My Name is Anitra and I am Addicted to Social Media…….

When I learned about this new social media trend, I have to say I was not impressed nor engaged. I thought it was a mindless way for people to meet new crazy and deranged personalities who were too afraid to meet you in person. I admit, I thought this was going to be another way to waste time and energy getting clients excited about a two-minute trend.

About a year ago I was asked to plan an event. The event stemmed from a social media site where alumni of a high school began rekindling old flames, meeting up with high school buddies and so on and so forth. The great researcher that I am, I decided to log on to the site and the rest is history. I believe I have been addicted since then. From Facebook to Twitter, I am always logged on checking out the who, what, when and where. Not with just trying to find old friends but using social media to expand my brand.

Use social media to meet new opportunities. Tweet for a purpose. Don’t just tell people you are out of the shower and about to start your day. Make each message count. Time is money. The sites are free. Did you hear me? This is a way to advertise your business as well as yourself for free.

Be clever. Post a question to begin dialogue. Use social media sites as a research tool. Maybe you have been thinking of starting a new business in a new area or changing your image and audience focus. Post a conversation about it. Once again, it’s free.

Large companies and organizations have joined the social media scene. CNN should thank social media for placing them in the category of the leader in two-way communication news.

Social media gives you the opportunity to “think outside the box.” I must warn you, it’s additive. I think you may already know that because you followed the link from Facebook to get to this blog (lol)!

Live Without Limits

How Strong is Your Brand

The death of Micheal Jackson has caused a global disruption. For the past week, every news outlet has found an avenue to create a MJ story. I have seen more red and black leather jackets, silver gloves, too short pants, and most of all, I have heard every song MJ has ever sang or produced. When I heard of his passing, my mind instantly went to my connection to MJ. I was (still am) addicted to his second masterpiece album "Off the Wall." Before my career in public relations I was a dancer. I must have choreographed one hundred or more dances to the sounds of "P.Y.T" and "Working Day and Night."

Although those songs were written before I could complete a sentence, they became a part of me. Although I can remember as an adult the MJ trial, his crazy methods of raising his children and his many changing faces, in his death I remember how his music makes me feel alive. Can you say that about your brand?

Companies constantly reinvent themselves with new logos, changing tag lines, and even changing colors; but a strong brand lives through the tough times. Take McDonald's. For years they have been known for their burger and fries. America is evolving into this health crazed and green society that drink lattes and embrace diversity. So what does McDonald's do? They embrace the changes by adding healthy salads, iced mochas, and great ads depicting various cultures; but one thing they didn't change-the burgers and fries.

I said all of that to say this: Strong Brands Remain in the Minds of Your Consumer. Don't be afraid to step outside of your comfort zone to change with the times, but don't be stupid and completely step away from what defines you. MJ made mistakes and so will you. He will be remembered more for his gifts than his faults. So turn down the chatter and turn up the music. It's time for your brand to make its mark.

-A