The Busy Creator Podcast with Prescott Perez-Fox

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The Busy Creator 55 w/guest Nate Voss Apr 27, 2015

Show notes

Nate Voss (@Vossome) has lived numerous lives as a designer and creative. First a traditional graphic designer, he spent several years as a freelance illustrator and designer before joining digital marketing & advertising agency VML. Since then, he’s moved into mobile and app design, exploring software development workflows and agency culture up close.

Our conversation meanders across a variety of topics, discussing the transition from agency life to freelance (and back), the culture shock of working in a large organization, and even the type of architecture that best suits a mixed team.

The Busy Creator 54, The Art of Work w/Jeff Goins Apr 20, 2015

Show notes

Jeff Goins (@JeffGoins) is the author of a new book titled The Art of Work. In researching the book, Jeff has realised that the subject is bigger than a book, and has already moved into creating a movement, branching out to online communities and training to help people find their calling at work and in life.

Our conversation discusses the origins of the The Art of Work, the trouble creative pros face at work, and some of his writing methodologies. Catch up with Jeff on his many social media platforms or via website, GoinsWriter.com.

The Art of Work is available now in print and digital formats (Kindle, ePub, PDF) and will be available soon as an audiobook. Check out ArtOfWorkBook.com for all info.

Show Notes & Links

Your life’s work, a huge topic

“I didn’t try to talk about [your life’s work] with authority, I just tried to talk about it with curiosity.”

—Jeff Goins

Tweet This

Jeff is now a full-time entrepreneur and writer
The Art of War by Sun Tzu On Amazon and On Audible
The War of Art by Steven Pressfield On Amazon and On Audible
The Pleasures and Sorrows of Work by Alain de Botton On Amazon and On Audible
Todd Henry, author, speaker, and past guest on The Busy Creator Podcast
Writers writing about writing, aka meta-work
Many creatives and artists are approaching their work the wrong way — it’s not all about passion

“Vocation is the place where our deep gladness meets the world’s deep need.”

—Frederick Buechner

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“You can only connect the dots looking backwards.”

—Steve Jobs

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“You’ve got to do some dot-collecting before you can do some dot-connecting.”

—Lindsay Katt

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“What if hidden in your difficulties are opportunities?”

—Jeff Goins

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“Before I can tell my life what I want to do with it, I need to listen to my life telling me who I am.”

—Parker Palmer

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Jeff studied Spanish and worked as a musician before becoming a marketing copywriter within a non-profit (naturally.)
Prescott hates the phrase “side hustle”
87% of the world’s workers are disengaged from work, according to Gallup
Making money from blogs first seemed to Jeff like “catching a Unicorn”
TribeWriters, Jeff’s first course which grew from his first eBook
Forbes predicts “by 2020 over 50% of the US Workforce will be freelance”
Jeff tries to [only] write 500 words per day, but consistently
Jeff Goins on Twitter
Jeff Goins on Facebook
Jeff Goins on Instagram
The Portfolio Life w/Jeff Goins on SoundCloud
Jeff Goins on YouTube

Tools

Notebooks
Evernote

Techniques

Listen to your life, look for themes and threads
Don’t “take a leap”, instead “build a bridge” to your next role or job
Do an “internal pivot”, find a new scope of work in your current organisation or help create a new department
Change the way you’re approaching today’s work in preparation for what’s to come
Listen to your body (pain, rashes, etc.)
Use teaching to make an impact, connect with community
Use the Three-Bucket Method (Notes/Ideas, Drafts, Edits) to write a book
Use the Five-Draft Method to go from manuscript to completed work

Habits

Take your ideas “up” rather than kvetching to co-workers who can’t make changes
Use your “byproducts” — your blog posts and speeches can become a book if the ideas are sound

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Visit BusyCreatorBook.com for your free trial

Get You Are A Writer (So Start Acting Like One) by Jeff Goins as a free audiobook

Get The Episode

Download The Busy Creator Podcast, episode 54 (MP3, 28:45, 14 MB)
Download The Busy Creator Podcast, episode 54 (OGG, 28:45, 25.4 MB)

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The Busy Creator 53 w/guest Matt Keefe Apr 13, 2015

Show notes

Matt Keefe (@MKeefe) is a multitalented designer & developer, and the co-founder of PixelBit, a design and development agency. PixelBit has no particular home base, with staff spread out all over the world. Managing this requires systems and good communication, which Matt discusses in this conversation.

