Pictures and Video from SFIMA July Educational Event

The South Florida Interactive Marketing Association has done it again with another successful educational event! If you missed it, here are some pictures and videos from the July educational interactive marketing event where we learned all about how to pimp out our Linked In profiles for personal and business success!



Can you spot yourself in the video?

Here are some videos from the event and also check out the SFIMA Flickr page for more pictures - maybe you will spot yourself! http://www.flickr.com/photos/40651705@N05/


A Full Room of Networking


Networking Time


A packed house at the Weston with a beautiful view of the ocean outside.


Presentation Time


Standing Room Only for Chris Muccio's Presentation!


A taste of "The W" style - this was the coaster at my seat.


After the presentation was over, we had drinks and more networking in the bar and lounge area at The W called The Living Room.




Christina Tierney and Brenna Lynchs' Pokens in action!

What Social Media Can and Can’t Do for You

By Bryan Eisenberg

July 17th, 2009

Unless you’ve been living under a rock, you don’t need me to tell you that social media has legs. And it’s getting leggier by the minute.

Many companies don’t fully understand what to do with social media. They don’t see the path to benefit from it. Others have tried using it and walked away not seeing the value of social media. Others still don’t get it at all, and have left themselves completely to the mercy of the online mobs.

Most of us are somewhere in between.

What It Can Do

Relationship building, goodwill, and improved customer service are what social media can do for you. Also, social media can:

• Help your company communicate with early- and middle-stage buyers more effectively and push them closer to a sale.
• Help your customers communicate the bad and the good, with you and everyone else they know.
• Help you listen to what potential buyers in your sector are talking about.
• Help you find opportunities to delight customers.
• Push you to become more focused on the customer.

What It Can’t Do

If you think putting up a Twitter account or a Facebook fan page will build huge gobs of closable traffic overnight, you’re kidding yourself. Relationships need nurturing. Social media can’t:

• Drive hundreds of thousands of new qualified visitors (yet) to your site or store.
• Let you take control of the customer dialogue about your company. Those days are long gone.
• Be your primary channel for marketing your mid- to large-sized company.

See the rest of the article on What Social Media Can & Can't Do for You!

What can you do to market in emerging countries?

I am often asked "What can you do to market with Social Media in emerging countries?"

A number of tools are available for emerging countries. First of all, while Facebook, Twitter and Linkedin are not not as developed as they are in the United States, other social networks like Google's Okrut and Hi5.com (amazing number 35 site in the world on Alexa!) and Sonico.com are all in the top 200 websites in the world according to Alexa and they are incredibly popular in different regions!

Another opportunity is mobile. While computer access at home and work is not as prevalent, the mobile phone is fast becoming the common access point for many people in emerging regions.

Chris Muccio's LinkedIn Presentation Now Available!

Thanks so much to Chris who has made his presentation from last Thursday's SFIMA event available through Slide Share:

http://www.slideshare.net/CFOStrategist/linkedin-as-a-marketing-tool

Whether you saw the presentation on the 42 Rules for 24 Hours LinkedIn Success or if you missed it, now you can get caught up and see first hand how to optimize your LinkedIn profile for success!

While you are on LinkedIn updating and fixing up your profile, make sure to join the SFIMA LinkedIn Group!

Chance to Attend Friday's Workshop for only $30!

Tweet for a chance to attend Friday's Social Media, The Glitter of Twitter Workshop for only $30. Regular price for this workshop is $249, but you can Tweet for a chance to attend this day long workshop for only $30! Simply tweet about it on Twitter and include #SFIMA in your tweet!

One winner will be randomly chosen on Wednesday night, so get tweeting!

Poken Wins "Best Real World Gadget" TechCrunch Europa Award

Do you Poken? If you haven't heard about a Pokens yet, you have to check them out!
See Poken Girl for details.

