Exploring Pet Photography

Pets are wonderfully therapeutic!  I have known the value of this since I was a child and even before as they have been my partners in life.  We have had everything from turtles, birds, rabbits, cats, dogs, and even farm animals like horses, goats, turkeys, geese, etc.  An intimate relationship between us formed and now I consider them part of my family no matter who they belong to, and I greet them in that way like a long lost friend or sibling.

It's hard to believe I found this scrawny guy (um, or more appropriately he found me!) in the pouring rain, clinging to my ankle, as I loaded up my boys for school.  He was missing an eye and need of some serious love and care.  He is one of my success stories as he still lives in his happy home (about 14 years now?).

If you have any sort of kinship with the animal kingdom, you are going to want to photograph them; and, as I have advised previously with taking portraiture of children, the best and easiest way, for me, has been capturing them in their own element.  When we force things to happen or try to set up our own expectations of how we think it should go then we are also setting ourselves up for a bit of a tumble or a learning experience.  Pet portraits are no different!  Besides, when you don't force things and allow them the space to happen, the results can often be much better than you expected!

These photos that I share today have not all been personally my pets, although they have all been a valued aspect of my life or contributed to it in some small or big way.  These are a few I have rescued and placed in loving homes over the years.  It seems if you help one, the word goes out and suddenly more come your way in need of assistance!  It was my honor and joy to do so!

Help!  I'm being abducted!

Found with a momma cat who had a litter with her and was pregnant again.

I always did love a good book, especially one with a happy ending!

The Beauty of Photo Blogging

Started a new job and don't have the kind of time that I had before.  I'm not giving up on this, though; it would be like giving up on a big part of myself.  Lucky for me this is a photo blog and so I will let the pictures tell the story this time.  Since animals have played an important role in life with me, I thought I would share a few of their portraits.   There have been many so here are a few...will share more later.

Jasmine's baby photo

Niyah

Our rescued blue and gold macaw

Harley has attitude and he's not afraid to use it!

Buttercup and Peaches - Great buds!

Moving Beyond Fear and Into the Life You Imagined

http://www.statisticbrain.com/fear-phobia-statistics/ says that 68% of people are afraid of death but is it truly a fear of death or is it a fear of living?  Also noteworthy are:

Fear and Worry Statistics	Data
Percent of things feared that will never take place	60 %
Percent of things feared that happened in the past and can’t be changed	30 %
Percent of things feared that are considered to be insignificant issues	90 %
Percent of things feared in relation to health that will not happen	88 %
Number of Americans who have a diagnosed phobia	6.3 Million

And what about fear of success or fear of failing?  I don't even see them on this list.

Those numbers are quite large so maybe it is worth asking, where does fear come from?  There are several possibilities but the misuse of the mind and the imagination is at the top of the list. Why do we spend so much time focusing on something that may or may not happen instead of paying attention to all the good that is already happening or what we would like to happen?  What difference will changing our attention from the negative to the positive make?  Plenty!

It may seem random that I bring this up here but there is a method to my madness.  I don't have evidence to support this but if I were to give an educated guess I would say that fear is the number one killer of dreams.  

There are numerous blogs, articles, and books to aide one on their way to overcoming these obstacles so I won't go into this fully.  I would, however, like to recommend one very small but powerful book.  It is inexpensive (can be bought used on Amazon for one penny!) and has wonderful stories and examples to get you started on your journey to facing your own fears.

"Love always overcomes fear." Harold Klemp

For a more personal experience, though, I would recommend singing HU, the most powerful tool I can offer you to dispel fear and bring more divine love into your awareness is chanting HU. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wc9N_g2NolA  

Moving past your fears, even if it is only one tiny step at a time, is progress and can only help you to become a better version of you in whatever way you wish to manifest that, whether it is in your personal life, as an artist, or in your business.  Fear and doubt sabotage dreams; don't let it control your life any longer.  Take your power back!

Photojournalism - Telling Stories With Pictures

The art of storytelling in photography, to me, is photojournalism.  It gives me the freedom to follow where my heart leads me, to capture and show something as it is but also leave room for the viewer's interpretation.  The reality of a photo may seem obvious to one but, in truth, many stories can be told from that one photo.  Take this one for an example...

