Story 4: MC Week

Vaynerchuk It!

by Frances Shaw

Gary Vaynerchuk is a multimillionaire entrepreneur that has been hustling since the eighth grade, and he didn't stop there. Author of "Crush It!" this 33-year-old wine expert spoke to about 400 Texas State students and faculty members on Oct. 21 about "Making A Name for Yourself With Social Media."

Vaynerchuk touched on how to build one's brand through the uses of the internet and social media such as Twitter and Facebook.

"Twitter is the most powerful brand building tool in my toolbox." Vaynerchuk said. "People have to get a lot more creative."

One would believe that spending thousands of dollars on advertisements per month would be profitable on building a brand, however Vaynerchuk experienced more success through his free Twitter account.

"The internet is the single most underrated thing in our society right now." Vaynerchuk said.

Sarah Uphoft, a public relations major, agrees with Vaynerchuk in utilizing Twitter on building one's brand, more specifically her blog however.

"I have about 500 followers on Twitter, and I've received more page hits because of my tweets than simply having my link posted on a Web page or other blogs." Uphoft said.

Vaynerchuk believes that his success does not come solely with how he utilizes media, but that in reality he's doing something that he is passionate about.

"You need to do what you like," Vaynerchuk said.

Tyler Reed, an advertising senior, felt empowered enough by the message to make a few changes in his life.

"What's life sitting in a cubicle all your life miserable?" Reed said. "This is the push that I needed to get out there and do what I want. I'm going to go register my design business tomorrow to make it official. Gary did it, so why can't I?"

Students lined up to ask Vaynerchuk questions,and receive advice about various topics. Two students even received money in exchange for their question.

Cindy Royal, a professor at Texas State, witnessed the excitement and motivation exposed on students faces during the event.

"His passion is contagious, and that was obvious today when you saw everyone's retractions around the room." Royal said.

According to Vaynerchuk, the game is all about out-hustling the next person. One's success is determined by one's determination and the process they apply to get it.

"If you leave with anything, leave with the process. It's the game! I'm about the climb!" Vaynerchuk said.

http://www.txstatemcweek.com
http://www.crushitbook.com
http://twitter.com/garyvee
http://garyvaynerchuk.com

Photo by Frances Shaw

New Media in the Broadcast Industry

by Frances Shaw

Media is a faucet that is constantly changing and evolving in today's time and age. Panelists Joe Ruiz, KSAT.com Web Editor; Dee Kapila, KUT.com Web Editor and Chelsea Stark, KEYE-TV Web Producer teamed up on Oct. 19 to discuss the advantages and disadvantages new media has given them within their careers.

New media such as Twitter and Facebook were among the two that the panelists touched the most on.

"People don't want to be talked to now, they want to be apart of the conversation." Ruiz said.


Google Reader and Google Wave are two new upcoming forms of social media that the panelists believed will contribute to the "toolbox" of media.

For more information visit www.txstatemcweek.com.

http://www.twitter.com
http://newmediastrategies.net
http://www.txstatemcweek.com

Photo by Frances Shaw