I make a living as a social media manager for Strategy Solutions, a recruitment agency based in Sydney, Australia. The social media space is constantly changing, so my learning pace needs to keep up every day. On July 6th, I attended a Hubspot and Buffer masterclass webinar on social media trends. It was 60-minutes long, but here are the 3 key takeaways:

1. Facebook’s new algorithm is giving less traffic to content sites
Fast Company and Huffington Post talked about how this change is freaking out media outlets. Imagine receiving less news from Buzzfeed, Huffington Post and Rappler. What this means is that for publishers, like the one I manage for Strategy Solutions or my husband’s company page Redgolf, will get less exposure than it already does. At the very least, it informs me that posting by quantity will surely be less effective now.

What To Do Now? How To Deal With Facebook’s New Algorithm Change

Hubspot gave a few tips:
– One way is to make highly shareable content, because the newsfeed will soon prefer posts from family and friends newsfeed
– Highly clickable topics are health and productivity
– Having an image component to each blog post increases click rates by 40x more
– If you live in the US, ideal posting time is at 4AM
– People tend to share posts that make others look smart
– Create something that has a story behind it. Add an emotional component

2. Live video is doing very well
Think Periscope, Snapchat and Facebook Live – all social platforms that encourage personal broadcasting. Snapchat in particular, which has been around since my college days in San Francisco but I found it too immature. Now it’s one of the fastest growing social networks and is the number one network for teenagers. I got so convinced I signed up for an account. Indeed I enjoyed seeing live snaps from Paris Fashion Week and the end of Ramadan last night.

(Follow me on Snapchat: @nericrystal)

3. Facebook videos get 135% more views than images alone
Videos are hot in social media right now. This makes me so happy because I produce lots of videos about Cebu life. In fact one month ago, I did an experiment in finding out how much better native Facebook video performs than Youtube.

My Facebook stats said I have 7 likes and 3 comments. On the other hand, my native post got 501 views. This proves to me that native Facebook videos perform much better than sharing on a third party app like Youtube.

(Subscribe to my Youtube Channel: Crystal Neri)

Hubspot shared a few tips on videos:
– Grab the audience in the first few seconds
– Create content for each social platform. For example, shorter clips tend to perform better on Twitter
– 85% of people who watch videos do not listen to sound, so all the more important to include closed captioning

BONUS: TWITTER HACK

I did something to my Twitter account that stunned me. Inspired by the new things I’m learning, I finally took the time to curate my Twitter list. That means I created lists based on categories such as Close family and friends, News, Resources and Learning, Travel Bloggers, Airlines, Affiliations, and more. I also followed the top 20 social media followers according to Hubspot and put them on a list, too.

Voilà! Within two days, I gained over 100 followers. My hunch is coupled with those two activities and my optimized Twitter profile; it was an easy choice for people to just click “follow.” Now that I have Twitter lists I can easily track accounts using Hootsuite streams. It’s a complicated to explain but perhaps for some other blog post.

If there’s a truth to the saying, “work never ends,” social media is the perfect example of that. There are just too many tips and tricks to learn in this ever-changing industry. The more I learn, though, the more everything makes sense to me. As long as at the end of the day, it’s still about making a genuine connection.

For more tips and tricks on social media, follow me on my favorite network Twitter (@nericrystal) or in my new Snapchat account (nericrystal).

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My biggest worry about moving to Cebu was finding the right  kind of work (also, earning a liveable salary). Did you know that unemployment is in the Top 10 traumas for a human being? Going through that was like living a nightmare. Add to that I was also very picky with how I spent my time. I didn’t play golf, even if my fiancé often does, as it is something I consider irrelevant.



I didn’t take any “survival” job either. I worked in San Diego for year and saved 50% of my salary, so I can be deliberate in finding work in Cebu. I want a position that would force a learning curve in writing and digital media. 

One of the most important points in Dr. Meg Jay’s book, ‘The Defining Decade’ is about spending “your 20’s learning.” She adds, “Salary is roughly equivalent to your skills. In your 20’s don’t expect to earn money. You simply don’t have the experience. Instead, you should spend this decade learning and absorbing as much as you can. Hopefully by the time you’re in your 30’s, money shouldn’t be a problem.” There’s a lot of easy-money dead-end jobs, that even my fellow 20-something friends are forced to take. 