We also cover tools and methodologies that change over time, sometimes very quickly, balancing client needs with constraints of deadlines and technology, and leaving life as a freelancer for one of a business owner.

Show Notes & Links

Matt and Prescott met via the Photoshop Cafe forum c.2001
Prescott bemoans the end of forums in general
Colin Smith, founder of Photoshop Cafe
Facebook groups are nearly impossible to search
Matt helps “clients create products and expand on their brands”
PixelBit was founded in 2011 by Matt Keefe and Philip Neal as a mobile and app development team
Matt was a freelancer for ten years
PixelBit will partner with larger agencies when they’re at capacity

“We’re like an outside force inside their business” —Matt KeefeClick to Tweet

Apple Watch, less of a consumer product and more of a new brand platform
Those guys who grow enormous pumpkins, and how they prune
Blackberry and Flash, once prominent now all-but-abandoned
Developing for Android is often overlooked, but it can be a powerful boost to your brand
The balance between intuitive apps that look like the OS, and user discovery from innovative new UI

“Being a freelancer is like being Batman; one day you’re called on to save the world, but the next you’re an orphan.” —Prescott Perez-FoxClick to Tweet

“Freelancing is all about the journey because there is no ‘freelance destination’ ” —Prescott Perez-FoxClick to Tweet

“As a small business owner, you have to wear 57 different hats.” —Matt KeefeClick to Tweet

Matt is [still] a programmer, but has moved away from design

“You don’t have the money not to market your company.” —Matt KeefeClick to Tweet

PixelBit didn’t find success with Twitter or Facebook ads; it’s hard to sell services in 140 characters
Von Glitschka, Illustrative designer on Dribbble
Vijay Mathews, past guest on The Busy Creator Podcast

“There’s never too much communication … unless it’s by email” —Matt KeefeClick to Tweet

Henry David Thoreau, and his rural Massachusetts lifestyle
Autocross
Matt Keefe on Twitter
Matt Keefe on Facebook
Matt Keefe on Instagram
PixelBit on Twitter
PixelBit on Facebook

Tools

Slack
Flash
iOS, Android, Windows Phone OS – mobile operation systems
WordPress
Sortfolio (formerly Haystack), a directory for agencies
Dribbble or Behance, portfolio sites
Dropbox
InVision to screenshare with clients
Trello
Jira for bug-tracking
Basecamp
Harvest
Agile workflows
Quickbooks Online
Xero
Ikea desks

Techniques

Use Slack to maintain a group community (instead of Facebook)
Reconnect with previous clients to introduce your new capabilities or team
Acknowledge where your skills are best utilized — design vs. development
Post work and engage on Facebook, but don’t expect an ROI and real project works
Create a Trello board for design and development ideas
Implement a “ground game” at local Chambers of Commerce and other groups
Include the client on ideation
Never be in a position where the client asks “what’s the status?”
Write-off the square footage of your home office, but only if there’s a door!

Habits

Always have a staging server so the client can see the project status
Use milestones and formal meetings, because some clients prefer it
Wake up at 5:00 or 6:00 in the morning, especially to chat with team members in different timezones
Keep a structured eating schedule, especially when you’re deep in a project
Maintain hobbies that are entirely separate from computers and technology

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Get Remote: Office Not Required by Jason Fried & David Heinemeier Hansson as a free audiobook

Get The Episode

Download The Busy Creator Podcast, episode 53 (MP3, 42:17, 20.3 MB)
Download The Busy Creator Podcast, episode 53 (OGG, 42:17, 36.0 MB)

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The Busy Creator 52 w/guest Adrienne Stortz Apr 06, 2015

Show notes

Adrienne Stortz (@xoxoadrienne) is the creator and host of xoxo cooks, an online cooking show featuring good food you can make at home. She also consults on digital marketing strategy for classical musicians, helping them craft messaging and promote events.