What does it speak to your heart? This is only one single moment frozen in time.  What about all the other moments?  What happened here before and then after?  Who are the people in the background, especially the mysterious silhouetted child?  What are their stories?  How long has this market been here?

A long list of questions could be presented to each of you, and your own story could be written.  No two would be alike!  A good photojournalistic picture would likely spike the viewer's imagination, not suppress it.

Are the many images that we take in every day any different?  What was the photographer showing us and what are we actually seeing?  Was the photo manipulated in any way to change its meaning or to persuade us to see a truth as someone wishes us to view it?  Or does it leave room for us to wonder or as a launching point to ask more questions?

Some believe a photograph is real simply because it is there in front of them, because they can see it with their eyes, but is it really?  If you were to see a succession of pictures, you may be able to piece together a more accurate story but, even then, don't be so sure.

I think a wonderful example of this is the movie, "The Green Mile."

Image Courtesy of http://www.altfg.com/

The man in this film, John Coffey (played by Michael Clarke Duncan), was accused of horrible crimes and supposedly caught red handed, yet that wasn't the truth at all. Given the information available most people would have come to the same conclusions as were made in by the witnesses in this story and why is that?  Are we accepting what we perceive visually or are we asking more questions?  Are we interested in the truth or just what we believe to be the truth?  

Anyway, I don't want to cheat this film in any way.  My small summary is not the entirety of the movie, and it's really quite an eye-opener in many ways.  While it is told as non-fictional, one could imagine and, maybe rightly so, that this happens more often than not (the scenario I presented to you).

I honestly don't know why I'm going here except to say that maybe we all need to ask more questions, to not rely strictly on what we either see with our own eyes or what is presented to us by the media or anyone else for that matter.  The truth is not always palpable.  We may all need to dig a little deeper to discover it, to follow our own hearts to discernment, and not another's.

In summary, "a picture is worth a thousand words" but whose words are they?

Working Past the Blahs...

Inertia happens but you don't have to make it a lifelong friend.  Show up and make the most of it. Know "this, too, shall pass" and move on.  Even a little step is better than no step at all.

When feeling weary or discouraged, a turn around is just ahead so proceed in its direction.  Do what you must do to work through the emotions (journal, paint, walk, go out with friends, volunteer...whatever works for you) but don't stop.  If a temporary rest is needed, do it, but give it a time limit.

If you're really burned out then perhaps a vacation is in order; take it!  Do whatever is necessary to get the juices flowing again but at the end of it...get back to work and do it with all of your love.

A vacation can give you new perspectives, leave you feeling fresh and rejuvenated. 

It doesn't matter where you go as long as it leaves you with a higher view.

Photographing The Heart of the Wild

With animals, perhaps more so than people, patience is needed.  They won't necessarily pose for you, although I swear some have, so another technique is needed.  Some photographers will take photo after photo and hope for the best and, others may patiently wait for that unforgettable moment spending even hours awaiting it.  Is there another way?

How do you photograph beyond what you see with your eyes?  How do you take a photograph with your heart?

There is a space most creative people, unconsciously or consciously, relax into when they are painting, dancing, inventing, or even simply manifesting a solution. In this gap everything changes.  Words fail to portray what that space is but I can tell you it's silent and you become almost hyperaware.  I refer to it as the "zone."  In the zone, time melts away and the way you discern your environment morphs.  This is the closest description I can give.  

In this field there is "magic," it is, to me, where all life connects and where "miracles" are made. It is where we are all one and that includes the biggest and smallest of creatures.

When All Else Fails...Experiment!

Selling art can be hit and miss, especially when it comes to photography.  Digital photography has revolutionized the way people take and make photographs and now everyone has a camera, even if it is only a phone camera.  (By the way, I'm not knocking those phone cameras.  Some of them take some pretty nice photos and if any cell phone companies would like me to test their cameras...why I'd be happy to!)  What does this mean to photographers?  We have to be even more creative.

