I first discovered Chris Guillebeau at a social media training earlier this year – I checked out his blog and really liked his messages. Very inspiring and against the grain, they grab your heart strings and give you hope to leap from the normal way of thinking and challenge yourself. His website has lots of goodies such as “279 Days to Overnight Success“. I was lucky enough to chat with him about his application of social media to share and explain his ideas.

What’s your business?

I help people live unconventional lives.

When did you start using social media and why?

I started right when I started my site, The Art of Non-Conformity. It seemed like a good idea to jump on the train.

Has social media changed your business?

I wouldn’t say it’s changed the business; I’d say it is the business. I write for free, but enough people are interested in my premium things that I can make a living. It’s all due to this thing we call the social web.

What are you looking forward to social media changing in the future?

Not sure on that… I’m pretty happy with the current status.

Have a social media story you’d like to share?
Air New Zealand sent me to the Cook Islands because of people who recommended me on Twitter. About half of my media coverage comes out of social web contacts. I meet people all over the world whenever I travel now, but I feel like I already know them because we’ve connected online first.

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• Chatting with one of the Wealthy Freelancers

I met Gary originally through Biznik.com and was happy to see his company on Twitter shortly after. In a world where everyone wants something customized, ImageWear Solutions provides a plethora of items, including many eco-friendly wares. Check out his site and read the interview below to learn how small businesses can build community through social media.

What’s your business and who are your clients?

ImageWear Solutions is an advertising specialty distributor, which supplies company uniforms and corporate apparel, as well as a wide range of promotional products. We also offer custom embroidery and screen-printing services.

When did you start using social media and why?

We just started getting involved with social media a few months ago, because we like the sense of community that it offers.  It’s a great, affordable way to not only showcase the products and services that you offer, but also to showcase the character of your company.  I started my own business to not only be independent and hopefully profitable, but also to be able to use our resources to help build a better community.   Social media gives us a great outlet to support non-profits, the arts, environmental issues, as well as other small businesses. For us, it’s all about helping each other grow and blossom, then give something back. We can all make this a better world in which to live.
Have you seen an increase of business?

We have seen a slight spike, but most of all, we’ve met some really great people and feel like we’re more in tune and involved in the community than before.

What are you looking forward to social media changing in the future?

I’m hoping that it will continue to evolve and maintain the community spirit in which it was intended and also clean up the business landscape.  If you are honest and sincere, as a business owner, the word is going to spread allowing you to grow and offer more back to the community in which you live.   And if you’re not, well people can spot a phony pretty easily and yes, the word will spread like wild fire. There will be an increase of “get rich” schemers, as well as so-called social media “experts” hoping to part you from your hard earned money. There are scam artists everywhere. As a community, we have a responsibility to protect each other from the predators.

Have a social media story you’d like to share (how you connected with someone or how someone helped you?)

As I said before, we’ve met some really great people, including you via social media. One story does come to mind though. I came to know Kimberly LeRiche, who owns and operates JK Virtual Office Resources and her husband Jeff, the owner of OTC Sports on Twitter.  She has helped us greatly with understanding how social media can benefit our company.  One day she had re-tweeted a message by the Portland Police Bureau Sunshine Division (http://www.sunshinedivision.org/), who collects donations of food and clothing and distributes them to families in need.   We had never even heard of them before.  Well, we accumulate a great deal of new clothing samples through our dealings with various vendors.  We had clothing stashed in various locations and not really doing anyone any good at all.  So, we gathered them all together and donated some really nice, new clothing to the Sunshine Division.   So, through social media, we have found a great place to donate clothing that will benefit those in need. It’s a win-win for everyone.

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• Reaching out to small businesses -what’s the best way?

As a solo business owner, my office used to be my basement. Every day I would go downstairs and start my day but about a year ago, I realized how isolated I was. I was calling friends a lot, feeling a little bit lonely – I would even plan my day so I would always see someone for coffee/lunch.

I began looking around for office options, I wanted to share office space with other small business people, not be behind the closed door of an office.  I remembered hearing about Souk and that is was co-working (shared space with other entrepreneurs) and located downtown, near the max. I did a trial day and loved it, it felt so good to come home at the end of the day and be done with work. I signed up and became a member.

There are so many benefits I’ve gotten being in a co-working environement. I’ve made friends with other souk members who have helped me out with computer issues or just to bounce ideas or problem solving – two heads are always better than one.
It’s easier to meet people during the day being downtown. I drive less because I use the max and bus. I’ve met some talented folks through other networking groups who come to Souk and have clients referred to me. Overall, I can see huge growth in my business and business support.

You can’t do it alone as a business person, working together is the best way to success. Find out if your city has co-working places or create your own and share with other like-minded business people! Here’s a list of some of the main co-working spaces as well as a collective space to talk about co-working worldwide.

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• How Strategic Partners Can Help Tell Your Story

I’ve been impressed with all of Google’s tools, I’ve been playing with more of them over the past year and was happy to see they have a Local Business directory.

It provides a free listing of your business and allows you to update it for free as well. As a business, they encourage to put your address, photos, hours, and a description of your business. It’s a nice supplement to your blog and website and integrates with Google Maps, which especially nice if you are tricky to find and are always giving directions. As a bonus, you can add coupons to this listing, a great way for new businesses to get customers walking through the door!

Don’t wait, an account only takes 5 minutes to set up, get more business an easy way!

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• Web 2.0 tools to die for

This is the first of a series of interviews with other small businesses like yourself! The best way to learn is by listening how other folks accomplish and succeed. I always love talking to small businesses and finding out what their passion is behind the business.

My first business is Mercedes Rose, a talented voice-actress, as well as film actress, model, and teacher.

Please describe your business and why you are passionate about it?

For the last 13+ years I have been a full time actress and voice over artist. These industries combine all that I love- creativity, self motivation, variety…

It also helps that I am incredibly good at my job. And since i have no other marketable skills, that is a very good thing!

Do you use different social media tools to promote your business?

I use social media on an almost daily basis to promote my own business but also to stay in touch with trends and cycles within the acting community. Almost all films, advertising agencies, production companies, performers and crew have their own sites now. Sites like Facebook are a great way to spread the word about what you are working on.

What tools have worked for you? What hasn’t?

I successfully use Facebook, You Tube, and Twitter and a variety of industry specific Ning sites.  Many actors and filmakers swear by MySpace and while I do have a page I find it too 2008…

What goals to you want to achieve with social media tools in the next 6 months?

I would love to get to the point where I can have a personal assistant to help with all the updates and postings. It can be time consuming to post blogs, photos  and videos. But the time is definitly worth it.

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• Reaching out to small businesses -what’s the best way?