The Joy of Marketing. Oh, and don’t forget to sign up for camp!

I returned from New York a few days ago. When I arrived, I noticed that my new business cards had come in the mail:

Aren’t they fun? I ordered them from Moo Cards, which allows you to use your own images and to make each card unique, if you so choose. It’s a good thing I got them when I did, too.  I’m heading straight back into Marketing Mode. I capitalize this expression because it’s truly a big part of my career as a freelance writer and teaching artist. It’s a reality that I have found frustrating at times. I just want to write and perform, but sometimes I feel like a Facebook monkey instead! Still, there are a few elements of marketing that I’ve learned to enjoy and find gratifying. I spent two months working with marketing coach (and so much more), Dana Balicki. The three most gratifying tips I learned from Dana are:

1) Personalize. Show yourself on the web. Use marketing as an excuse to get to know yourself. Make a note of what you care about and find how that relates to what you offer as an artist. Talk about the things you care about.

2) Interact. Read and respond to others on social networks. Pretend you’re at a party. Pay attention to the conversations that speak to your interests. While you’re at it, post pictures and videos. Make sure your platform are interesting to look at.

3) Keep it consistent. This has always been hard for me. I’m the type that likes to avoid computers when I’m not typing poems. Creating daily and weekly marketing practices has helped me come to terms with the tools of our age, find faster ways to accomplish my marketing goals, and start to *gulp* enjoy the internet.

So, what am I in Marketing Mode about these days? SUMMER CAMPS! That’s right! Come forth ye’ nerdy tweens and teens looking to write away your summer days. Bring your poetic angst, your poignant observations, and most especially, your passionate pens! Parents who wish to push their children towards over-achievement in the literary arts, look no further! I have the camp for you:

1) Spoken Word Poetry Classes for Teens! 5 Fridays at the Writers Barn in Shelburne, VT. June 21st & 28th; July 6th, 19th, & 26th. $100 for all 5 weeks. Register Here!

2) The Young Writers Project is hosting 5 weeks of camp programming through the Sara Holbrook Community Center and Hunt Middle School in Burlington, VT. If your child attends these summer programs, make sure to check out what we’re offering. Our programs are a free extension of the camp and occur during the regular camp day.

3) Camp For Me is a special camp for adopted youth. It runs for two weeks in July. I will be offering Spoken Word programming for teenage campers during the week of July 8th.

If you’re not quite in camp mode but are ready for a youth open mic, be sure to stop by the Young Writers Project next Thursday, May 30th from 5pm-8:30pm. I will be leading my Rhythm of Change Workshop, focusing on writing for the changes we wish to see in ourselves and the world, with a stylistic focus on rhythm and sound. Pizza and Open Mic at 7pm. Free, as always. 12  North St. Burlington, VT. I hope to see you there!