Poken was awarded the TechCrunch Europa Award for "Best Real World Gadget"
on 7/9 in London. Some coverage on the award:

http://uk.techcrunch.com/2009/07/09/the-europas-the-winners-and-finalists/

http://www.computerweekly.com/blogs/inspect-a-gadget/2009/07/techcrunch-europa-awards---quick-roundup.html

Internet Taxes Causing Havoc for E-tailers and Affiliates

You may have read recently that some states have joined new York in charging state sales tax on internet sales for e-tailers selling products even if they do not have brick and mortar operations in that state. This is causing a great deal of controversy since the federal law does not provide for taxation on inter-state sales of merchandise. It also causes a logistical nightmare for many e-tailers, especially those who do not have the technological capabilities of calculating the taxes based on different states tax rates.

Amazon.com has ended its business relationships with marketing affiliates in Rhode Island and in North Carolina to avoid having to collect sales tax in the state. Overstock.com is dropping affiliates in California, Hawaii, North Carolina and Rhode Island for the same reason.

Oh June 30th Amazon announced this: http://online.wsj.com/article/SB124630810805070105.html

On July 2nd OverStock made this announcement: http://online.wsj.com/article/SB124646193909080523.html

Evidently the retailer protests and boycotts made 2 states listen. On July 2nd the Internet Retailer reported:

Two states think better of imposing sales taxes on e-retailers

Threats by retailers to cut off affiliate marketing relationships in states that are trying to tax sales generated by affiliates have had an effect. The governors of California and Hawaii have vetoed legislation that would have imposed such taxes in those states.

The governors acted after such major online retailers as Amazon.com Inc., Blue Nile Inc. and Overstock.com Inc. began this week cutting off affiliates in states that adopted laws requiring collection of sales taxes by e-retailers with affiliates in those states.

This is a win for retailers! Read the full story here: http://www.internetretailer.com/dailyNews.asp?id=31028

Does this internet tax affect you? What are your feelings on this?

Remember that if you are unsure whether this tax applies to your business or affiliate program, contact your accountant or lawyer for counsel regarding this taxation issue.

July SFIMA LinkedIn Event Review

This past Thursday, the monthly SFIMA educational meeting was held at The W Hotel on Ft. Lauderdale Beach. This was our first time having a meeting at "The W" and the positive feedback and rave reviews were flowing! This is truly a beautiful hotel in a great location right on the beach!

We had a packed house for the event. Lots of marketers turned out and were not disappointed with the presentation from Chris Mucchio who shared some of the tips from his book: 42 Rules for 24 Hour Success on LinkedIn and how to leverage LinkedIn as a marketing tool, both for personal and professional use.

Here are my top 10 take aways from Chris' enlightening talk:

1. There are 43 million users on LinkedIn. That is up 23 million over last year and predicted growth is that it will reach 70 million by the end of the year!

2. LinkedIn, like other social media sites is about conversation, not self promotion, so make sure to keep up conversations, keep your info relevent and up to date to attract people in.

3. Why are you on LinkedIn? Have a reason and a goal; then support that goal with a tactical plan. Here are 3 exercises to help get you started with that. Fill in the blanks:

1. My company (or I) is/ am known for ________________.

2. Three adjectives to describe our USP are:

3. Describe yoru expertise in 10 words or less:

4. Did you know that you can create your own LinkedIn group? Now there are also sub groups available as well.

5. Make sure that your profile link is updated with a vanity url of your choice. And edit the text link for "My Company" and "My Blog" etc. customize them with your company name or keywords.

6. Make sure that the summary section and specialties section are filled in with keyword rich content. Those keywords will help you show up in searches, not just in LinkedIn, but also in the major search engines as well!

7. Make sure to personalize invitations.

8. Utilize the "What are you working on?" function, but do not over use it.

9. Check out the Outlook LinkedIn tool bar and make sure to optimize for that. The 1st two lines of your summary show up in emails of those who have this tool bar and mouse over it.

10. Make sure to complete and maximize your profile. That is Chris' Rule #1 from the book.

Here are a few other "rules" that he gave us a sneak peak at:

Rule # 17: Your professional description comes up with your name in searches, make sure it is descriptive, not just your name and title.

Rule #18: You ARE Your Brand!