One day while browsing Mynimo (an online forum like Craigslist), I saw a job opening in socials for a company called JFDI Asia. Three interviews and a writing trial later, I was hired. I was that overdressed lady you probably saw fist-pumping at the intersection of Cardinal Rosales and Mindanao Avenue on a hot afternoon. At that moment, everything felt so right. 

JFDI Asia is a Singapore-based accelerator. In short, they help venture-fundable startups. Right now my job has me reading and writing about technology, entrepreneurship, risk mitigation, etc. – things I have never written before in my life. This week I had to make an MIT paper web-friendly. I’m racking my brain everyday, but this is exactly the learning curve I’m looking for.



Day One of my employment, I sent out a tweet that JFDI is so cool. Our company mascot is a frog we call Smoochy (#spotsmoochy).


I’ll share with you the Four JFDI Principles listed in our employee handbook. I’m very fond of them and believe they can be applied in all areas of life:

4 Principles Of JFDI 

1. Resourcefulness Principle – You should assume that at any given time, other people are busy with their own work, so if you can accomplish something or find an answer to a question without bothering someone else, you should try to do that first. 

This filters all the ignoramus and annoying people out of our offices. It means I can work in peace, except when somebody really needs something from me. I heard this story once about JFDI Chairman Meng Wong. One of my coworkers needed some information, so Meng told the guy to: first, google like crazy; second, hit his head in the wall; third, (if that’s still not working) only then ask someone. No spoon-feeding works for us, so we can focus on big wins.

2. Relevance Principle – avoid unnecessarily taxing the attention of people who don’t care. 

3. Searchability Principle – make the communication available on demand to anyone looking for it.

Hi from the office! We use Hangouts to touch base with the Singapore team.

Crystal Superal is the Social Media and Content Marketer at JFDI, the #1 business accelerator in Asia. She finished her Multimedia Communications degree while playing golf for a San Francisco-based art school. She currently lives in Cebu City, Philippines. For her thoughts about tech and lifehacks, follow her Twitter @crystalsuperal.

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HOW I LEARN BY SAMM MCALEAR

What inspires you?

Travel. It’s crazy how you can take a 45 minute flight from one city to another and you can tell you’re in a completely different enviroment. Culture is everything and I love seeing the differences between people and communities from one place to another. Everyone of us was brought up with different values and family history that contribute to who we are, and what traits we pass on to the next generation. You don’t even have to travel the world to find this, you could drive a couple hours to the next state over and gain a whole different perspective on life. I’ve been lucky enough to be able to travel all over the world and it’s definitely influenced me as a designer. Sometimes we get so caught up in doing things a certain way because it’s comfortable for us and we fail to see there are other ways to accomplish the same task. 

I love talking to people who were around before technology and hearing how they created. There is an authenticity you get by doing something with your hands, and that seems to get lost in the modern technology age. Part of my reaction to this is now whenever I take photographs I shoot everything on disposable cameras. There is something about capturing a moment on a disposable that is so authentic because you can’t snap off 14 frames in a row like you can on modern DSLR’s. What you shoot is what you get. You capture that authentic moment and something is so real about it. 

And music. I can’t work without listening to music. It sets the tone and allows me to zone into what I’m working on. 

Describe a typical day. 

Wake up. Eat some breakfast while checking Instagram. Spending 15-20 minutes sketching random things to get my brain started up, sometimes the sketches lead to other ideas, sometimes they’re chicken scratch. Then sit down at the computer and log into my online classes and try and knock some HW out of the way. Once I get bored of that I’ll check my usual design blogs and then get started on whatever freelance work I have. Eat lunch, Work out and shower then get back to either client work or homework depending on the day. 

On travel days I try not to get on my computer. Instead I’ll either read a book or draw, but things always change depending on my workload. 

A doodle on a plane

Anything cool you’re working on?

I just finished some stuff up at Nike that should be releasing here very soon, and continuing to release throughout the rest of 2014 and into 2015. 

I’m also finishing up Art Direction a national campaign for Monster Products, a headphone company based in the bay. Currently looking for more cool projects too!

How do you get news everyday? 

By watching the news in the morning, the internet, and Twitter. 

How do you share what you know? 

I use Twitter mainly to share what I know. I use Facebook mainly as a way to stay connected to old friends and family that live all over the country. 

What continues to influences your life?

