Travel
Esther Swaty
Moving to Austin, Texas

It’s hard to believe I from Seattle in Austin, Texas on August 8, 2019 and now I’ve almost been here for two weeks. In a way it feels like so much has happened and so little at the same time. The story of how my partner and I ended up in Austin is long and short.

Moving to Austin, Texas
Learning, Social Media
Esther Swaty
Today’s Citizens Must Equip Themselves For The ...

Today, data and algorithms have influence over everything from our democracy, to our homes, to our work. We are in an era of seemingly unlimited technological progress and the speed of innovation requires citizens to be engaged in non-partisan learning and discussion. We don’t have to know everything but we need to know enough to think critically and ask questions about the technologies being developed, as well as be able to hold accountable the individuals and organizations creating them.

Today’s Citizens Must Equip Themselves For The Technological Future

social media tips

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Uncommon Dinner at Brunswick and Hunt

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I had the privilege of hosting a fantastic dinner at Brunswick and Hunt last week. I would say hosting this type of event is one of the highlights of my job. Bringing together a variety of influencers, from different industries and then seeing the synergy that happens always inspires me. The guests at this dinner were Jaime White, Olivia (@grubbinseattle), Charles (@CharlesKoh_) and Nelson (@nelson_yong). Each of us have a passion for food, but a variety of other interests which include Fashion, PR, Technology, and more!

Our menu included delicious house crafted cocktails, charcuterie and cheese, "grapes, grapes, grapes" salad, veggies, an entree of choice and shared dessert to top it all off.

Photo By: Nelson Yong
Photo By: Nelson Yong

Charcuterie & Cheese House Ham, Rillette Beef Tongue, Terrine (all made in house) Pate L’Explorateur, Wonderland, Moule Des Bergers, Cascadian Frechette, Bleu D’Auvergne

Photo By: Nelson Yong

Grapes, Grapes, Grapes Concorde, Red, & Green Walnut, Celery

Photo By: Nelson Yong

Petite Sirloin & Frites Wild Mushroom Butter, Demi

Photo By: Charles Koh, @charleskoh_

Conversation hit upon a flurry of tips about social media and photography tools such as:

  • iBlazr a "flash designed for smartphones also comes in handy when taking photos with tablets or DSLR cameras, lighting analogue photography, brightening nighttime video calls, or simply functioning as a small but powerful flashlight". The above photo was taken with the iBlazr under the bottle.
  • People Map an amazing platform to created targeted lists, manage campaigns and grow your Instagram following.
  • Iconosquare a tool to grow on Instagram with "easy-to-use analytics and time-saving features".
  • Planoly a way to visually map and plan out your Instagram feed.

As well as some exciting and unexpected restaurant recommendations Phorale Seattle, Terra Vista at Snoqualmie Casino for their“SRF Kobe” Tomahawk steak, and Billy Beach for sushi.

Overall the food was delicious and the conversation flowed freely. I am looking forward to the next Uncommon Dinner!

Check out Brunswick and Hunt's 2016 Thanksgiving menu here.

RSVP for Thanksgiving at Brunswick and Hunt via phone at (206) 946-1574.

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3 Tips For Using Social Media To Get The Clients You Want

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I met up with Julia Amodt of Style and Cheek yesterday at Elm Coffee Roasters, and we had an important discussion that I think a larger audience (like you!) would value. As creatives, artists and entrepreneurs many of us go through times where we want to grow our business but not break the bank. Research has show that companies can expand even in down times if they are smart. It's true we aren't going through a recession, we are in a season of abundance. So how do you stand out? Here are three tips to kick start your growth:

  1. Tap into national holidays and trends.
    • When you are mapping out your social media/web content, take advantage of upcoming holidays (Check out track maven and hub spot for extensive lists. The information can be overwhelming so just map out one month at a time, at the beginning of the month), events (restaurant openings, new boutiques, book/movie premiers, etc.), and product launches that align with your brand and include them in your posting schedule (even if you aren't attending the events).
    • Don't forget to tag those brands, and add the locations/places, because you want to be on their radar as well as the radar of their customers.
  2. Join affiliate/partner programs.
    • Pinterest now allows you to have affiliate links, which means you can post your product on a board and link directly to your website. So get to work optimizing your boards to showcase your product in the best light.
    • If you are a blogger, check out two programs that my clients have had success with are RewardsStyle and Share A Sale.
    • Do any of your favorite brands have affiliate programs? You would be surprised, I have seen everyone from Danielle LaPorte to Amazon launch them.
  3. Post the work that you want.
    • If you are trying to work with specific brands then give them shout outs, if you want to work with a certain type of client then research the brands who have already captured your audience target (what is their aesthetic, what kind of content are they posting, etc).
    • Perhaps you don't have the budget to create that dream photo shoot or hire the perfect graphic designer -- don't let that hold you back. Fake it till you make it! Take advantage of Unsplash, a free stock photography website, and Canva, a site that makes design simple for everyone.