On a regular basis, we have fun sharing about our projects, supporting and cheering each other on.
Sian observes that I’m a skilled writer / editor, and so introduces me by phone to Adam J. Kovitz, Founder / Publisher of TNNW.
Adam and I hit it off, and he invites me to serve as TNNW Women’s Networking Editor (my title at that time).
Unexpectedly, Major Vernon Myers (charged with high-level military duties) is ordered to Kuwait. Sian and I now find our e-mails to him unanswered. We miss his positive-minded, supportive spirit!
Sian goes through major personal and professional changes; eventually picks up and moves to Colorado.
I go through major changes also (including emergency eye surgery) and eventually move from Kingston, WA to Bainbridge Island.
Given all these changes, our group gradually dissolves ─ yet Sian and I maintain contact over the years and across the miles. (Side note: The start point of this mini-network, Paul Hoyt, and I are still occasionally in touch. He himself has moved to Northern California!)
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Now ─ fast forwarding to present time, March 2009, nearly two years later ─ here I am, with high visibility at TNNW, writing a Women’s Networking article about the ever-dynamic Sian herself. Who would have thought!…
To begin, before moving into the interview, let’s get an “outside view” of Sian.
Who is Sian Lindemann, and what is she all about?
In the realm of
The National Networker, Sian is the Featured Columnist ─ “Lasting Impressions” ─ with general focus on Arts-related topics.
In the larger entrepreneurial realm, Sian is the Founder and Executive Director of her own company, Sian Design:
http://www.siandesign.com/The “About Us” page on her site provides this background information:
For 30 years, Sian Lindemann has contributed to the business growth and development of world class artists, and has been the instrument AND the idea behind the procurement of millions of dollars in sales in the Fine Art, Jewelry, Sculpture and Clothing industries.
Ms. Lindemann has had a hand in designing the marketing and sales strategies to ultimately place those artists’ works.
As in previous years, flexing with industry trends, Sian Lindemann shifts with the change once again. The onset of the internet, and particularly Social Networking, has brought to the industry a significant opportunity.
Exploring the Sian Design site
On the opening page, you are greeted by this message:
“Art has a Voice – Is Yours Being Heard?”
Immediately after these words, we are shown an intro to Social Traffic, Inc., Sian’s new passion: Social Media Marketing, along with the link to the site.
With over two years of research, and active participation in the "buzz" of social networking, Sian Design, is a proud contributor and active participant in the innovations of Simon U Ford, an Australian based, social networking and internet marketing expert.
The development of two companies, Social Traffic Inc, and Events Listed provides an incredible new way to "work" the net and to promote and make visible, your company, your events, your art, and just about anything else you would like the world to know about
To begin and to become a part of the new generation in marketing and promotions, globally ─ GO TO...
www.socialtraffic.biz
We're changing the worldIn our interview to follow, Sian will discuss what all this means in enthusiastic detail. For; now, let’s complete our tour of the Sian Design web site.
http://www.thenationalnetworker.com/The Sian Design Portfolio page
The Portfolio section of Sian’s site features the outstanding Fine Art Photography of Jim Zuckerman ─
http://www.corporatefineart.com/Moving on to the interview!
Well, it’s time to talk directly to this multi-faceted lady. To begin, I ask her to explain this dynamic new “Social Media Marketing” avenue she has taken with her work, her life direction.
How would you briefly describe what you do (i.e., your “elevator speech”)?
“Artist Management / Creative Business Development Services ─ and more recently I’ve become involved with a grass roots organization that has developed into a company providing Social Media Marketing Services across the web. It’s called Social Traffic Inc., with leadership provided by Australian internet marketing genius, Simon U Ford (find him on Facebook).”
What makes you / your company unique? In other words, what is the so-called Unique Selling Proposition (USP) of your product or service?
“In these financial times ─ and ongoingly as well ─ it has been essential to develop very creative ways to ’invent’ a marketing strategy for artists…I have been doing this successfully for 30 years. With the challenge presented by President Bush prior his departure from office, it has become increasingly essential to rethink my whole business, and so adopting Social Media Marketing Strategies and the tech education to accompany it, has been essential.
We ─ i.e., our Social Traffic group -- are ongoingly now going to be providing classes to individuals who want to learn these methodologies. A Free Class was held, starting March 25, 2009. After this event, courses will be paid entry.”
What is the primary goal / mission of what you do: i.e., your work, your artistic and / or humanitarian activities?
“This Mission and goal of my company is to elevate an artist to maximum visibility via adopting a strategy that aligns with their core ideologies and values. In other words, the art becomes a support for the VOICE of the artist…This switch in adopting a visionary approach to the presentation of their craft elevates their visibility, gives the artist a global voice and message and ultimately procures sales based on that vision, and thus supports it.”