Rule #24: Online Connection Growth

And finally, here are some LinkedIn Demographic stats that Chris Muccio shared with us:

• Average Age 41
• Over 3/4 are over 35
• Average income $110,000
• 40% of LinkedIn users have a post graduate degree
• 50% are business decision makers.

Please share with us what you got out of the event. Have you updated your LinkedIn profile yet? Let us see the before and after or share some results from your LinkedIn profile makeover!

Pictures from the event coming soon!

The 3 E's of Social Media and Corporate Blogging

Many businesses are hesitant to start blogging due to fears about comments on their blog that they can't control and uncertainty about what type of content they should be blogging about.

First of all, you can moderate comments on your blog! You will approve them before they go live, and don't worry you will need to be blogging for a long time before you get a flood of comments.

And what content should go on your blog?






I recommend a strategic approach to Social Media Messaging called The Three E's of Social Media.

Educate. Show your customers how to do things. Answer their questions. Be helpful. This can only build your credibility and build links to the posts which will improve search engine results!

Engage. Engage customers in a 2 way dialogue. Ask them questions. Run polls. Offer special contests and delight them with surprises for visiting the blog such as chances to win or links to free stuff.

Entertain. A blog (and all social media) should be social. Put a smile on their face. Shoot a funny video prior to the holidays. Shoot a video of your senior executive team doing karaoke. Post outtakes from your commercial shoot or a podcast or video cast.

Don't Miss the SFIMA August E-Marketer Event!

Thursday, 8-13-2009

Emarketer CEO Geoff Ramsey

Navigating Through Complexity: How to Achieve Success with Online Travel Marketing in Seven Easy Steps

Just as most consumers need help making their travel plans, marketers in this non-linear, fast-changing world of interactive marketing need a guide through the dizzying maze of Web 2.0 trends and numbers.

eMarketer founder and CEO Geoff Ramsey, acting as your tour guide, will walk you through the strategies, tactics and best practices for engaging with consumers and leading them through the buying cycle using an array of digital marketing tools.

In his usual caffeine-induced style, Geoff will layout the landscape and help you figure out:

• What is the new mindset marketers need to have in order to connect with consumers today?
• Which online ad formats are growing the fastest, and why? (Hint: it's not all about search!)
• What's the secret sauce for using social media without getting your brand in trouble?
• How is online video being used by leading marketers, and how can you apply that learning to your brand?
• Is Twitter a fad, or am I missing the boat if my brand is tweeting to the world?

Event Details Time/Date: 6:30-9:30 pm Thursday, 8-13-2009 Place: Gulfstream Park in the Sport of Kings Lounge 901 S. Federal Hwy Hallandale, FL Contact: Membership@sfima.com Member Cost & Registration FREE Non Member Cost & Registration $39

The Morning after the W…

Good Morning. Just a few quick thoughts on our great meeting last night with Chris Muccio who presented on LinkedIn Strategies for Success. And because it was a long night for many of the attendees who went upstairs to the lounge; I will keep my thoughts brief, simple, crisp and clean. (I heard there was a large group of attendees who did not leave until midnight.)

176 attendees
Venue: Nice, but minimalist in style
Networking: Fantastic
Presentation: People taking notes vigorously
Feedback: Read at our Facebook and Twitter pages

Now to my very own Lucky 8 Tips for LinkedIn and most any social media platform.

1. Link
2. Communicate
3. Respect: People’s time
4. Listen
5. Share
6. Learn
7. Indulge: In the rewards
8. Look your best always, and don’t embarrass yourself. Everyone is watching.
9. Bonus Tip: Join SFIMA’s LinkedIn Group

Quick reminder about July’s 17 workshop on Twitter, Facebook, blogs, podcasts, and much more. Sign up and if you are not a member, remember you get an automatic 1 year membership with your registration.

Lastly, it was great seeing everyone last night and I know some were unable to make it so hopefully I will see you in August.