First things first, if your art isn't selling, it doesn't necessarily mean you have to make dramatic changes right away.  It especially doesn't mean you have to drown yourself in a gallon of ice cream smothered in all the toppings because you have allowed negative self-talk to convince you that you are the worst person/artist/entrepreneur...fill in the blank...ever and now you need some serious comfort food to fill the void!  (I know how artists can get; we do tend to be a little sensitive, to say the least.)

There is a list of questions that can help in the decision making process on what step to take next. Is there variety?  Are you presenting a large selection of your work?  Is the price right? What are other artists doing?  Is their art selling?  Are you marketing your work appropriately; taking full advantage of social networks?

If you have taken an honest look at yourself and your work, and it still isn't going anywhere then it's time to make a change.  For me, it's experimenting, which I'm now in the process of doing so I can't tell you how it will turn out yet.  I'll have to get back to you on that later.

What I do know is the old saying, "If you do what you've always done, you will get what you've always gotten" seems to hold true so being creative and using your imagination is a good way to go.  There's always a way, as I'm learning, to take something old and make it into something new.

         This is my first experiment.  Where oh where will it go?

Truth is, it's fun to try something new.  Why not give it a try?  There's nothing to lose!

Painless Portraiture

Formal portraiture has its place, and, if you have the know how and the patience, there can often be worthwhile and dramatic results.  It's not one of my strongest or, let's face it, one of my most favorite areas so I focus more on natural settings and lighting.  No studio needed.

This isn't to say that it's not worth learning, only that I have a fairly good sense or understanding of what works for me and who I am working with.  It is a matter of preference on my own behalf.

You don't need a studio to take a great photo.  This was done on a couch.  No fuss.

Some of the best photography, in my humble opinion, is spontaneous.  When life is happening in all of its unexpected glory that's when it lights up for me.  If you are working too hard at it, you are missing the point.

Going Beyond Formal Portraiture

Stuffy, forced smiley photos are a thing of the past.  Portraits are and will be fun if done right. Since my background is mostly Photojournalism, I abhor traditional portraiture where everyone stands at attention and "Cheese!" stands for cheesy because that is the look you will get but, hey, if that's what you are going for than so be it.  Who am I to say different?

Not to mention, if you are dealing with children and animals in a strict setting, well, all I can say is....good luck with that!

Wouldn't it be better to try a different approach like my examples here?  What is wrong with traveling around the park, a zoo, or a farm with mom and dad and getting the photos that do more than capture a phony smile but capture a glimpse of Soul as well?  The children will be much more agreeable (well, usually...), and mom and dad will be relaxed.  It's a win/win situation in my eyes.

Environmental portraits show more of a person's lifestyle or what they love in an environment fitting to it.  Wikipedia defines it as:  "...a portrait executed in the subject's usual environment, such as in their home or workplace, and typically illuminates the subject's life and surroundings...."

If you do need to do the occasional formal photography, meaning posed, don't be afraid to let the person be themselves.  They will usually be uncomfortable at first so talk with them but don't stop taking photos.  Tell them to move into different poses that feel natural as they speak with you and, if they feel they can't, then direct them softly while continuing the conversation.

Keep their mind off of the camera and focused on something they love or a topic they enjoy.  Play with the subjects you talk about.  Mix in funny jokes or stories or if you any aren't good at telling jokes, ask them if they know any.   Or "What is the funniest thing that has ever happened to you?" also works.

Question them on their views about more serious things like some recent event on the news. Watch their emotions change and as they do, their expressions and posture will transform also.  If they tell you about their dog who just died, allow them to open up about it.

Most important:  always end on a positive note or even a surprising one.

The shoot will be rewarding, not just for them, but for you as well because you are not only actively taking their photos but you are listening with an open heart and you are viewing them as the delightful, multi-faceted Soul they are!  You cannot do this without walking away a better person yourself, and the photos will be fabulous!

More on portraiture to come!

Back in Business!

Ride 'em, cowboy!  We just might rustle us up some dinner after all!  *wink*

Yes!  Woo hoo!  Yippee ki yay and all of that!  See More Divinely Photo (Etsy store) is back up and running. Forward march!  