One of Samm’s design for Nike

Music and the incredibly talented people that I have the opportunity to work with. If you told me when I started college in 2010 that I would have worked for Nike, and get paid to work for and with musicians and athletes that I look up is still pretty crazy to me, and sometimes it doesn’t even feel real. That alone influences and inspires me to continue to grow as a designer and never stop learning. 

An unforgettable quote.

Don’t think about what can happen in a month, or what can happen in a year. Instead, focus on the 24 hours in front of you and do what you can to be closer to where and what you want to be. I have no idea who said it, but I love it!

Your Top 5 Fascinating People and what would you like to learn from them?

Kanye West, Benjamin Franklin, Rick Rubin, Warren Buffet and Nelson Mandela

Warren Buffet – the man started with nothing and now he owns damn near half of the US it seems like. 

Rick Rubin – The guy has produced for everyone from the Dixie chicks to Kanye. He makes a hit album, then seems to disappear for years, then all of a sudden is back making more classics. 

Kanye West – beneath all the craziness and antics there is hints of true creative genius that I feel tends to get misunderstood just because of how passionate he is about what he loves. 

Benjamin Franklin – the way at which he approached problems and discovered solutions really fascinates me. 

Nelson Mandela – He witnessed people at there worst, and was still able to forgive and focus on the good of the greater people, changing the history of a country,  and in turn impacting the world in a way which I think he never imagined. 

What is a book or movie that changed you?

The last book and movie that really made me think were ‘The Butler” (Film) and “Lullaby” by Chuck Palahniuk.

What do you know for sure?

I wake up every morning excited that I get paid to do what I love. 

Lastly, I would love for  Andrea Nieto  to answer these questions.

——

Contact: Follow Samm’s Instagram here.

To see the rest of his work, go to:  sammmcalear.com

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Location: Cebu, Philippines 
Current Gig: Owner (REDGOLF), Lawyer at J. Neri Associates and Artist and Golfer

How I Learn By Jovi Neri

 

 

 

Jovi Neri: businessman, golfer, artist and lawyer.

What Inspires You?

What Do You Check Or Read Everyday?

Jovi and his comic art collection

I am influenced most by the Jesuit and Ignatian slogan of “men and women for others.”  One of the best feelings in the world is when you can genuinely help others.  And it gets better when you see them doing the same good things to others what you have done to them.  The best example for me would be how I handled the junior golfers in Cebu Country Club. Even when they were young and annoying, I always showed a genuine care for their lives and games while other adults just brushed them aside.  Suddenly, when they become so good golfers, these adults who ignored them now want to play with them.  The junior golfers can see through that and know it’s not genuine.  But because of how I took care of them, I can see their genuine care for the new younger breed – reaching out to play with them and give them advice.  Now this warms my heart.

Kobe Bryant a drawing by Jovi

Jovi, President of Cebu Junior Golf for 8 years

First, I’d like to learn from the youth. There is a lure to me on the purity and innocence of youth as it is still filled with idealism, honesty, and integrity while not yet being corrupted and jaded. They also have this inner nature in detecting if people are genuine or not, and you can see it in how they react towards you or others. I know since I have been handling junior golf for 8 years. So as long as they understand and enjoy you, as opposed to just giving you respect out of fear and deferential treatment to authority – then you know you are still being genuine and acting from the heart. And when you approach them with an open mind, you’ll actually learn a lot of life lessons you won’t learn from an adult, or you’ll remember things from your own youth that adulthood made you forget.

If I did not go to Cebu Country Club one summer in 1990 and notice the junior program in full force, I would never longed to play golf the following year.  If I did not play golf, what would I be? Some math whiz? Someone who pursued my art? Would basketball be my sport as an undersized benchwarmer?

Jovi and I in Santa Monica, CA 2012

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How I Learn by Crystal Superal

What do you check or read everyday?

Who And What Do You Follow?

Brainpickings – exceptional content day in and day out.

Those are the main ones but I also regularly check Lynne Rosetta Casper of Splendid Table. Her foodie podcast is incredibly enriching. A few years ago, I discovered Rick Steves  of Traveling With Rick Steves. He inspires me to backpack in Europe. 

Carlos, a renowned Manila tour guide (left) and Sarah, a businesswoman/host/model.

Lastly, my two favorite Filipinos are true to their authentic voice, courageous and improves the Philippines everyday: Carlos Celdran and Sarah Meier. 

