Rise of the Social Media Manager

In today’s society the way we communicate and deliver a message is far more different from the way people used to do it in the past. These days the social aspects that typically took place at the market, the barbershop or nail salon, happen all day long on social media sites like Facebook and Twitter. At any given time of the day you can read someone’s opinion on trending events taking place in sports, politics, religion and many other facets of our society.

With this in mind, companies have taken a new approach towards marketing their products to consumers. Whether it is pay per click emails, affiliate marketing or generating likes and followers for their business or fan pages, the truth is the game has changed. Although many businesses are taking advantage of social media, it is also a viable option for many musicians.

However, in order to reap the benefits of your input, it is important that any artist or band view himself or herself as a company, a brand or small business first. If you don’t establish this mindset before publishing your material or generating awareness for your next project or performance then you are already at a disadvantage. Basically, unless you market yourself like you are a ‘somebody’, nobody will follow your call to action.

I experienced a bit of this early on in my career. Before there was Facebook, I generated an interest in my music by passing out burned cd’s of my tracks; I also did open-mics and karaoke nights. In the end I thought I was making progress, until I saw that much of the work I put in to marketing myself in that way only got me a handclap, or a good job from my target market. Basically everyone felt like they knew me and there was nothing special or unique about what I did. They all thought that it was my hobby, when in actuality it is my passion and my meal ticket.

In fact, one of the things I was missing was a social media manager. I could have told more people about my music, sold my music, and performed my songs all at the same time without leaving my house. In this case, I would have more time to actively pursue my craft instead of become bogged down by the excessive tweeting and posting online.

As time goes on more artists are increasing their presence online, which allows them to create a closer connection with their target audience while spending more time on their craft. Although some artists may have accounts, blogs, and websites many are not using them to there full capability. This could result in a lack of motivation and output to pursue one’s dream. The excess work can sometimes be too much when an artist has to also manage their online presence in addition to their in-person network, marketing, and production efforts. 

However, it is up to the social media manager to stay on top of the latest trends and the correct way to use and monetize social media. In the end, to help combat this issue, I plan to establish my company, as a key social media management outlet in my target location. Is anyone out there feeling Highly Educated? 

What Does BookT Mean?

After being introduced to my music for the first time many people want to know where my stage name came from. Some theories about the name are that it came from the WWE wrestler, BookerT, Booker T. Washington or Booker T. and the MG’s. In fact, the name 'BookT' stems from the influence of society, family, books and media on me, Thomas Earl Jones Jr. The word, “Book” is a metaphor for hidden knowledge and intelligence. It reflects my view that knowledge before self prepares you for your own purpose and destiny. It also acts as an educational disclaimer that knowledge is within the T; which stands for everything Thomas encompasses that begins with that letter, for instance, Thomas truth, Thomas’ tone, or Thomas’ talent.

I came up with the name in high school, however, since 6^th grade I have been writing poetry, spitting rhymes, entertaining and enlightening people I come in contact with. When I was in school, I was well known on the open mic and talent show scene. Like many rising artists I also passed out the mixtapes and sample cd’s to create a buzz for myself early on. Nowadays I use smarter more precise means of promoting my projects. Social media is a huge part of how I continue to advance the appeal of the ‘BookT’ brand name.

As much as anyone else considering a career in music or entertainment, I want to be successful. On the other hand I realize this generation of young black men continue to face many obstacles. Not to mention many of them still are raised in single parent homes. I want to lead this generation into a positive social enlightenment through my artistry. Basically, I want to use my music and my entertainment as a platform to perform a larger greater work for the social enlightenment of society. I try to listen and provoke thought into people by showing them other routes to take to get their mind out the box. As a teenager I often felt alone, misguided, bitter, hopeless, and aggressive. Instead of channeling that energy negatively, like many others in my community, I chose to remain positive and express myself creatively. In the end, the more you know yourself, the faster you find your way.