That bridge successfully crossed!  Whew!  *wiping sweat off of brow*

You're cute and all but I can't keep you.

Now that we have that monkey off our shoulder, we can move onto more pressing items like "Where did that monkey come from?" and other fun stuff.  

Let's save that for another day.  

Not to procrastinate or anything but today is a beautiful day and I, for one, would like to finish up in time to enjoy it! We can pick up here tomorrow.  Have fun, y'all!

Think You Know It All...Think Again

Photo Credit: Steve Carver

There's always another step, another level, another perspective...truth appears to be a subjective, continuous, spherical, eternal staircase, that builds and grows within us. (What is truth for me, may not be truth for you, and that's okay. Practicing tolerance is encouraged in all of life, including business and, if it isn't, than perhaps it would be wise to consider it.)

The fastest way to stop another level of understanding?  Thinking you have all the answers.  It doesn't leave room for anything else.  It's virtually a graveyard for the mind and Soul.

How do we generate more ideas? Here's a few suggestions: feeding your mind with books (preferably ones that make you think or stretch you a bit over easy reading - save those for the beach or when you need a short break from "reality"), learning a new language, writing, meeting with other like-minded people, visiting art museums, yoga, contemplation, spending quality time with your family, eating well, tapping into your creative side by drawing/painting or any other art that speaks to you, even if you think you don't do it well. (There's always paint by numbers!  Hey!  Don't knock it!  You may actually get hooked.) It's all connected, and I assure you if you take care of ALL of you then all of you will take care of you.

Philadelphia Art Museum, 2010 

The mistake we seem to make is when we get so lost in one aspect of our life, so much so that we forget all else. When any one part of us is being sacrificed for too long then we can expect diseases or illnesses of the mind, body or emotions to ensue.  It's a cry for balance, to let us know there is a part of us that is out of whack and needs attention. Don't wait that long!  It could be too late.  (Of course, it's not a guarantee that you won't ever get sick but it sure will decrease your chances; it will also increase your ability to heal if your health does lapse.)

Think you don't have the time?  It's your choice but it seems to me to be a pay now or later kind of system.  Do the right thing(s) now or pay later.  Have fun with it!  Experiment. Add a little here and a little there and see where it takes you.  Let it expand you and the rich rewards of that expansion will effect all areas of your life, bringing more joy than you ever imagined possible.

What to Do When You Don't Know What to Do

So you think you are stuck, huh?  By definition is that even truly possible?  Even if you were in quicksand, a downward pull would keep you in motion; of course, that may not be the direction we were hoping for.

MacMillan Dictionary defines "stuck" as:  "caught or held in a position so that you cannot move; unable to solve a problem and keep on moving; in a situation that you do not like but cannot avoid; forced to have, use, or deal with someone or something that you do not want."  (I particularly enjoyed that last definition.)

We don't live here anymore.  I'm sure there's a more peaceful way to handle it.

"Forced" is a mighty strong word and, unless held by gunpoint like in the Old Wild, Wild West, I'm not quite sure I would agree. For me it robs us of the right of choice and the responsibility of said
choices.  There are always possibilities, even in what appears to be a disagreeable situation. Unlimited potential abound if one is in the right frame of mind and heart to see it!

For instance in this example of "forced," an attempt to run away or hide could be made or perhaps to fight back.  Well, you see what I'm saying...  Not wishing anything of the sort on anyone else, myself included, but to point out another perspective, only one of many.

Is it possible that the feeling of being "stuck" is only the inability to take action at that time, either as a form of procrastination or fear, or because the next step has not yet appeared to the conscious mind? If so how do you move beyond the inertia and into a place of more potentiality?  Is it merely making the resolution to proceed with what is already in place or to confidently step into a larger room?  

The answers are unlimited, and I am allowing for them but cannot yet share them as they have not formulated enough for me to do so.  Is there a technique that would aide us on that journey?

In the book, "The Spiritual Exercises of ECK," (ECK is simply another name for Holy Spirit), there are many exercises given.  This simple, easy to understand book can be used by anyone who would like to conquer fear, to learn how to use their imagination properly, tame their mind and emotions, and to master their fate, to name a few.

