when meeting with your group.

4. Building your budget will be vital when planning your event. Knowing approximations for expenditures is key when fleshing out the camp. Getting quotes will help establish another milestone in the planning process. This will include the venue, the food, the entertainment, and the printing costs. You might have some others, but getting quotes is key!

5. Visit the venue several times, and get a feel for the layout. Visiting your venue will give you a good idea of space availability, number of possible break out rooms, and where registration tables and other camp vital stations can be placed. Taking pictures can be a great way to remind yourself of the spaces at the end of the day when you're looking over the spaces again.

6. Plan your approach for sponsorships. Camps can be done relatively cheap, but that does not meant you don't need to ask for help. Finding financing for the event can be as easy as looking towards the local business community as well as your network. If you shake the tree you'll be surprised at what you might find. If you've built the right network, and have done it the right way they will be happy to connect you with the right people to help sponsor the event.

7. A solid marketing strategy is the best way to get attention and traffic to your event. Tap into the traditional marketing routes, TV, newspaper, and radio, but in a world filled with social networks, word of mouth through the right advertising can spread like wildfire. Take the time to spread the word, build pages for your event, and interact with interested community members that could possibly attend.

8. Never be afraid of change, it will happen when you least expect it. Things can change at the drop of a hat, and as an organizer it is up to you to prepare for these types of things. Make sure that there are back-ups to your plan because that will provide a level of comfort knowing that you can quickly adapt to the unforeseen changes. Rely on your team to work together to make the event the best possible for the attendees.

9. Camp swag is always cool, plan to provide take homes for your camp. You never have to get anything big, sometimes Camp badges are enough, but it's always cool to provide some kind of take home that attendees can take to remember your event. Some camps offer t-shirts, stickers, and other forms of swag so that Camp members can always have a reminder.

10. Always say Thank-You. If you have not learned that lesson by now, I can't help you. Saying thank-you is always key to remember, it can go a long way. Thank-you's to your sponsors, your attendees, and your co-organizers will keep them coming back for more. If you can do a wrap up on your blog or on video and thank them by saying their names, it's always a nice plug for them, and builds genuine relationship of trust

I could go into more detail on each one, but this is just a quick and dirty list for you to get your planning off the ground. Good luck to you, and remember, if it's not fun, it's not worth it. So have a good time and you'll be paid back when your attendees enjoy the event.

Participation Is A Two-Way Street

Key to the longevity of any blog or social site is the participation that is carried on by both the community of commenters and the main person that started the discussion. When the community takes the time to respond to you, it’s only fair that you take the time to continue the conversation. This can lead to deeper more fulfilling debate and create a unique perspective you may not have had before.

Social sites such as blogs and networks are breeding grounds for amazing discussions. On the other hand, it can also be a haven for base comments, and fruitless banter if the conversation is not monitored or controlled. As the creator of your topic, most users have the ability to block and/or delete commentary that does not enhance the conversations amongst its users.

Respond Don’t React

In an era where anyone can be anyone, it’s hard to determine just who is behind the “handle” online. Social sites such as blogs and networks tend to be self governing, and you can usually depend on them to oust out those that only seem to seek conflict.

Still, if you’re brand new and have not developed a loyal following, it will fall mainly on you to decide what is fruitful, and what is harmful. It’s important to remember that everyone will have an opinion and it will not always align with yours. Difference of opinions is what fosters change, and is the underlying foundation for democracy, but online people tend to think that foul language and accusatory tones benefit the interaction.

Do not react to the comments. By reacting you will make key mistakes that will turn others away from interacting with you. Reaction can make you more a part of the problem then an actual solution. Some people look to raise your ire, for no apparent reason. Take your comments in stride, and as long as they are not inflammatory, full of foul language or attacks on other users and yourself, respond accordingly, with intelligence, a cool disposition, and an earnest want to really dig deeper into the conversation.

Commenting Polices and TOS

More often than not I am seeing conversation in the stream regarding commenting policies. If you own your own community site, it would be beneficial to have some sort of documentation that lays out what is acceptable and what is not. These terms may be viewed as censorship by some, but overall it just simply provides you and your users some guidance, and in order to save the discussions, it would be worthwhile to remove those that only seem to want to cause a disturbance.

My only warning is to be careful that the policies are not so heavy handed; if users feel that they are not being listened to they will no longer look to share their comments on your site, and traffic can decline drastically.

Moreover, social networking sites typically have a TOS or Terms of Service that outlines how interaction is to be handled while on the service. It can sound like a lot of legal mumbo jumbo, but it exists to ensure that the majority of users have a fun and engaging experience.

Take a look at what other more establishes sites have done with their commenting policies and TOS, use them as examples and craft your own.

While participation can be fun, it’s important to ensure that everyone is fairly listened to, and that you take steps to ensure that the environment is safe, fun, and interactive. By doing this, you will discover that a community can grow rather quickly, and they will be dedicated to your site.

Photo Credit niallkennedy

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The Daily Slackr Around the Net

It's been a busy month for myself with the various ventures that I've been priveleged to be a part of. While my schedule has been quickly filling up with speaking engagements, several budding startups, the various sites that I provide content for, planning my participation with various camps in 2009, not to mention keeping up with my family, I have not forgotten my readers, my supporters, and most importantly my network.

I'd like to share with you some of the other places where The Daily Slackr is actively engaged.

1. Be sure to follow my series on tactics for effective blogging over at Bloggin-Ads. Some great tips to monetize your efforts, increase your traffic, and get answers on some basic blogging questions.

2. I've started a series of posts over at Lost in Technology where I am discussing tools for Macs. I've begun a series on top 5 blogging tools where I am highlighting one tool per post. I'll be exploring top web design tools, top video tools, top photo editing tools, etc.

