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I’m featured on Smart Social’s recent “15 Easy Tips for Using Social Media Responsibly.”
Take a look at how I explain social media as an aptitude tool + thoughts from 14 other industry practitioners:
I'm a featured expert on Omnisend's recent blog post: How to Do Email Marketing the Right Way: 32 Experts Weigh In.
It all comes down to being authentic and adding value in every communication. Check out the full post to hear from me + 31 other experts.
My husband and I proudly welcomed our daughter, Sarah Lorelai Andreas, into the world on March 3, 2018 at 1:26 a.m.! She's the light of our lives.
Thank you to Mary Arcuni Photography for capturing a few sweet moments for us.
Thank you to all who attended my “Screenager Classroom Engagement Tactics" workshop at Austin Community College's "Spring Development Day" today!
It was a pleasure to meet new faces and engage in conversation around utilizing Instagram and Snapchat in classroom activities.
Here are a few takeaways from today's session:
Again, thanks to all attendees today! If you couldn't make the session, or are interested in having me present to your group or organization, feel free to contact me to chat about a collaboration.
I'm pleased to be presenting an updated version of my “Screenager Classroom Engagement Tactics" workshop at Austin Community College's "Spring Development Day" this week.
After the session, I'll be sure to post questions that arose from the conversation, as well as any new insights on the subject matter.
Thanks to all who are registered! It looks like we'll have a full house.
This week I had the pleasure of speaking at the 2017 Texas Regional Alignment Network College and Career Readiness Symposium.
My presentation, entitled "Keep Your Phones Out! “Screenager” Classroom Engagement Tactics," discussed ideas for utilizing apps such as Instagram and SnapChat in middle school, high school and college classrooms.
Encouraging students to use their phones in class may seem counter-productive, but I've found it meets students "where they live" and inspires them to see digital devices as tools for learning. (Plus, it's fun!)
Below are a few ideas I shared with attendees:
1. Hold Class Discussions on Instagram. At the college level, students are expected to engage in online conversations across a variety of mediums to fully participate in class. Instagram can be a great mode for this activity. Simply post an interesting picture and as a question to get the conversation going.
2. Host Live Q&A's on SnapChat. Once thought to be a parent's worst nightmare, SnapChat has evolved into a multi-functional platform for brands, organizations and people alike. It's a great tool to both ask and receive questions. For example, an instructor could "snap" a photo and include a text overlay with a specific question and students could reply back with their answers.
3. Showcase Student Accomplishments. Users aged 13-24 primarily use social media to "preen," or show off their achievements, from Homecoming pictures to college acceptance notifications. Instagram is a great platform to do this inside the classroom. Instructors can encourage students to share their pictures with them and then post the photos to a class Instagram profile. Students can then ask questions and comment on the posts.
Not sure where to get started with Instagram, SnapChat or other apps in your classroom? I'm available for online or in-person training sessions and custom presentations. Send me a note to get the conversation started.
Digital strategists have a slight reputation for disregarding traditional forms of communication.
From snail mail to physical publications, "new media" experts frequently advise on ditching "dinosaur" marketing in favor of blog content, email blasts, live video posts and social media campaigns.
Except me.
Even after more than a decade spent coaching and encouraging brands to invest and explore digital methodology, I still see the value in traditional communications.
The kicker? It all comes down to a brand's unique industry, target audience and other key differentiators.
So when the InvoiceBerry team asked for traditional marketing methods that are still effective, I was glad to share a few of my own. Check out my tips, as well as ideas from 14 other experts on their blog.
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Want to stay updated on the latest social media features? I'm launching a new training product soon. Gain early access here!
Kabbage, a company who helps small businesses get the funding they need to grow, recently asked owners what they love most about what they do.
My thoughts are included in their latest blog post. Take a look, here.
I'm a featured expert in the recently released Digital Citizenship Techniques. It's a book on keeping kids safe and productive online. My best advice? Keep it balanced with both study time and "fun" time. Check out the full book on Amazon:
My current work routine entails driving to San Antonio twice a week to fulfill an adjunct faculty role at Palo Alto College. The campus and the students keep me both energized and creative in my various pursuits in business and academia.
Logistically, the 80 mile drive - or 160 miles each day - could be a strain on my productivity as a communications consultant who has her hands in more than one creative project.
But I see my travel time as a learning opportunity, much like Laura Vanderkam's concept of "car schooling." During my lengthy drives, I digest multiple podcasts on various topics: marketing, entrepreneurship, story-telling, and so forth.
Lately, I've been particularly engaged by podcasts outside my normal industry of interest. Here are my top five favorites:
1. S-Town: Part murder mystery and part treasure hunt, S-Town explores the unique landscape of a rural Alabama town, within the context of a heartbreaking story. This podcast made me think about how people much different from me see politics, global issues and even morality. I inhaled this narrative in two days.
2. Women of the Hour: Lena Dunham's podcast highlights women who are making their mark on the world in a variety of ways. I love that this show refuses to exist within normal feminist tropes. As host, Lena chooses to seek out many stories not currently told in popular culture. It's now in its second season and can be easily enjoyed by all gender identities.
3. Sword and Scale: A dear friend shared this podcast with me, and I've been obsessed ever sense. Claiming "the worst monsters are real," Sword and Scale delves deep into true crime stories, from current news headlines to those confined to history books and horrific memories. It's NOT for the light of heart and might keep you up at night.
4. Distraction with Dr. Ned Hallowell: Dr. Hallowell is the foremost expert on ADD and ADHD, as well as the author of several best-selling books on managing to focus in a modern world. His podcast discusses everything from how meditation can help people of all ages to dealing with our fast-pace reality.
5. The Happy Hour with Jamie Ivey: I came to Jamie Ivey by way of Jen Hatmaker, and I've loved her weekly (and sometimes bi-weekly) episodes ever since. Jamie reflects true, authentic passion for women in all stages of life. In each episode, Jamie interviews a female speaker, author, business owner, or industry leader about their world. As a women in business who has her hand in multiple projects at once, I love learning from Jamie's guests each week.
Now I'd love to hear from you. What are your favorite non-business podcasts on rotation? Share with me here or on Twitter.
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