Alex Navrotski

5) Long links - Posting raw links eat up your character count, but more importantly ignores the potential for counting clicks and tracking fans' behaviors. When it comes to social media, any and all metrics are precious, so be sure to use a link shortener like bit.ly to count clicks and see where users are finding your content.

4) "Speaking of metrics ..." - Track as much as possible because statistics are one of your greatest allies. For example, did you know there's a specific time and day of the week you're most likely to be retweeted? Not only will keeping and analyzing statistics be essential in refining your timing and content, it can quickly prove the value of social engagement to your director.

3) "Set it and forget it" mentality - It's pretty darn convenient to shovel your Facebook posts into a Twitter feed (or vice-versa), but ignoring the differences between the two is a big mistake. On Twitter, you get your 140 (or 120 and a link), but Facebook plays well with posts a bit longer and offers up photo albums, videos, and the like. Take the two minutes to tweak your post to match the medium, users will appreciate the attention.

2) Calling the old Statue of Liberty play - It's "social" media for a reason, so reply to comments and interact with your fans and followers. Think about it this way: the more people like, comment on or reply to you, the more attention you'll get from their friends, and so on. Respond as often as possible, even if it's a simple "Thanks!" The same goes for other corps; there's every reason to interact with even the most spirited rival. There are more fans of the activity than there are of any one corps. There are great opportunities for cross-promotion and camaraderie with other social media managers.

1) Not posting video - This one's a no-brainer from a fan perspective but often gets skipped by the corps for one reason or another. I had a difficult experience with an overly-protective program coordinator, but it could be a lack of equipment or poor Internet access that gets in the way of truly compelling content. Especially in drum corps, video is king. If you're not comfortable with the show proper, post member and staff interviews during pre-season, and don't be afraid to post a few minutes of rehearsal or run-through once performances begin. 

Got any tips, tricks, or stuff you'd like to see from DCI corps this summer? Leave it in the comments. Also, check out my list of the DCI World Class corps on Twitter.

The end result of all of this should be a huge time savings, but why the sudden change? I really want to turn more of my energy from consuming content to creating it.

A job hunt is a funny thing. There's a lot of hurry up to make contacts and get applications out, then a ton of waiting for responses and new openings to crop up. Fortunately, I can afford to be a little picky for now, and there's a near limitless backlog of personal branding projects I can work on.

This site is first and foremost, so watch for new content and drop me a line about what you'd like to see. I'm also thinking very seriously about putting in for an app reviewer position at TUAW in the interim. Otherwise, wish me luck!

I already posted this on the Chicago Auto Show blog, but I thought it deserved a cross-post here. Maybe a little cheesy, but I had started to come unhinged after staring at survey responses for two days.

We got a few thousand survey responses from online ticket buyers, and some of them are absolute gems. Here are a few suggestions we're "working on" for next year.

"I liked the balloon slide."
Not really a suggestion, but we're glad the cars made such an impression.

"My husband wants more beautiful women modelling next to the cars like at the Fiat 500 :-)"
Your husband has great taste, the Fiat 500 was a hit in Europe.

"Remove all the carpeting! I was getting shocked by static electricity every time I touched a car!"
I had the same problem, but I ran with it. Shuffle your feet, then shake hands with a salesperson.

"ARRANGE FOR LESS SNOW AND COLD"
We've got a plan for that. Next year, we're going to hold the show indoors.

"Maybe have two Starbucks stands instead of just one?"
Got it. We'll put them right next to each other so they're easy to find.

"TOO MANY WHITE CARS"
That sounds like a personal problem.

"Free admission to people who submit this survey. That's the ticket."
What a shame, the survey's anoynymous and we're all out of time.

In all seriousness, thanks for the great responses. We're already abuzz with ideas and upgrades for the 2011 show.

I've finally found just enough to start, so the next step is to call forth the courage to finish. I'm doing more than a little un-learning, fixing some of the bad habits born in the academic setting. 

Thinking about it now, how much did I really benefit from a fourth read? Another day of thought? Another week? We're talking about rapidly diminishing returns, and that's not worth anybody's time.

There's a saying among photographers that "the best camera is the one you have with you." It's better to get the shot on a phone or disposable than to dig out your 20-megapixel DSLR and miss it.

The same holds true here; the best content is the stuff posted soonest. Don't sweat the minutiae.