Social Media - A Commitment

This isn't New Year's Day but I am going to once again make a resolution to commit to a schedule of regular social networking! I can't be the only one who realizes the importance of social media in marketing a business, an event or issue and who simply gets bogged down with other things and all of a sudden realizes that they haven't blogged in 6 weeks or that it has been days (or weeks) since a post was put on Face Book, Twitter or Linked In. Tell me, I'm not the only one!

Anyway, if you are like me and occasionally miss the opportunity to tweet, post or blog, join me in setting aside a bit of time each day to take advantage of the opportunities these media afford us. I'm going to try for first thing in the morning before my schedule starts to crumble! Let me know how it goes for you!

More tech training on the way

Following this morning's Adrian in the AM event with Ben Lorenz of the Human Element in Ann Arbor, presenting the basics of Social Media use, several guests asked us, "So, what do we do now? Having the basic "why" of social networking is great but how do we put it into practice in our organizations?"So, to that end, we will be meeting with a number of Chamber members as well as Ben Lorenz and others experienced in the field and will be putting together a series of programs that teach attendees the "how" and "what" of this technology. Watch for programming to begin in September! Let us know if you would like to be part of the focus group charged with pulling together the outline for the program series.

Ann Hughes
President and CEO
517.265.2320
517.270.1818
www.adrianareachamber.com

Networking, Social and Otherwise

Yesterday, we attended the Annual Meeting of the Small Business Association of Michigan (SBAM) in Lansing and the Chamber Partner Summit held prior to the luncheon which featured Joe, the Plumbler.

The topic that was at the top of everyone's mind was social networking and Michael Rogers, the VP for communications at SBAM spoke to the potential effectiveness of such sites for businesses. There were several Chambers of Commerce represented and most had either scheduled sessions on the topic or were planning one soon.

The Adrian Chamber is doing an introductory session this coming Thursday at Adrian in the AM with Ben Lorenz, partner and owner of the Human Element in Ann Arbor. Ben has extensive experience and knowledge in the areas of marketing and business development through effective use of web tools, on-line strategies and social networking techniques.

As Ben pointed out to me on the phone earlier today. social networking brings with it the need for commitment to the effort required to keep sites, etc. current and responsive. He also told me that social networking is only one piece of a diverse and comprehensive marketing strategy. Plan on attending the AM event on Thursday - call 265-2320.

One activity that there is always plenty of at Adrian in the AM is the ever-effective face-to-face networking, which I noticed yesterday was employed by almost everyone in the room. Like social networking, standard networking activity needs to be part of your integrated marketing scheme!

Ann Hughes
President and CEO
517.265.2320
517.270.1818
www.adrianareachamber.com

Marketing through social networking sites

If you, like all of us at the Adrian Area Chamber are interested in driving traffic to your website and marketing your products and services to a broader market, them log on to http://www.startupnation.com/forums/16641/1/1 for some practical and easy-to-implement strategies and tips. The article contains solid information and easy-to-understand directions.

Social Networking/HR Policy formation

Social networking is a relatively new tool that opens new and unique opportunities for individuals and businesses to network, market and share information. For businesses it also brings opportunities for employee misuse in terms of time and job productivity. Most businesses have not yet included the proper use of social networking websites in their personnel policies. Crystal Moore, American Chamber of Commerce Executives has shared a web link to help businesses and organization to find some good sources and ideas for social networking policies. Click on http://humanresources.about.com/od/policysamplesb/a/blogging_policy.htm

Ann Hughes
President and CEO
517.265.2320
517.270.1818
www.adrianareachamber.com