Our conversation discusses the balance between client work and a passion project, how she arrived in both the classical music and online video sectors, and how the premise of experimentation and continual improvement can be powerful for freelancers and businesses alike.

Catch up with Adrienne on her xoxo cooks YouTube Channel, or on her consulting website, AdrienneStortz.com

Show Notes & Links

Adrienne runs xoxo cooks, a weekly cooking show on YouTube, and works as a digital marketing strategy consultant for classical musicians
Adrienne studied classical piano and Music Merchandising rather than video production or cooking
Her previous employers include Carnegie Hall, where she learned to “sell tickets”
“Musicians are amazing at what they do, but that doesn’t always apply to writing a good email.”
Business card with a photo (like a real estate agent)
Adrienne is adept at working with “artists”, which includes musicians who don’t always make natural clients
Prima donna, a term adopted from Opera
Earn1K, a course from Ramit Sethi
Adrienne is working to serve up-and-coming musicians, essentially her peers
“Layer Cake” pricing vs. three wildly different offerings
“Adult Onset Awkwardness” as discussed on The Busy Creator Podcast, Episode 18 with guest Debbie Millman
xoxo cooks originated from a desire to master YouTube strategy first-hand
An early video from xoxo cooks, admittedly “a little rough” but “still interesting”
Ready, Fire, Aim by Michael Masterson On Amazon and On Audible

“It doesn’t matter what business you’re in, you’re actually in the sales business.” —Michael Masterson ← Click to Tweet

Adrienne films right in her own kitchen
That scene from ET where they tent the house
Adrienne doesn’t yet film in batches, largely due to space constraints
John Lee Dumas edits 8 podcast episodes in 90 minutes, according to his appearance The Busy Creator Podcast, Episode 50
Katie Q, fellow YouTube cooking show host
Katie Q’s production workflow
Prescott watches a ton of woodworking videos on YouTube (and isn’t sorry)
Adrienne Stortz on Twitter
Adrienne Stortz on Facebook
Adrienne Stortz on Instagram
xoxo cooks on YouTube

Tools

YouTube
Tripod
Phone-to-Tripod adapter
DSLR Camera: Canon T3i
VideoMic Pro Compact VMP Shotgun Microphone
iMovie
Final Cut Pro
Three-point lighting setup

Techniques

Collaborate with agents and managers, who are used to marketing language and operations
Get people on the phone, ask questions, and talk about their needs
Don’t start from scratch; borrow from your earlier proposals
Look for custom offerings with clients rather than fit them into packages
Use your network! Reach out to former clients and contacts.
If you’re interested in something, like a new social network, just start making something
Be mindful of your video’s sound — it’s just as important as the lighting or picture quality
Plan your content around the calendar (e.g. holidays, seasons)
Examine Google Trends to time your content and events
Prepare your foods in advance to avoid cutting/chopping on the video

Habits

Continue to improve, embrace incremental improvement
Learn about sales and embrace selling in your own practice
Get comfortable with experimentation, being slightly sloppy while putting yourself out there
Wake up early and hydrate
Avoid caffeine if it makes you insane
Clean up the house as part of your wake-up or morning routine

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Visit BusyCreatorBook.com for your free trial

Get Ready, Fire, Aim by Michael Masterson as a free audiobook

Get The Episode

Download The Busy Creator Podcast, episode 52 (MP3, 37:27, 18.2 MB)
Download The Busy Creator Podcast, episode 52 (OGG, 37:27, 31.6 MB)

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The Busy Creator 51 w/guest Peter Kubilus Mar 30, 2015

Show notes

Peter Kubilus (@PeterKubilus) is an interiors and architectural photographer based in metro New York. Following studies in both photography and architectural engineering, Peter has created a practice photographing offices, hotels, residences, and more.

Our conversation covers his origins in photography, how he came to specialise in architecture, and the workflow of setting up lights and creating his images.