My fiancé, Jovi Neri. He is the most stable, happiest, and least neurotic person I know. My theory is because he pursues personal fulfillment, which as experts say, is the core of happiness. Our recent conversation involved wiring funds internationally. I just wouldn’t have mapped it out as clearly without him.

Forthright, irreverent, logical and bold. My future husband is one I’ve always admired.

What’s A Turning Point For You?

Learning about Don Miguel Ruiz’s “Four Agreements” at a young age.

3. Car. I live for novelty and my car has enabled me. 

My life has exponentially gotten better now that I’m free to go wherever and whenever I want.

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Then, I had to move to San Diego, a city where I had zero network. If you’ve ever tried looking at job boards, you might as well sob in despair. Despite my honest qualifications, I was about 80% under-qualified in producing media jobs. They require 2-5 year industry experience. As the irony goes: 

“You need a job to get experience, but you need experience to get a job.”

Selfie from my desk. Double-screen, ergonomic chair, etc. and work is only from 6AM to noon.

Turning Point

When I came back from a vacation/engagement, I reached a turning point: find a job within a month or move back to the Philippines. But I have to give it 100% because I do need the experience and savings before I settle down.

I armed myself the best way I know how – read books. Two of them helped: One is Katie Couric’s, “Best Advice I Ever Got.” For the nights that I cried out of frustration, it helped to learn about how extraordinary people shaped their lives in their 20’s. Two is “New Marketing and PR Rules” by David Meerman Scott. He discussed tangible steps of an effective job search. A tip that actually landed me a job: follow up with after interviews emails until they are clear to turn you down. 

Finally, I was called in a second job interview, one that offered me a salary on the spot. I knew that moment I stepped in that I wanted to work there. New building, calm office, full studio, and friendly hosts. I accepted the offer.

What I Do For A Living

As a programming assistant for Money Biz Life Network, I research stories for the hosts, transfer callers to the studio, and edit the show for web upload. Recently, I’ve also started working on producing a sports commentary by Lee Hacksaw. These are the top two most amusing things about my job:

1. I’m awestruck at the enunciation and charm of TV hosts. As their colleague, I get to talk to them and see them work magic everyday.

2. People from all over the US call us for financial advice. One retiree goes: “I need help…. What should I do with my $2 million?” And he was so sincere in his query.

Everyday, our hosts and manager say “Thanks for your help, Crystal.” I read massive stories about horrible bosses, but there’s not even a hint of drama in our office. My colleagues come to work, play music, run to the studio laughing two minutes before broadcast starts. Professional and kind, if I were to summarize my work environment.

What’s Next?

When I was in school, all I wanted was to graduate. When I did, I got anxious about job hunting. When I found a job, I worried about earning more. As Gretchen Rubin said in “The Happiness Project”:

“We are all constantly in different stages of happiness.”

In hindsight, I shouldn’t have been afraid of finding work. The common phrase from my graduating friends is: “I just need the stability of a job.” That stability comes with routine (for me, waking up at 4:50 AM everyday)  and this question: “What’s next for me?”

I’m obsessed about life-long learning, from Dan Coyle’s LARP theory to Cal Newport’s emphasis on deliberate practice. In fact, I’m currently enrolled at a Duke University MOOC on writing.

I did something two days ago that gave me an emotional high: volunteering for the OneDayInSanDiego project. I crafted questions for two veterans of Workshop for Warriors, drove to different locations, and worked with a filmmaker and a sound guy. One of them said at lunch: “What did you study in college? No wonder you sounded so natural.”

Here is San Diego Mayor Kevin Faulconer and filmmaker Jodi Cilley after our interview:

Mayor Kevin Faulconer (middle) attended a home building project in Ocean Beach.  Filmmaker extraordinaire, Jodi Cilley (right), urged me to help with the One Day In San Diego Project. I constantly volunteer to refresh my producing chops.

Cal Newport‘ sums it best. According to him, there are three main components for great work:

1. Impact – When your work positively affects people or the world
2. Creativity – When your work enables to you personalize, deconstruct, think, and create
3. Control – When your work allows you to be flexible in terms growth

That’s a tall order for a 23-year old. I’m sure even or older folks! So, I am not there yet. But this is a lifelong thing anyway. I’m leaving you with Pope Francis’ remarkable take on work:

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