If You Want to Be a Social Media Rockstar, You Have to Read this New Book

*I was given a free copy of this book to review, but all opinions are my own; I would never recommend a book to you that I didn't love!* 

This week marks the launch of Guy Kawasaki and Peg Fitzpatrick's new book, The Art of Social Media: Power Tips for Power Users. I can't wait to gush to you about how much I love it! 

In a world where your business can't succeed without a good online presence, I was afraid I was entering the game a bit late. 

I knew that my photography and my writing business possibilities would benefit from the amazing networking possibilities of this social-media world. Problem was, I was feeling a bit overwhelmed. (You're talking to the girl who seriously resisted a personal facebook page just got a twitter account like 2 months ago!)

If you're anything like me, then you are too busy (or intimidated or confused) to sift through the Internet on all the do's and dont's of social media. But if you own a business, you NEED to understand how to use this (mostly) free form of marketing!

That's where The Art of Social Media sweeps in to save the day.

Guy and Peg have helped demystify Twitter for me, and they've given me practical tips to make me feel more confident as I balance the spinning plates of Facebook, Pinterest, and Instagram to help grow my site traffic and get my voice heard.

I understand better the power of effective hashtags.

I have a list of lame rookie mistakes to avoid.

I know the most effective times to post.

I feel empowered and organized when I approach my social media platforms.

I am "meeting" new people and making important social media connections that have already benefited my business.

All these things are because of this book, and I just know that they will snowball into huge results for my business ventures.

I haven't quite taken the jump, yet, but I have been challenged to be bold and fearlessly active on social media thanks to Guy and Peg's stats on visibility. So if you follow me on Twitter, you might get annoyed by the frequency of repeated posting, but hey chill, I'm trying to reach the world here! 

(Seriously though, I have regular readers in 5 different time zones!)

I love the edgy no-nonsense way that Guy talks to his audience. For example, when discussing the huge body of "research" on SEO (search engine optimization) he says, "There are three thousand computer science PhDs at Google trying to make each search relevant, and then there's you trying to fool them. Who's going to win?" Fair point, Guy, fair point.

This book is also funny! There were times I was laughing so hard I'm like "this is awesome - a book for 'work' that's also relieving stress by being an enjoyable read!"

So besides the goldmine of invaluable information, it's pee-your-pants hilarious at times. I call that a win!

Guy and Peg have given me the tools I need to make social media work for me, rather than me feeling like I'm drowning in tweets and hashtags and pins and getting nowhere. I am confident that their book will continue to be a helpful reference as I work to master the ways I can make Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and Pinterest help me grow my business. I've got my eye on Flickr next, but I'm trying not to be too greedy ;-)

If you use social media to promote your business, service, product, or events, then this book is for you. Buy it today!

It was just released on Amazon {my affiliate link here} so at least make sure Santa slips it under your tree this year!

What People REALLY Think About their Fine Art Prints

Having beautiful photos on your wall is a great way to decorate with bright colors and unique images that match your taste and style. 

And don't think of these just for yourself - prints make fabulous, one-of-a-kind Christmas presents!

If you've never really thought about ordering fine art prints from me over at Jesse's Girl Photography, maybe you'd like to hear what others have to say about their purchases?

I know you'll love your prints, but you don't have to take my word for it!


From Andrea:

"Received the two prints I ordered today and am so pleased with them! First of all, the packaging was wonderful (I have had past experiences with other companies where my photos have arrived bent) but these were perfectly packaged. The color and quality of my large prints are great! I will definitely be back to order more! Five Stars!"

From Patricia:

"Where is the stars button? I want to give this site five stars!!! Ordered two prints: "Home Grown Carrots" and " Spring is Coming. Otterberg Germany". They arrived today - very quick delivery time! (I'm in the States) The prints are brilliant in color, very good quality paper, just beautiful. And let me say that the packaging was excellent. They were incredibly protected and arrived in perfect condition. Can't wait to get them framed and hung. Totally recommend!!!! Five stars!"


From Toni: 

"Received my prints this week and Patricia B. expressed my experience succinctly- 'very quick delivery time...brilliant in color, very good quality paper, just beautiful...packaging was excellent'
I am working on framing them now (just waiting for the store to open to get a mat)- the amazing Japanese Garden print is for the new work office and the 4 wonderful b&w for my kitchen.
If you're considering ordering- you will not be disappointed.
Thank you Jesse's Girl Photography --- I'll be back! I'm working on my next order ;)"

From Emily:

"I just LOVE the three fine art prints I chose for my gallery wall: hot air balloons, ferris wheel, and the swing ride. Jessica's website made it really easy to mark my favorites and narrow them down to make my final decision (which was the hardest part because the prints are all so gorgeous!) I had a question about my purchase and Jess got back to me with the help I needed right away. The prints arrived super promptly to me in Pennsylvania within days by regular First Class Mail, and they were in absolute perfect condition. I am so happy with them and can't wait to get them up on my wall!"

If you want to be my next happy customer, mark your calendars for my Black Friday Fine Art Print Sale - 50% off all fine art prints!

Whether you (or someone you are shopping for) love details, food photography, nature, travel, randomness, interesting doors, or sunflowers, I have something for everyone! 

The sale will be all day on Black Friday in central European time. 

If you're ordering from the east coast, remember you are 6 hours behind CET. So you can start ordering Thanksgiving evening if you wish, but you will have to order no later than 6pm EST on Black Friday to take advantage of the sale! 

Use the coupon code BlackFriday50%Sale on any of these albums for that day only. Get a jump start on your Christmas shopping without having to wait in any crazy lines! 

Or even changing out of your yoga pants! ;-)

So visit me on Black Friday and score some great prices on fine art prints!