Check out Peter’s photography at his website, kubilusphoto.com

Show Notes & Links

Peter describes his work as modern, clean, refined, not messy
Previous photographers on The Busy Creator Podcast include Bill Wadman, Christine Blackburne, Taylor Mathis
Peter only photograph’s “The built environment”
Seton Hall Prep, high school in New Jersey
Peter’s first introduction to architecture and building came from visits to his father’s build sites as a youth
Architectural Digest, Architectural Record, Interior Design magazine
Peter’s college classes “activated the creative side his head”
Prescott and Peter grew up in neighboring towns, both attended Drexel University, but didn’t meet until later.
“Circulation” is the term for a person moving through architecture, being at scale, etc.
Colour Temperature (mixtures of LEDs, Fluorescents, Sunlight)
Shooting for a hotel may mean conveying a lifestyle. Shooting for the architect may center around materials.
Peter’s projects range in scale from a kitchen to a 30-story building
Each image can take a few hours to set up, yielding only a few images per day
High Dynamic Range (HDR) composites in Photoshop

“You can’t turn garbage into a masterpiece.” —Peter Kubilus ← Click to Tweet

Center for Architecture, American Institute of Architects (AIA) NY Ch, The Architectural League of New York
200 Lexington, D&D Building

“Networking was what really initially launched my career.” —Peter Kubilus ← Click to Tweet

Felix Sockwell, Illustrator, and past guest on The Busy Creator

“Opportunity + Preparation = Success” ← Click to Tweet

“Just because I’m not out in the field shooting doesn’t mean I’m not working.” —Peter Kubilus ← Click to Tweet

Tools

Techniques

Take a walk-through of a built space before you photograph
Ask the architect questions — he or she knows the plan inside and out
Find the right angle, then strip out extraneous material that might distract from the shot
Take point-and-shoot photos during a walkthrough
Don’t allow objects in a shot to overlap. This may require micro-rotations.
Stage the room first, then light it
Take multiple shots at different exposures so you can built it later in Photoshop as needed
Get the image right “in the camera” so you only have to spend 20–30 minutes in Photoshop
Use Lightroom to pare down your images. Then bring to Photoshop for retouching.
Deliver files via Dropbox rather than FTP.
Attend networking events, even as frequently as 4 days a week.
Use email newsletters rather than mini-portfolios — at least you can track who opens emails
Have a website with portfolio samples
Spend 30 minutes a week on LinkedIn
Wake up early and do those digital time-wasters before you start work
Use an assistant for shoots

Habits

Maintain a presence on LinkedIn, Instagram, Facebook fan pages
Backup your files immediately after connecting your camera

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Visit BusyCreatorBook.com for your free trial

Get Digital Photography Guide by Larry Hall as a free audiobook

The Busy Creator 50 w/John Lee Dumas & Kate Erickson Mar 23, 2015

Show notes

John Lee Dumas (@JohnLeeDumas) & Kate Erickson (@KateLErickson) are the duo behind Entrepreneur on Fire, a daily podcast about business, life, and success. Working closely and dedicating themselves to systematic behaviour, John and Kate have built a massively successful business around their podcasts and blogging community.

This conversation discusses their individual workflows and systems, how they manage virtual assistants, and how working from home requires discipline and systems.

Check out their podcasts, blogs, communities, and courses over at EntrepreneurOnFire.com

Show Notes & Links

John doesn’t consider himself a creative person. He doesn’t have a “design bone” in his body, but his mouth is creative.
Kate worked in advertising and marketing on the accounts and project management side
Systematic behaviour for John means “always tweaking”

“Day one looks very different from today” —John Lee Dumas ← Click to Tweet

John batches his interviews on Tuesday; 8 interviews in one day
John edits a 40-minute show in about 5–7 minutes; 8 interviews in 90 minutes
Lists posts seem to have the best responses for blog posts
Customer Relationship Management (CRM) software allow you to keep everything in one place
Kate understands how to “drop a diagram” and be analytical (especially in Infusionsoft)
Kate uses Asana with her Virtual Assistants (VAs)
John’s VAs were focused on his schedule and social media
John & Kate struggled when working from the same desk, and now lead “separate work lives”
John never found the groove when working in a cubical; this still powers his concentration when working from home
The Fire Path, Kate’s training program and book from Entrepreneur on Fire
The Fire Path by Kate Erickson On Amazon
John Lee Dumas on Twitter
Kate Erickson on Twitter
Entrepreneur on Fire on Facebook
John Lee Dumas on Instagram
Kate Erickson on Instagram
Entrepreneur on Fire on YouTube