In this particular technique (not in the book but has been adapted from a similar exercise), imagine yourself in a small room.  Walk around the room in a circle.  As you do, you notice a doorway with golden light shining through it, walk through it.  Walk confidently into a larger space.  In this area, there is a big, blue, comfortable chair.

A guide (you can choose one you are familiar with: Jesus, Buddha, or any Master who you feel helps or guides you...it doesn't even have to be a religious figure) appears and invites you to sit in it. He or she is seated across from you and a consultation begins. You may ask, "What is my next step?" or "How can I overcome this obstacle?" or whatever comes to mind. Listen as you are given a more expansive view.

Afterwards do not question what has been given, unless of course it is harmful, just absorb it and then you can decide if it is worthy to act on.  This is one way of moving beyond fear and inertia. Numerous others can be designed to suit your situation.  Use your creativity and play with it; make it your own.  Having fun is key!

Success is a Verb

Success is perpetually in motion.  There is no destination, unless designated.  What do I mean by that?  If your definition of success is to create a multi-million dollar company and that target is achieved, you may consider yourself successfully at your destination if you choose to stop there.

What if you decide to go beyond that?  Will you set new objectives?  Having reached this landmark in your life, do you now set a new intention for a multi-billion dollar company? What happens when victory reigns over this creation as well?

“Don't walk behind me; I may not lead. Don't walk in front of me; I may not follow. Just walk beside me and be my friend.”

― Albert Camus

In order to keep the momentum going, I would think that it now has to flow outward. For one to keep receiving, balance may need to be attained. There are many who could benefit from the successes being built: family, employees, and community. After all, how much money does one really need? How many houses, cars, TVs, etc are necessary?

What good are all these material things if you will not live long enough to enjoy them?  Or your family or health has been sacrificed at the expense of them?  A void of loneliness or low self-worth cannot be filled with things, eventually when playing with all the toys is finished, you will long for what we all come to long for...divine love.  Arrival here means a need to give out to balance the flow of what you are receiving.

Will your ambitions be for the love of power or for the power of love?  It is a choice that will be made continuously.

In the last post I promised to expand on criteria for success and I have not forgotten. What does it take to be successful?  If the only measure of success is how much money has been accumulated in the bank, the boat may have been totally missed, in my humble opinion.

Success, for me, is more often in the simple day to day happenings: the tiny moments that we can take for granted like a cup of coffee mindfully enjoyed on a quiet morning, an intimate walk barefoot on the beach, a shared smile or hug, or the knowingness that I have made some progress big or small in my life or in those around me.  It is knowing I make a difference simply by being here right now.  It is gained in numerous, subtle ways.

For others it may be just waking up in the morning, getting the children out of the house to play instead of staring at electronics all day, or finding ten minutes of sheer silence in their chaotic world.  It could be losing those last 10 pounds or finishing their To Do list. Success comes in all shapes and sizes.  It's a merely a matter of perspective and attitude.

What is the criteria for success? This author thinks it may be purely subjective but what do I know?

Arms and Heart Wide Open

Worthiness is a key element to receiving.  Positive affirmations and all the positive thinking in the world cannot bring you what you don't truly believe you are worthy of receiving.  A lack of self-worthiness has the potential to block the acceptance of gifts from the universe and will undermine all else.  This is how powerful belief and emotion are.

There is a great book called:

Switch: How to Change Things When Change is Hard by Chip and Dan Heath.

http://books.google.com/books/about/Switch.html?id=XmzbeoN-KZ0C

No, I am not getting anything to promote it.

If you don't read another book, read this one!  It's so easy a child can understand it, and it shows how one person CAN make a difference in business, at home, and in the world.  It shows example after example of how the power is within you to make small changes with tremendous impact.  (I have read it twice already and I'm thinking about a third time.) Enough said!

From my own little side of the mountain at this moment, I will tell you that abundance is our divine inheritance, but like most anything else, it is an inside job.  If the world you see reflected on the outer is not in keeping with what you would like then it is within you to change it.  It may not be in the way you think, though.

