Self-Publishing

With newspapers on the decline, there's no need for a big PR firm to help you publish your content - you can do it yourself.  It's easy, more efficient, and cuts down on costs, so why not?  Here are 3 tips on self-publishing that can help you generate more revenue:

1. Be forward

It is important to be direct with your content.  With the many distractions that are occurring day-to-day, it's a wonder if we can just focus on one thing.  Be direct by just getting to the point, and leaving the "fluff" for another time and place.

2. Pull Marketing

What strategies are you using to self publish?  Push marketing was soooo yesterday, and people aren't intrigued by that anymore.  If you want to grab your audience's attention, you are going to need to pull them in.  Having your audience opt-in for their information will have them asking for more.

3. Write Everyday
To perfect your content, you have to write - each day.  This will make you a better thinker, and a better writer.  Writing everyday teaches us how to work with words in print to construct a meaningful message.  Overall, your writing should support your marketing and sales.


These simple steps will help perfect your craft of self-publishing, while also generating more revenue.  As you create more content, keep this in mind: "What have you done with what you've been given?"

Songza: My New Favorite App

I'm not a big app junkie, but I do love my music.  I recently stumbled upon this app, and if you are a techie music lover like me, you have GOTTA check this out.

I've always wanted an app that matched music to mood successfully, and I've finally found it. Now, now, don't abandon Spotify - this is more of a web streamed radio, similar to Pandora.  You can still create a playlist based on artist, genre, and track.  It's the mood, or "theme" feature, that is priceless (no really, it doesn't cost anything!).

You can choose what day of the week it is, and what time of the day (morning, late morning, afternoon, etc), and Songza will pick several moods you might be experiencing.  For example, if it is a Tuesday at 6pm, your options might include "Dinner", "Commute", "Road Rage", "Unwinding After a Long Day".  Now, try Tuesday at 12am.  You might choose "Reading", "Staying Up All Night", or "Work/Study".

Once you pick a mood, you can then choose the genre you were in the mood for.  This could be soft jazz, or bass-heavy hip hop!  After a genre is chosen, Songza gives you the choice of three specific and different playlists you can pick.  Then, listen away...

It's a flawless app.  No commercials in between songs, and is available on your iPad, iPhone, or on their website for all day streaming.

I've mentioned it's free.  So, what's the risk?  Try it today!

iTunes Might Be Dying...

Well, maybe just the music portion of it.

I was on my computer talking to a friend about music.  We were using Spotify to share different songs, and we were able to see each of the songs we had played for the day on Facebook.  It was then I thought,


When was the last time I used iTunes?  

All of the music I listen to is free.  I do pay for the Spotify premium, but $10 a month is a small fee for unlimited music at my fingertips.  I can listen on my phone, iPad, and computer, whether walking down the street, in the car, or even on the plane! Even if you do not pay, you are still able to listen on your computer for free.  I am able to proudly show anyone what I am listening to in real time on Facebook, and my whole iTunes library is available on Spotify as well.  So, is iTunes dying? Yes, to some extent.  Here's why:

iTunes....

1. Costs money! Most songs are $1.29 each, and if you are a music junkie like me, that adds up! I'm a student...I can't afford that!

2. Is not social media integrated.  Uhhh, why not?! Isn't that the direction that most websites are going in? If I can share where I'm at, my photos, what I'm doing, why not share what I'm listening to?

3. Cannot listen to whole songs for free.  Not unless you pay for it.  And sometimes you just want to listen to it and not necessarily own it.  That's how I feel with Justin Bieber's new song "Boyfriend".

4. Cannot share with friends.  Now I can't imagine life without it! Never again do I have to ask a friend to look up a song, I can just send it to them!

5. No "radio" (such as Pandora).  So sick of shuffle.  I don't want my music, I want new music!  I also like radio because I listen to songs I know, and songs I don't know, so it keeps it interesting.

Apps, Apple TV, movies, games, TV shows, are all still great on iTunes.
Music? It's just not the place I turn to for music anymore.

Creating the Perfect Email Address

Recently, I was working for a photography company during graduation season.  For each graduation, all graduates would fill out an information card so that their photos would be sent to them.  My job was to take these cards, organize their information, and insert it into an Excel spreadsheet.

Besides deciphering bad handwriting, I was amazed to see the email addresses they put down.  "2cool4u", "balla4lyfe", "soonerfanordie", "childof4", "princessbuttercup892950000". You've got to be kidding me.  These are high school and college graduates, mostly 18+ and about to go into the real world.  It was then, I realized, that people do not understand how important a good email address is.

Here are some tips on creating the best email address:

1. Have a Purpose 
   What is the purpose of this email address? Is it for work, school, friends & family?  Decide who you will share this address with, then choose the best name.  For friends and family, it is okay to have a fun one, but make sure you do not use that for a future employer.  If it is for business, I would include a professional name or title.  For school, it could be your nickname, major, hometown, etc.  It is never a bad idea to have many different email addresses!
   