Tools

Techniques

While recording, use colour-coded markers as flags for yourself when editing
Listen to feedback and monitor social feedback and sharing
Use “skeleton writing” to jot down bullet points. This avoids the “blank paper syndrome”
Use Virtual Assistants (VAs) to extend your day-to-day capabilities
Keep roles distinct for VAs; don’t keep people guessing about what their duties will be
Before you hire a VA, spend one week writing down all your repetitive tasks

Habits

Keep a running list of ideas. Continually record inspiration for blog posts while reading, listening, watching.
Skype with your co-worker rather than interrupt each other
Take breaks throughout the day, especially if you work from home and don’t otherwise leave the house
Build domestic distractions into your morning routine (so they don’t reappear during the day)

Try Audible.com Free for 30-Days

Visit BusyCreatorBook.com for your free trial

Get Podcast Launch by John Lee Dumas as a free audiobook

The Busy Creator 49, Salary & Fee Negotiation w/guest Jim Hopkinson Mar 16, 2015

Show notes

Jim Hopkinson (@HopkinsonReport) is the author of the book Salary Tutor: Learn The Salary Negotiation Secrets No One Ever Taught You. His website, SalaryTutor.com, offers free resources and online salary negotiation courses to help creative professionals, students, and freelancers increase their confidence, develop a negotiation mindset, and get paid what they’re worth through effective negotiation.

This conversation discusses how creatives can use their natural abilities to get the job, how to negotiate for a top salary or raise, and how freelancers can approach fee negotiations for project-based work.

Show Notes & Links

Jim Hopkinson, The Salary Tutor
Salary Tutor: Learn the Salary Negotiation Secrets No One Ever Taught You by Jim Hopkinson On Amazon and On Audible
FUD (Fear, Uncertainty, and Doubt)
A previous blog post about The Humble Coloured Folder
Jim’s first few negotiations were on the employee side, but while working at a small startup, he had the opportunity to act as the HR side, which gave him both perspectives
Jim worked at ESPN and Wired
The 4-Hour Workweek by Tim Ferriss On Amazon and On Audible
Jim wrote The Hopkinson Report blog and hosted a podcast for five years (iTunes link)
10,000 hours
Creatives don’t necessarily approach negotiation from a different perspective
Creatives have advantages built in: standing out through design

“Everyone has the same boring Microsoft Word resume template; designers have an opportunity to stand out visually” –Jim Hopkinson ← Click to Tweet

Having “something to show” is a strong negotiation or job-hunting tactic
Put your research into a well-designed graphic layout, don’t just do the research or memorize the figures

“How you do anything is how you do everything.” ← Click to Tweet

“If you want to be, do.” ← Click to Tweet

On getting a raise for a current job, “it’s about proving your worth”
A montage showing “war”
Creatives should find the analytics; other folks should make it visual
A portfolio example might show adding a Facebook widget to a website, then detailing the before-and-after statistical impact on traffic and revenue
Top Performers can earn more than regular employees
Verbal hacks: “how can we …”, “let’s look at this together”, “compensation” (instead of fee)
Vanessa Van Edwards, body language expert
Your benefits can be worth up to 1.4x your base salary (article source)
Use an appropriate response for different scenarios (non-profit, new job, big company, etc.)
There’s now a culture of “Double your rate!“

“It’s not coming up with a specific number, it’s coming up with a framework for how you work with clients.” —Jim Hopkinson ← Click to Tweet

How Much Should I Charge, a talk at SXSW by Jim Hopkinson
M.Y. R.A.T.E. (Mindset, Yes or No, Research, Adjusting, Techniques (like “anchoring”), Experience/Execution
Value Pricing, a different way of calculating things
“V&A” pricing (Value + Agony)
5% is considered a “big raise” on a year-by-year basis; according to Jim, 2-3% is standard (article source)
Special landing page for listeners of this podcast: salarytutor.com/busycreator
Jim Hopkinson on Twitter
Jim Hopkinson on YouTube