3. As a long time writer for Crenk, I have provided my insight on some of the tech industries biggest stories, while still highlighting amazing apps, startups, and social trends.

4. I am on the airwaves believe it or not! Thanks to Blog Talk Radio, myself and Jennifer Navarrete host Tech in Twenty where we cover social media tools and their use in your at home and business life all in 20 minutes. Be sure to visit our site and check out our broadcast, I'd love to hear your thoughts.

That being said, there's a lot in the hopper. I'll be sure to announce on The Daily Slackr when it's time to share the news.

Stay Tuned!

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Sharing Opinions in Social Media

Everyone's heard the saying "opinions are like...heads...everybody has one," perhaps "heads" was not the word used, but you get the point!

Opinions run rampant in conversation, and it's true, everybody has an opinion on a topic, from the frivolous to the serious. Our ideas on these topics are shaped by our upbringing, our environment, and our education. Few know how to share their opinions intelligently, but everyone wants to be heard.

Ultimately, social media has been a way to share our opinions with a wide audience and receive feedback that deepens and enriches the conversation.

Opinions that Encourage Participation

Whether you manage a blog, a vlog, an online periodical, or any other written or visual piece online, you are putting yourself into your work. Especially with the launching of citizen journalism thanks to the social media tools that have been created to facilitate this movement, opinions are being shared at a much more rapid pace than ever before.

The positive side to this, ideas that would have otherwise stayed in their local environment are being shared worldwide providing us with a broader vision of what is going on in the world. In times like these where we are globally connected, we truly realize that we are not alone.

The healthy sharing of opinions can instantly create an amazing dialog within the community. The idea of exchanging ideas allows people to share their input and push the boundaries of our localized thoughts to include a much wider audience. I have personally been a part of healthy discussions on religion, business ideas, the economy, and politics. With educated discussion backed with strong examples, I am taking seriously, looked at with respect, and listened to with an open mind when I share my opinions.

The Dark Side

Unfortunately discussion does not always favor the positive. There is always a dark side to just about anything. I have always stressed as a consultant that social media tools can help just as much as they can harm. Too often the online world can be filled with ignorance, half truths, and unsupported discussion that leads to hostile communities, untrusting users, and even harm in real life.

I've never been one to think that all opinions are good ones, and as a supporter of free speech, I do feel like everyone is entitled to share their ideas, but there is a wrong way and a right way to share. To spread unfounded rumors and misinformation only serves to harm and anger people both online and in the real world. As a blogger, reporter, writer, or videographer, you are tasked with the responsibility to add to the overall health of the community not detract from it.

Nevertheless there are far too many who simply bring the value of great social tools down, and it is them that the vast majority of users will turn them back on. My mentor has a saying that "if you are not adding to my life, I am subtracting you from it." I believe this to be true, and have implemented it more than once in my life.

Word to the wise, if you plan on sharing your thoughts online, do so constructively and with an open mind to hear how others might interpret the idea. By closing yourself off, you've closed yourself off to growth, and where do we go if we do not grow?

Photo Credit Daniel F. Pigatto

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Wielding the Power of Influence in Social Media

While exploring the world of social networks and various social media outlets, there are those that tend to carry more sway than others. These industry leader types are looked to when it comes to social media guidance, advice, and to some extent answers. It’s been established that social media is a fairly new medium that the world is learning to work with, so there are “real” right answers, but there are generally accepted practices that are otherwise known as “best known methods.”

Having been mentioned before, these best known methods, hold the answers for all of us when we take that step out into the online world. The leaders that exist are well respected and well known and utilize their knowledge to help make changes, usher in new ideas, and we call this flexing of muscle, influence.

How Does It Work?

Industry leaders that keep track of are Chris Heuer, Brian Solis, Chris Brogan, and Seth Godin to name a few. I personally follow their bodies of work, am updated regularly on where they are speaking, and look to replicate their successes based on how they move through the social media world. Each of these individuals has a specific sphere of influence.

As shown in the image to the right, the influence starts with a single blog post, statement made at a conference, or a Tweet via Twitter, and because of their position as industry leaders, others listen and tend to follow in their footsteps. When bloggers like myself pick up on what they share, my readers become interested and look into what I have shared, and the message is sent out in a ripple effect.

To some extent we all have a sphere of influence, some bigger than others. My specific sphere of influence might be rather small compared to the Seth Godin’s of the media world, but I play a part in the ripple because others who look to what I say as sound advice will carry on the message of those that I recommend. This replication causes the ripples to extend outwards and can reach massive proportions.

Influencing is Not Bullying

Do not mistake influence for bullying or pressuring a person or idea upon someone. None of the above mentioned leaders force you to take what they say as the final word, but because of their track record of success we look to them as models for what we do. Some of us can take those ideas and expand upon them and make them to better suit our own needs.

Still, too often bloggers share ideas and are absolute about what they share. Some professionals feel their words are sheer wisdom and not to be questioned. Time and time again you hear about someone who has received bad advice, and the bad advice is propagated over and over again causing what is essentially a negative ripple.

Luckily social media is a self-governing body, users will tend to look out for one another. United, they will usually rally against an online bully who is looking to impose their ideas on a niche within the social networks. Be wary of these individuals and approach your online experience with an open mind. Seek advice from people who have openly shared their knowledge and have influenced others like yourself.

Understand also that when you learn and share you’ve begun to gather a sphere of influence that you may not realize, but you will become responsible for how other people digest what you have shared with them. Be responsible, and know the difference between natural influence and bullying, you’ll gain more respect with the former of the two.

Photo Credit cambodia4kidsorg

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