Most people assume they will triumph if they toil a little harder or if, instead of working 10 hours, they work 14 hours a day.  They push and push and push.  It may produce eventually but is there a better way?

Could success be attained more smoothly by contemplating each major move?  Would it be achieved more easily by relaxing, listening, and paying attention more to that inner voice within you?  YES!  The truth is, at least as I see it so far from my own experiences thus far, is that the sweet victory of accomplishment in any area of your life requires a healthy balance of inner and outer work.  Not too far to one side or the other, and a view of detachment, meaning doing the work but not being attached to the result of that work.  It is to allow for other outcomes that may be better for us in the bigger picture so be flexible!

In summary, all I can say is, we've got this!  We are learning and growing every day; opening ourselves up to all that we deserve and more.  We will assist others along the way, too, because in giving we naturally receive.  By helping each other, we climb the ladder quicker and we become successful together.  You cannot help another without helping yourself, too! Competition is pointless.

Slow and steady wins the race at any leg of the journey.  It is wise to strive only to be better than we were the yesterday and not compare ourselves to others.

What race?  Just having fun!

Next stop....Criteria for Defining Success.

What Does Love Have to do With Success?

Staying active is essential and is one example of love of self because when you truly love yourself you take care of every part of you.  Swimming, hiking, walking...whatever your physical exercise is of choice is vital to all the bodies:  physical, emotional, mental, and Soul.  (It doesn’t have to be an hour at the gym every day:  a leisurely stroll, if you are living a sedentary or even a busy lifestyle, for 1/2 hour every day would be a great start and will build its own momentum.)  

Contemplation Trails at the Temple of ECK, Chanhassen, MN

When there are disturbances that cause pain in the physical body, this becomes more challenging and another opportunity to grow presents itself.  While it is tempting to curl up in bed and pull the covers over one’s head, it is that much more critical to keep moving and to keep showing up.  

Pain in any form is not to be ignored.  It is helpful to ask key questions to aide one along their way.  Some of the questions I might ask are:  what is it trying to telling me about my current state?  What can be done to discover the cause or the root of this, most times, “unwelcome” guest?  Is a change in diet needed?  What small adjustment can be made with maximum benefits?  Is this related to a past event or to something I am doing or not doing now?  

While it is good to have some kind of mental analysis of it, it is every bit as important (if not more) to look at it from a higher viewpoint; this means at least some time spent in silence allowing the questions to float softly through as if observing feathers floating upon a river and then letting them go.  This is easier than trying to block all thoughts from your mind because “the more you resist, the more they persist.”  Meditation is a wonderful tool but for those of us with a more active mind, contemplation (a more active form of meditation) is much more agreeable.  

A chant can be used.  I choose HU, (pronounced hue), which is the highest vibration one can sing. It has had tremendous results for me, although I don’t sing it with the intention to do so, only to open contact between the highest power (whatever you may call that power:  God, Jesus, Allah, divine love, Spirit, etc) and myself.  You can learn more about HU at: http://www.eckankar.org/hu.html.

If you would prefer to sing OM, love, or just focus all of your love upon someone who opens your heart and makes you feel happy than please feel free to do so.  It is a matter of personal choice and what works for you.  Be assured...taking this time every day is a gift that you give to yourself.  

Now what does this have to do with your business/dreams or your journey to a successful new you?  Everything!  When you are feeling good, happy, and relaxed then you are open to all the wonderful opportunities and adventure that life has to offer.  Isn’t that what it’s all about?

Note:  My Etsy store is temporary suspended.  No worries, it'll be up again soon.  Thank you for your patience.

"How Many Licks Does It Take to Get to the Center of..."

If this were TV and this was a 1970s commercial, it would end with "...a tootsie roll pop" but we aren't traveling back in time.

I think he's still counting....

We are rolling right along and wondering, "What are buyers looking for?"  "How many posts need to be written?"  And that's our first mistake of many so we are going to allow ourselves to enjoy whatever it brings, regardless of the many questions that may plague us.  We can't lose the fun and the sense of adventure, even when there are days it doesn't seem so fun anymore....especially when it doesn't seem so fun anymore.