Tools

Free introductory course on The Negotiation Mindset by Jim Hopkinson
How to Negotiate a Raise or Promotion by Jim Hopkinson
How to Negotiate a New Job Offer (Professional Edition) by Jim Hopkinson

Techniques

Create a website if only to take over your Google search results
Use your creative and design skills to make your resume/case studies/portfolio look like a sharp project
Work on your mindset before you even attempt to negotiate
Use a Past/Present/Future model to address your value for a current job
Use goal-setting as part of an overall negotiation
Continually gather praise, evidence, portfolio samples
Demonstrate that you’re already doing the role of someone higher
Make a pie chart or visual reference, especially for a before-and-after
Grab newspaper headlines to illustrate the landscape of your industry
Bring your design work back to the bottom line. Show that your work has context, not just the work itself.
Get the timing right — both during the week, and during the calendar year (know your company’s budget cycle and overall financial health)
Do not reveal your past salary!!
Never lie!!! (It’ll come back to haunt you)
Try hourly billing for new projects or loosely-defined scope
For a new client, start hourly and give them a “homework assignment” such as gathering logos, copy, etc.

Habits

Continually gather evidence of your work; numbers are best, anecdotes are useful as well.
Always observe the market and know what your industry is doing

Try Audible.com Free for 30-Days

Visit BusyCreatorBook.com for your free trial

Get Salary Tutor: Learn the Salary Negotiation Secrets No One Ever Taught You by Jim Hopkinson as a free audiobook

Get the Episode

Download The Busy Creator Podcast, episode 49 (MP3, 51:27, 24.8 MB)
Download The Busy Creator Podcast, episode 49 (OGG, 51:27, 41.2 MB)

Subscribe to Get New Episodes

Subscribe to The Busy Creator Podcast on iTunes

The Busy Creator 48 w/guest Artist Eric Kass Mar 09, 2015

Show notes

Eric Kass (@funnel_erickass) is a Commercial Artist who has built a distinct solo practice across identity, graphic design, packaging design, and more. His practice — Funnel, the Fine Commercial Art Practice of Eric Kass — works with startups and artisanal food companies on developing all aspects of their brand story.

Our conversation cover Eric’s definition of a commercial artist, how we works with clients, and his new side project. Catch up with Eric on his website, Funnel.tv

Show Notes & Links

Eric creates “heart-made craft brands”
His practices reaches across naming, identity, packaging, point of sales, and more
Graphic Design isn’t a great term; “graphic” is too specific, “design” is too broad
Commercial Artist is a better description → art for sale
Branding always appealed to Eric for its ability to craft a narrative, to appreciate details (typography, logo, etc.)
Practice, a term usually applied to Medicine or Law, can also be applied to design (or Yoga)
The name Funnel emerged from Eric’s experiences and observations, as well as a reflection of his design process
Printed Ephemera by John Noel Claude Lewis On Amazon
Ephemerotica.com — Curated Compendium of the Coveted / Authentic & Inspired Vintage Goods

“Every company is now a media company.” —Seth Godin ← Click to Tweet

Felix Sockwell, past podcast guest, has never used InDesign
David Blatner & Anne-Marie Concepción joined me for The InDesign Episode of The Podcast
Eric grew up on a farm where your work is pretty much overlapping with your “home” life
Eric Kass on Twitter
Eric Kass on Facebook
Eric Kass on Instagram
Eric Kass on Pinterest
Eric Kass on linkedin

Tools

The Busy Creator 47 w/guest Lucy Leiderman, part II Mar 05, 2015

Show notes

Lucy Leiderman (@Lucy Leiderman) is the Director of Digital Strategy for Toronto-based agency Pilot PMR. Here, she advises clients on content and social media strategy, oversees promotion and advertising across new media, and writes on a number topics related to internet and technology.

Lucy is also a published author, having written the Seven Wanderers Trilogy, a series of novels in the historical fiction/fantasy genre.