   
2. Stay Simple
   This is the best way to appeal to all.  Keep it easy to understand, read, and remember - it makes it easier for everyone.  You want to be able to tell someone your email address once, without repeating yourself.  That is your goal!
   
   
3. Less is Best
   Get rid of all of those numbers, several words, letters, underscores, etc.  Short, sweet, and to the point is the best tactic.
   
   
4. Use Numbers and Letters Appropriately 
   Numbers and letters should be used sparingly, but they can be used.  If you want to include a middle initial, a favorite number, an abbreviation, that's fine.  This tactic is commonly used when the email address you had wanted is already taken.  Ways to use this poorly would be to include your year of birth, many random letters at once, and a string of many different numbers.
   
   
5. Represent You!
   You want your email address to make sense to those who read it, and to reflect yourself.  Your email address is your business card, and this is why choosing a good one is very important.  Let it showcase exactly who you are, and give everyone who emails you, the best first impression.
   
   

Top 5 Things To Make Your Spring Break Productive!

Spring break can be a blast if you are away on vacation.  It can also be pretty boring if you are staying in the dorms or staying at home with nothing to do.  Here are some things you can do to make your spring break productive:

1. Plan ahead and Finish Strong!
• Just because there's no school, it doesn't mean that there isn't any work.  With there being only a month and a half left before the semester ends, work definitely piles up quickly.  Those term papers that were announced in the beginning of the semester? Yeah, almost due.  Yes, take your break and RELAX, but it's always a good idea to use this time to get ahead as well.  Any papers due can be started, any online tests or quizzes can be completed, or any personal goals you had can be accomplished (take out that "to-do" list and cross some things off!).  This way when you get back, the rest of the semester will be a breeze. 
2. Summer Activities
• Yeah, summer is definitely around the corner.  Have you thought about it yet? Well now is the perfect time.  Maybe you wanted to travel, get an internship, get a job, go to school, etc.  Spring break is a great time to get that sorted out.  If it's a vacation, plan it and start saving.  If it's a job, start applying. If it's school, get enrolled. 
3. Reconnect with Friends and Family
• Use this time to catch up with loved ones.  When you are juggling school, work, and various activities, sometimes time moves so quickly.  Talk to your grandmother, visit your uncle, and get a chance to "chill" with some old buddies.  Using this time to connect withe some of the people you care about the most is probably one of the best uses of your break.
4. Work on a Resume
• I feel like I need to practice what I preach.  This is something I might start on as well.  It is a good use of time since you will be around friends and family who can critique your resume and help you perfect it.  If you don't have one already, get started! And if you do, good for you! Now perfect it!
5. Take Care of YOU!

• Please!  Those all-nighters, junk food at 12am, partying, working, lack of exercise, takes a tool on your body.  Get some rest, eat healthy (since you can raid your fridge at home now- for free!), and go out for a walk.  Do this so you can come back to school well rested and ready to finish the semester strong!

And please, stay safe this spring break!!

First Rejection, Then Success

I stood there shaking in the dimly lit hallway as they began to gather my measurements.  Height, weight, hair color, eye color, and everything in between.  I glanced to the left of me, my pigtails bopping around as I observed the room.  Another young girl stood beside me, with a similar look to my own, and her measurements were being taken as well.  It was just the two of us, with our hair and makeup done, our cute skirts and jeans, our flare tops, and the feeling of competition in the air.  It's just me and her.

At age 8, I knew I wanted to act.  That was my passion- and by living in New York City I was able to pursue it.  I just had my first audition for a Penny Marshall film and they had called me back, saying they wanted to see me again.  A call back on my first audition? That made my heart soar with happiness.  After that, they had called me yet again for a final audition, and this was with one other girl and I to audition with the director, Penny Marshall.

Once they called my name I entered the room, still shaking with nerves.

"Have a seat.  And do you mind if I smoke?" I shook my head, fearful for if I said yes that I would not be considered for the role.

I thought back to the girl waiting outside, knowing that this would be the only chance I would have to prove myself.  Just one little mistake could cost me the role.  There was no way I was going to see that girl on the big screen.  No, it was going to be me.

I said my lines to perfection, ignored the smoke filled air, and listened to her critique.  I did it several times over, each better than the last and putting a smile on her stern, intimidating face.  I did great.  That role was meant for me.

A week goes by without any word.  Maybe I wasn't meant for the role.  Then another week passes.  Finally after two weeks we get the call.  It was true- I didn't get the part.  When I asked why, they said it was because I was too tall.

Because of my height and not my talent, I was denied my first role.  It was then I realize the true meaning of rejection.  Rejection sometimes has nothing to do with your skill or talent, but just based on shallow things.  I've realized that this happens to the best, and without overcoming rejection, you can never reach success.  I knew I couldn't let my first audition be my last, so kept at it.  Since then, I've been hired for many gigs and have continued pursuing passion.

