Yet, there is always a need for the publicist's skills - writing press releases, having real relationships with media personnel, crafting a Social Media PR campaign, creating hooks and crafting solid pitches - but the real time PR 2.0 is the way it's done now.

But to me, it's all about perception. It's all about a brand. It's about how to shape opinions. And engage an audience. To appear authentic. Kim Kardashian is smart. She knows how to work her BRAND - beauty and brains. Smart enough to know how to push those social media buttons to build a "famous" persona in minds of millions with ONE TWEET. Amazing. But you know what? Any ordinary person is just one click away from awesome too. Here are some tips to get your social media swag and brand like a superstar:

Host a Series of Events. Speak for free. Yes, run your mouth. Most authors just want to write in a cave and appear when the book is published and on the shelves. But that's not how it works! You have to pre-promote the book and talk it up months before it's even done. Promoting the book at least six months before it's published in not too soon. So, set up events where you speak at conferences, schools, churches - anywhere and everywhere - and tell folks you have a book coming out! (And don't forget to get their email addresses).

You can bring attention to an issue that you feel passionately about. Your book will be read by many people who need to learn more about issues that may not be well covered and documented in the market, or may not receive much media attention yet.

Pin It You’ve probably heard CNN’s Anderson Cooper say this often: Friend us on Facebook, Follow us on Twitter and Circle us on Google +. Dude, can’t I just watch you on TV? It’s an interesting time we live in. The game has changed because of the internet,...

Do you have a dream? Hope for the future. Read and heed these books and your life will soar. Read at least one per month...and keep your hope refueled and fill your heart with inspiration. Motivation starts in the mind. Take time to feed your soul and nurture your spirit. All things are possible if you believe. 2012 is the year to EXCEL!

I have friends since grade school, media friends, sister-friends, partner friends, running-buddy friends, entrepreneurial friends, movie friends, career mentors, “big sis” friends, counseling friends, writing friends, silly friends, mommy friends, cheerleader friends, book friends and really cool facebook friends – but we all have one thing in common: We all value God, Family and our Work.

Here's how to network in social media: 1. Tell me who you are. OK, I don't know this young lady from a hill of beans. Just a postage stamp photo on Facebook. I don't know type of degree she has or from what school. I guess she thought I would flip over to her profile and check her out. NOT. Busy, don't have time. Hey, she's looking for help - why should I do the work. Help me, help you. Make it easy though.

Social Networking – this is key. A social media plan without a mindset to “network” with others is a waste. Here’s a good rule to follow: 30,60,30. This means spend thirty minutes a day researching a topic to blog/write about. Spend 60 minutes actively networking (connecting, listening, responding, engaging). And spend 30 minutes writing, producing and distributing your content via your blog and social media channels. Note you can set up your blog to automatically feed into your Facebook, Linkedin and Twitter accounts.

Karen Taylor Bass is the author of “You Want Caviar But Have Money for Chitlins: A Smart Do-It-Yourself PR Guide for Those on a Budget.” Her book just what it says and has catapulted and rebranded her own career and business because of the principles, tactics and suggested tools she writes about. And then there’s Melissa Dawn Johnson, the author of “Brand Me Make Your Mark: Turn Passion Into Profit.” And she certainly has! Everything she has done – from her interviews on CNN to speaking and blogging for Essence magazine to her own packed-out events – are outlined in her book.