This conversation is split into two parts, where the first discusses her work as a digital strategist, and the second speaks more to her personal habits and her workflow as an author. Catch up with Lucy on her website, LucyLeiderman.com

The Busy Creator 47 w/guest Lucy Leiderman, part I Mar 02, 2015

Show notes

Lucy is also a published author, having written the Seven Wanderers Trilogy, a series of novels in the historical fiction/fantasy genre.

Show Notes & Links

Prescott and Lucy know each other “from the internet”
Directors of Digital Strategy need to have the “widest toolbelt” of digital knowledge, to always offer fresh, innovative, custom solutions – there is no more “cookie cutter” approach
Agile Methodology
“Project Managers have become Scrum Masters”, says Bob Calvano during his episode
Scrum Alliance and their certifications
“The Scrum Master is, above all, a facilitator.” ← Click to Tweet
“At the end of the day, [we]’re all in the business of marketing. We’re trying to get people to do something.” ← Click to Tweet
Traditional can be contemporary — living as if they’re in 2008
Lucy writes numerous articles
Growth Hacking
Internetalia — is that a word?
“We’re all psychologists now.” ← Click to Tweet
“The Free Market is as active online as it is anywhere.” ← Click to Tweet
Instagram gets bought for $1 Billion
Instagram needs to solve its multiple login problem
The Busy Creator on Instagram — completely locked out and can no longer be updated
When Instagram first came out, it didn’t have a web presence
18-year-old Instagram celebrities/millionaires
Patagonia on Instagram
Zildjian on Instagram
“Login Fatigue,” when you have too many damn accounts and log-ins
Coca-Cola’s social media “happy” campaign backfires
Kim Kardashian’s twitter goof during the Aurora, CO shootings
Wrong Aurora
DiGiorno Pizza during The Ray Rice scandal — hashtag #WhyIStayed
You Had Pizza
“With analytics, anything can be good or bad. It’s up to you to frame it.” ← Click to Tweet
The problem with blue light
“I started writing because I ran out of reading material.” ← Click to Tweet
Lucy’s first books were set in the world of Celtic Mythology
Lucy does not take inspiration from Russian Literature, in spite of her heritage
Originally, she wrote for children, but her work ended up a little more mature
Only about 30% of a story plan actually comes to be
Prescott thinks stories are like trees, or spiderwebs. Lucy says they’re more like a tapestry (with threads woven through)
“Writing a book is committing yourself to always feeling guilty.” ← Click to Tweet
NaNoWriMo – National Novel-Writing Month
“I love the finished product, but the process is hard.” ← Click to Tweet
Lucy never took courses in writing or studied the craft
Average sci-fi novels are 100,000+ words
It can take 25 minutes to get back on task following a distraction, according to an article from The NY Times, which cites a study from UC Irvine
Lucy has never had a full cup of coffee, prefers tea
McDonald’s + Shazam ad – did it work?
LucyLeiderman.com, an About.me page
Lucy’s Author Page
Lucy Leiderman on Twitter
Lucy Leiderman on LinkedIn
Lucy Leiderman on Instagram, mostly her dogs

Tools

Google Analytics
Radian6
Buffer
HootSuite
Google Drive/Apps for Work
Workamajig
Basecamp
Balsamiq, for wireframes
InVision, also for wireframes
Slack
Microsoft Word
Facebook, and its ever-changing nature

Techniques

Don’t create content for it’s own sake
Don’t waste a call-to-action and spend money when it doesn’t drive sales
Use data to show how campaigns are effective
Get immersed in the community; go to events/Hackathons, watch TED talks
Use the channel itself for full analytics; don’t trust third-party sites for data collection
Factor “the environment” into your channel-planning
Ask questions in your story plan (e.g. “why does this person think this?”)
Have a publisher or editor kick your butt a little
Use Post-Its to highlight points-to-make
Keep a plan for the next 5000 words, and another document for the actual text
Build a nest of pillows and stay deep for 5-6 hours of work
Allow your daily routine to flex with the day (and the dogs’ breakfast schedule)
Read case studies rather than opinions, especially for continued growth/learning