You-Commerce

I think I've alluded to the term "You-commerce" before (a neologism I created that I am taking credit for :), but I want to talk about it today.

You-commerce is building, promoting and monetizing ones personal brand, products and services through social media and new media platforms such as Twitter, YouTube, Facebook, LinkedIn, MySpace and any free blogging service.  You-commerce is digital self-empowerment: a low-budget personal and professional new media strategy.

Online self-broadcast mediums are democratic; any person who is willing to define their personal brand, work to the top of their abilities, and put in the hours to create and develop their new media platforms has an equal opportunity to succeed online and offline.  I want to clarify that I'm not saying that these platforms guarantee the quality of your work, the scope of your audience or millions of dollars and worldwide domination, but I think that as a marketing tool, a You-commerce strategy is essential for any professional seeking to build a reputation and expand their markets online and offline.

You-commerce is not effortless (explaining the rise in "social media community management" positions) and I think that's why not everyone who could and should be employing a You-commerce strategy is doing so.  The web is overwhelming and can deter action through too many options, so my advice is to pick six platforms and devote yourself to them on a daily basis, knowing that it will take time to grow, but that the return will be worth the effort.

A few examples of simple strategies for different artistic disciplines: 

If you are a visual artist, create a custom Twitter and a Facebook Fan Page but also include DeviantArt, Flickr, Artician, SheezyArt, ConceptArt, Shadowness, and Gfxartist to your online portfolio and social networking roster.  Make friends there, silly introvert, and don't forget to apply for jobs or add galleries to your Twitter list!

If you are an actor, WRITE YOUR OWN DAMN 2-3 minute episodic WEB SERIES and GET IT ONLINE on either Vimeo or YouTube.  Just make sure the concept is strong, easily communicable in one sentence (traditional broadcasters have deep pockets but very little patience), and appeals to the interests of the market you want to work in.  Other essential social networks for actors are CastingWorkbook, Mandy, Backstage, ActorsandCrew and ModelMayhem.  Make sure you send on your highly rated clips to casting directors in the area.  If you're not promoting your "craft" on the Internet, you will never ever ever ever ever land large roles.  Ever.

If you are a musician, instead of just sticking to MySpace, try out Numubu.com, AmieStreet, Imeem, Lulu, and Indabamusic.  And don't forget to record your live performances and broadcast them on a custom YouTube channel, as well as doing kick ass acoustic versions of popular songs, adding them as a video response to music videos on YouTube, and watching as your own music sales soar, provided that you do not suck.  Or maybe sucking isn't so bad, if it attracts enough attention....



The resources are there for You-commerce, YOU just have to make an effort, join and use them consistently.

Feel free to add your network suggestions in my comments, or tell me how to improve MY use of You-Commerce.: AiMEe-commerce.

IN OTHER JOBS:

Harry from Mocoloco rescheduled for next week, so you'll have to wait for my avant-gardsy clip.

ALSO, I am officially looking for a videographer/editor/project-life-partner, so if you know anyone who wants to join me on my 100 jobs journey, send them my way.  Wine is in your future if s/hes the one and looks like Curtis Stone has a great personality.

I know you cook naked. Olive oil.

Yours in You-commerce,


Aimee