Never accept rejection- it's not an excuse.  Just keep trying!

How Well Are You Managing Your Time, College Student?

Time management is something difficult for all of us, but we learn the true consequences of procrastination when we enter college.  Pulling an all-nighter for a 10 page paper that you had all semester to do??? Sound familiar? I honestly never understood that.  I've never pulled an all-nighter (well, not for school anyways...), but I'm proud of it!

I've begun to realize how many things I have to do and how little time I have! Making a "To-Do" list has been one of the most helpful things while being in college.  I usually have so many things to do that I can't even remember, so I make a list of everything.  When you have an appointment you can't miss, promised a friend dinner, working extra shifts, etc., things get forgotten easily.  I sort them by level of importance and by time length that it requires.  This helps keep track of what I do so I make sure it gets done, and so I can balance school, work and fun.

In order to balance a 22 credit college life, work 15 hrs a week, and still have time to go out every night, I take every minute possible to do something productive, and complete something off that list.  Crossing items off is really fun for me.  If a teacher is running late to class, I take those 10 minutes to get started on various assignments.  Instead of going out for lunch in between classes, I usually go to my room, make something, and get some more of those items crossed off.  If I am spending my down time on Facebook for even 10 minutes at a time, I could be doing so much more.

I've noticed starting on things when they are fresh in your head makes it easier to complete them. I try and do things immediately so that they are out of the way.  I also make sure I have enough time to complete something.  If I know I'll be distracted or interrupted, I don't bother with it! There's always something else that can be done instead and that would be a better use of my time.

The key to all of this is to resist the urge to procrastinate!  I've gotten to balance so much by avoiding that.  I've had a great social life, school life, and work life, all in my 2 1/2 undergrad college years.  Procrastination produces stress and low quality, so, why?  Just make every minute of your day count and you can conquer it!

Some things you can do in your free time to stay ahead:


-Get your 1, 5, and 10 year plans, as well as your "after college" plan. Start on 1 year or after college, which ever comes first!
-Get organized! Clean up your computer, desk, room, car, etc.
-Look for ways to make more $$ 
-Grocery shopping! Hey, it is necessary...
-Keeping in contact with friends and family
-Catching up on favorite blogs, newspaper articles, books, etc.
-Running various errands 

First Date: Do's and Don'ts

I feel like I have definitely had my fair share of first dates.  My parents always pushed me to give people a chance, and that some of the best things have happened to them through networking.  With this, I decided to give my evaluation on first dates, so we can all perfect our "game".

Do:
-Pick the girl up, and make sure you are driving (unless you have a chauffeur haha).  If in NYC, then meet her at her apartment and you guys can take the subway together, or cab.  If you take a cab, you have just gained yourself extra bonus points.

• Come early! Early=on time. Even if you have to wait for her, the last thing you want is her waiting on you.

-Dress nice, but keep it casual.  Show that you care, but don't dress like a square.
-Have some key conversation topics that you both can relate to.  It helps when things get awkward.

• Spend more time talking on the phone than texting! People who have been texting back and forth for a month, finally meet up, and it's awkward.  I wonder why.

-Whoever invited who out, has to pay.  Even if it isn't technically a "date".  And sorry guys, but this usually means you.
-Have a plan.  No plan=no fun.  Nobody wants to keep asking "Sooo...what are we gonna do now?"

Don't:
-Talk about business too much.  Or really yourself for that matter. Spend time asking questions and be engaged in the other person's life, not your own.
-Linger.  Finish your date and leave on a strong note, which in turn leaves a great lasting impression.

-"Do the most".  This means ordering the largest most expensive food/drink items, having to see an IMAX 3D movie, etc.  Less is best.
-Go on your phone!! I don't want to see you glancing down at your phone all night not paying attention to what's in front of you.
-Expect anything.  Don't expect this to be the love of your life, or a free meal.  Letting things flow naturally without force is key.

Even though this sounds simple and is common sense, we have all been in these situations.  So apply these concepts for a better first date, better friendship/relationship, or just a way to make those few hours bearable.

Happy New YOU!

As I've entered the New Year, I have quickly reflected over the year 2011, remembering the decisions I've made for the best and for the worst.

I've noticed:
-I can go out, work, take 22 credits, and achieve a 3.85 GPA.
-I need to make blogging more of a priority when I want to share something - not just when I'm bored.
-Love is something I won't concern myself with for a while.
-I am more open to trying new things with new people in new places.
-I won't spend over a grand on a designer bag (well, maybe if it's cute).
-I love my friends in Tulsa as much as I do my friends in New York (but I love my city the most!).
-I've kept my weight consistant!  I spend too much on designer clothes for them not to fit.

And..
-I've kept my eyes on God more and more with each day.

I know my parents are proud of who I have become, and if the world doesn't end this year, I want to keep excelling and maturing as a young adult.