Glitches happen.  There will be setbacks or hiccups so it becomes a choice of how we will react. It's a vicious circle if you allow yourself to get caught up in reactions so what's the solution? Sometimes it's waiting and sometimes a different approach is needed.

When in doubt, keep doing what you can do and leave some space for an opening or an opportunity to resolve the issues because there will be issues...it's a given.  No amount of pushing will help if the time is not right so why bother?  Relax and keep doing what you can do.

This pretty much says it all...

Baby steps.  One tiny step at a time.  Rinse and repeat.

Also this applies to life as well as business.

How to Market With a Zero Budget

Zero dollars to spend?  Don't let it get you down.  There's more than one way to iron out the details until you are generating a positive cash flow.

This is hard work! (Thanks, Beth, for indulging me in my photo endeavors!)

Google Adwords is free until you bid.  How do you use that to your advantage? Remember all those sites that ask for tags/keywords? You can see what tags are popular, and even not so popular, and you can build our keywords around them. This will drive more traffic to your store and, hopefully, lead to more sales at some point.

Social networking has already been covered but, at the risk of repeating myself, it's FREE!  If you don't have an account with Twitter or Pinterest or any of the number of other sites, maybe the time has come? Also, something I've only now discovered myself is there are groups for everything on Facebook.  You have an Etsy store?  There's a group for it on Facebook (FB).  How does a group benefit you?  Just one of the Etsy groups on FB has over 2,000 members with the same interest as I do.  This translates to lots of sharing and possibly exchanges of knowledge and goods.  (Artists will often buy or trade with each other.)  It also lets like-interested minds know, "Here I am!  Come and check me out!"

If Pinterest is your network of choice, there are also groups on there.  You're on your own there until I get a better working knowledge of how it works.  So far, I've been able to join a few groups but haven't figured out how to actually post to them.  If you figure it out before I do, let me know.  If not I'll get back to you on it.

Wishing anyone celebrating a Happy Fourth!

Tag You're It!

For years now I have played on social networking sites beginning with MySpace and then moved onto sites such as Facebook, Tumblr, and others.  It was a way to stay in touch with family and friends that, unfortunately or maybe you will say fortunately, lived on the other side of the country or even world. Not to mention, it was a fabulous way to spy on my boys.  Did I say "spy"?  I meant...keep tabs on.

As I began to think in more of a business fashion, I got involved with Linkedin, which I still do not completely understand how to utilize properly but appears to be more of a professional networking site. Why is it difficult to promote yourself and your business in a world where there are so many social networks?  My guess is, because you and thousands, maybe even millions of others are doing the same thing!  How do you set yourself apart from everyone else so you can be noticed?

Keywords!  Tags or keywords will assist your potential buyers in discovering you, providing you have the right ones.  What is the right keyword, you say?  Here's where things can get a little sticky.  

What do you mean there's no fish in here?

Some may even say it can be like fishing in a mud puddle when there's a river right behind you if you aren't choosing the words that your average user is searching.  Of course, fishing in a river where the fish are plentiful isn't any guarantee either.  You can have a great keyword like "photography" but so do 300,000 other photographers, amateurs and professionals alike.  

Do you know where that puts you? Out in the internet boonies, no man's land, that's where!  Help!  I didn't mean to use my invisibility powers so well.  

What does this mean exactly?  We are going to have to get a bit creative.  You can use Google AdWords to help you out.  They have a neat tool called keyword planner.  Use it! It's free!  It will tell you what keywords are being searched in that category, how many users per month and, if you have a budget to promote yourself, how much it is going to cost you to bid on that word.  

Bidding for a keyword?  What does that do?  It gets you the primo spots on page number one of Google search engines or its conglomerates, that's what.  It can get expensive, though, so choose your tags wisely.  For instance, "photography" is searched 450.000 times a month but it's going to cost you $1.83; if you bid on "outdoor photography", you will only get 3,600 searches but it's only $.74.  It also narrows your search down to buyers who are looking for that category of photography.  Still with me?

Well, folks, let's leave it there for now.  Smoke is coming out my ears, and I can take a hint.  Til next time....