So here's where your “Art has a Voice” tag line comes in?
“Exactly. Now, to continue, Humanitarian causes are the human element involved. I have worked with artists over the years that exhibit every kind of self-sabotaging methodology you can imagine… and quite honestly, once we overcome those issues, they can’t help but shine. It takes time, it causes disruption ─ but those who genuinely get ‘sick’ of playing it small blast forward. That is the fun part.”
And how exactly does this fit in with the Social Traffic enterprise?
“With Social Traffic Inc., nowm we are broadcasting a message across the web called “SAVINGS for the Earth” in alliance with an Earth Day Birthday Campaign. We are asking our supporters to devise ways they can save $10.00 or more by eliminating wasteful expenditure of our natural resources, i.e., by driving less, eliminating the use of paper towels, saving their change. Or something like that.
We are offering suggestions as to great organizations they can contribute to, or they can choose where they place their $10.00 ─ AND we are asking each individual to make a video speaking to how they will create those savings and posting it on our YouTube channel: For example:
“
Social Traffic / Earthday Birthday
http://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=Earthday+BdayOR also see Twitter
http://www.twitter.com/Earthdaybday “
Just the other day, Sian, I saw your latest TNNW article --
-- titled “Social Responsibility in Business and in the Arts” ─
http://thenationalnetworker.blogspot.com/2009/03/lasting-impressions-social.html .
Interesting! In this article you state:
A “renaissance” if you will, is upon us, and the business of art and the business of “networking” will never be the same.”
And you extend an invitation to readers:
‘I welcome those who want to know more about what we are doing. I welcome those who want to be a part. I welcome those who are willing to drop their ego at the door and become a part of history.’
So ─ what exactly does a person DO once he/she signs up for Social Traffic?
“Well, when one signs up for Social Traffic, they receive an 8 week course in Social Media Marketing, video content and Mentorship in the art of Social Media Marketing and cross syndication of content... It is free, and a class starts Wed., March 25, 2009. [Note: This date is now past.] After this session, there will be a cost for the course content, approx $2500 value, received at $1500 US dollars.”
Sounds like a unique opportunity!
“The company / group has formed around a ‘survivor’ idea....shares issued in a forming company based on contribution and participation. GREAT concept, and many people showed up and provided their skills, expertise and business acumen, while learning this methodology ─ and some were eventually ‘voted’ off the island.
The Social Traffic group is in process of forming a company, whose first client will be 'Events Listed': a social platform on the web for event promoters, organizers and participants.
People can participate with the company, or they can just learn the skills for their own use. It’s your choice.”
What is it you find so exciting about all this, and how specifically does it fit in with your Art business?
“This fits in with my art business for the following reasons. For example, here is a possibility:
www.johnkraft.com/virtual-openingIt’s a great model link… If an individual artist wished to create a virtual exhibition, here is a way that they could... promoting and cross syndicating the presentation, eliminating the need to stack images in a URL such as Art.com and never really being seen.
This is a great model. The Social Traffic methodology is a way to promote the events across the web.
Additionally, some artists are allowing me the usage of their images to enhance articles, blogs and posts on FaceBook and other places to better define and SHOW what we're up to.... Somewhat like stock photography, yet the art becomes purposeful.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dr6VqpeThis is great sample, leading up to a full scale MM event in China next year.”
So, Sian ─ hypothetically, if I myself signed up for this program, how might I use that for promoting my work as author / editor?
“Yes, you could. There is one full course on article marketing, and cross syndication. Regarding YouTube content, we drove a YouTube video produced by us to the top of the Google search engines in only 8 days, and superseded all of Google’s own content. THAT is a significant result.”
Clearly, you are highly enthusiastic and deeply involved!
Now back up a bit and tell me how you got started in all this Arts business, and how you arrived where you are currently.
“The arts, I’ve been a part of since I was 8 years old. I fell into arts promotion as a result of marrying Stephen Schlag on Maui back in 1980. He had a gift shop in which I would never have considered buying anything. I didn’t like the merchandise, and since I was a flight attendant for Pan AM at the time, I suggested that I bring back things from around the world to sell there.
This store subsequently became a chain of fine art, sculpture and jewelry galleries where I was then the VP / owner, which we owned and operated for the next 10 years. The galleries still exist in Hawaii: Dolphin Galleries Inc.”
Which of your projects are you currently most excited / passionate about?
