Amber MacArthur

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• What are web push tools for sending out market messages? Thanks

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    Hmm….to send multiple msgs to multiple SM sites, I use HootSuite.

• Do you have a favorite resource that you use in the initial start up phase?

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    Of course – Sprouter! :) For what’s happening in social media, I’m a huge fan of Mashable and ReadWriteWeb.

• Why are you loving G+ so much these days?

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    My background is in information architecture and usability. I love a user-friendly website. On G+, I’m always satisfied with how my posts look (I can also edit em), how my photos look, and of course the YouTube integration is great. Also, Circles is an awesome way to target your msgs.

• What was the one big thing you would do differently if you had the chance to do it again?

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    Well, personal branding wise I would have invested more energy into building a community on YouTube. I really missed the boat on that particular social network. Fortunately, I’ve been able to stay on top of Twitter, Facebook, and now G+.

• What is the best method or tools for broadcasting marketing materials across the web.. SME tools

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    OK, trying to answer this one but I think I need you to be more specific. Are you looking to reach out through social media channels or is this is a PR push?

• I have strong writing skills, but am not great at public speaking. I want to improve this so I can become a community manager. How can I brush up on my communication skills?

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    First of all, I don’t believe that great speakers are natural-born speakers. In other words, it’s all about speaking A LOT. I’ve been speaking professionally for five years and am now totally comfortable on stage (that wasn’t always the case). In short, take as many opportunities as you can to present in front of people. Always make sure that you’re well-prepared and rehearse in front of a mirror – sounds silly, but it works!

• How should a young mobile developer market himself to do some freelance/part-time work? What is the best strategy to catch possible contracts?

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    The best advice I have for you is to build an online portfolio to show your work. Network with other developers who you respect. Also, and I’ve said this a few times today, don’t be shy. Ask people for help, to have coffee, to refer you, etc.

• What do you think is the difference between the "small biz's" that make it and the ones that don't?

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    Sometimes timing is your worst enemy. Also, many companies overspend. When I worked in SF in the late 1990s the start-up I worked for wasted tens of thousands of dollars a day. I like, personally, to always plan for those rainy slow days and I don’t like debt.

• Thinking of questions to ask you is like thinking of ideas. I can't think of any. Do you know of a good place to find inspiration for a young software developer?

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    Well, ideas are a dime a dozen! For inspiration, I would look online to communities that are focusing on new tech businesses such as Techcrunch.

• What is the best way to approach the media as a startup whose never had any media coverage before? Thanks Amber!

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    First of all, don’t be shy. Don’t write a long-winded press release. It’s all about relationships. Find people on social media sites who work in the media and pitch them there. We’re all very inundated with email, so that’s not the best avenue.