“I am impassioned about my work with Social Traffic Inc. and I am of course, impassioned about the changes that are occurring within my business in the redirect that was essential due to the economy… We are progressing fantastically well.
http://www.socialtraffic.biz/ ---
http://www.siandesign.com/ ---
A switch in methodology has been to market to the ‘big box’ stores, which has never been my first choice; however, with the economy as such, it is essential to switch gears.
The high end art acquisition has transitioned to working with a company out of Canada that allows for high end acquisition and a significant philanthropic agenda:
http://www.venturion.ca/This is topic for another article, actually… It’s an AMAZING program and doing well even in these financial times.”
How much of your work is focused specifically toward women? Please explain.
“My work is women-specific, but the team with Social Traffic is a large number of women who by nature, enjoy working ‘together’ in a way that supports our vision, our tenacity and our ‘hearts’.
Of course, the men in the organization are extraordinary individuals, who recognize the passions and pro-active nature of women to get the job done. There is a fine balance, yet is not exclusive to women.
Working within this group, I have expressed vehemently how much I admire each of the individuals who are participating… They are a willing collective that are devoted to the premise of:
‘Alone we can do so little, Together we can do so much.’
~ Helen Keller
What are some of the ways and places you promote your enterprises?
“It’s Social Media Marketing now, almost exclusively. However, very shortly these promotions shall roll out into the public domain, and into retail venues.”
Whom or what does your network currently include?
“It’s no longer about my list. The combined efforts of this team are building across the web, with over 5,000 new participants in less than a few months and building daily and each team member bringing their lists and colleagues to the table. You can’t buy this. It’s incredible.”
What has been the best about building a network: Positive experiences? Benefits, expected and unexpected?
“In one word, Fulfillment.”
What challenges (if any) have you found in your networking experiences? Any benefits emerging from challenges in the long run?
“As with any startup, Social Traffic is not yet remunerative. However, were I to have created the same company independent of this grass roots effort, it would have taken 2-3 years in fundraising, well over 2 + Million dollars and a lot of headaches. All of this has occurred in less than 4 months.
A grass roots agenda, fostered by Simon U Ford, had us come to the table to participate with the option of receiving shares in the company and being voted into the leadership and shareholder model through performance.
It’s somewhat like the reality show ‘Survivor’ and it’s been a blast. Just take care you don’t get voted off the island for lack of participation.”
Okay, I promise I'll be careful! Now ─ bottom line – What do you feel is really working well for you?
“I LOVE what I am doing now, it’s fun again…and hasn’t been for a while.
Besides networking, how else are you promoting your company? Which do you view as the primary vehicle and what makes it more important than the other(s)?
“Social Media marketing… and ‘helping’ others. When I get stuck I go find someone to help or give to. That method has worked for me for 30 years.”
What’s the achievement or accomplishment you’re most proud of at this time?
“I am proud of the fact that we have a team of people, each of whom I admire, and revere unconditionally. That is NEW !!! and so very RARE. And we are full hearted, caring, nurturing, talented and passionate.
I am proud to be a part of the team and the company. And I am proud of the levels of visibility my artists are achieving in the process.”
What are your plans and goals for the future, organizational and / or personal, especially regarding networking activities?
“Social Media Marketing. Social Traffic. I want to share this personalized methodology with the world… it’s needed ─ and it works."
Any other point you’d like to emphasize at this time?
“I love my JOB, my company, my work, my colleagues, my business agenda, and my life. How many people can say that authentically? Or at all? And I am learning SO much !!!
That aspect is of particular interest to me ─ I’ve not been stimulated nor inspired this much in some time… LIKE years!!!”
Anything else you would like to add for our readers? Perhaps words of encouragement and / or inspiration?
“Run, don’t walk to know more about
http://www.socialtraffic.biz/ . It will change your life and your business.”
Thank you so much, Sian! Beyond the innovative program you’ve just shared with us, your excitement in itself is an energetic gift!
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Contact Information:
Sian Lindemann
Social Traffic Inc / Events Coordinator
http://www.socialtraffic.biz/Events Listed
http://www.eventslisted.com/Sian Design, Executive Director
http://www.siandesign.com/------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Key Words:Sian Lindemann, Sian Design, Arts, Marketing, Social Media Marketing, Social Traffic, Simon U Ford, Events Listed, Jim Zuckerman, Fine Art Photography, Facebook, Twitter, Ann Barczay Sloan, Adam Kovitz, TNNW
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Ann Barczay Sloan, M.A.
Author & Editor / Creative Writing Coach
www.GeniusUnbound.comwww.linkedin.com/in/AnnBarczaySloanFeatured Columnist,
www.TheNationalNetworker.com
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Author of the forthcoming book:
How to Use the Pieces of a Broken Heart:
Recipes for Rebirth
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By Larry Block