All my best to your success,

Taigh

P.S. And for the W’s Whatever Whenever mantra…well I was standing near the bar at the meeting and I overheard the person ask for a merlot. The bartender’s reply was we do not have merlot at this bar since it is only a mini bar station for meetings. The attendee’s reply was “Whatever Whenever” and looked at him. And then off he went hunting for some merlot. If we go back to the W, I encourage everyone to put the W to the test. It is their mantra and should live by it, if they are going to tout it.

I Love Podcasts! Here are my Favorites - What do you listen to?

I love podcasts! They are free and very easy to download on any computer and then you can take them with you on a mobile device or burn a CD for your car. There are podcasts on almost any topic and if the subject matter is something you are passionate about they are very entertaining.

The best way to listen to podcasts is for FREE by downloading iTunes. Go to Apple.com and download the software. YOU DON'T NEED A MAC AND YOU DON'T NEED AN iPOD TO LISTEN TO PODCASTS. Just search for the name of a podcast in the iTunes store - here's some great internet marketing podcasts that I listen to:

Marketing Over Coffee Christopher S. Penn and John Wall break down interactive marketing strategies over a Dunkin Donuts coffee.

For Immediate Release Shel Holtz and Neville Hobson cover new marketing from the public relations perspective 2 times each week!

Ten Golden Rules Internet Marketing Podcast Recent winner of a SOFIE Award for Best Use of New and Emerging Media! The team at Ten Golden Rules shares the latest strategies and tactics for internet marketing and advertising. Some Amazing Interviews with Social Media Superstars including Google's Matt Cutts, Pandora Founder Tim Westergren, the Facebook Goddess Mari Smith and Steve Krug Author of Don't Make Me Think.

Internet Business Mastery how to create a revenue producing website from the do-it-yourself website masters.

That Affiliate Thing The latest from the important field of affiliate marketing. Commentary, interviews, and various segments hosted by Lisa Picarille and Shawn Collins

Jaffe Juice Author and Social Medialite Joseph Jaffe covers the latest in new media and he recently moved his great audio show to video and the results...hmmm we're not quite sold on the new format.

6 Pixels of Separation Mitch Joel, with his audio community, is warm and engaging as he covers the latest new media and connectivity tools

Diva Marketing Talks from Social Media Guru Toby Bloomberg.

The Engaging Brand - A great show from Anna Farmery in Britain.

Save the Date for This Year's Nautical Networking Event Cruise!

BGT & Omniture Nautical Networking Event

South Florida's biggest social event for marketers will include a pre-party at the dock, Intracoastal cruise and after-party, all with a Masquerade theme. Whether you dress up or appear as your elegant self, don't miss this event.

Event Details Time/Date: 5:30 - 10:00 Friday, 10-23-2009 Place: The Lady Windridge Fort Lauderdale, FL Contact: Member Cost & Registration Non Member Cost & Registration

Event Sponsors

SFIMA Educational Workshop July 17th

Friday, 7-17-2009

The Glitter of Social Media - A 1-Day Workshop On Social Media Marketing Covering Twitter, Podcasts, LinkedIn, Facebook, Blogs & More

Join Us for a 1-Day Workshop Taught by Leading Professionals in Interactive, about:

Using Twitter and Social Media to Increase Profits
Twitter, LinkedIn, Facebook, Blogs, Podcasts & more

Breakfast, lunch and snacks provided
Nova Southeastern University
3301 College Avenue
Fort Lauderdale-Davie, Florida 33314-7796
Carl DeSantis Building
Julian and Ellen Knight Lecture Hall, Room 1124

The media landscape is changing daily, and what worked last year may not work now. Social Media has emerged as one of the hottest trends and is being used to generate leads and profits for large and small businesses, nationally and locally. Most social media tools are free, but the challenge is to stand out from the 100 million others online. This SFIMA Workshop course will teach you the tools and tactics you need to attract customers and coverage.

The expert panel includes:

• Melissa Goodis of Crispin Porter Bogusky (the agency that won the Grand Effie Award for results related to the Burger King "Whopper Freakout" campaign)
• Jay Berkowitz, CEO of TenGoldenRules.com
• Catherine Schenquerman and Stephanie Leavitt from Carnival Cruise Lines
• J.B. Glossinger, founder of MorningCoach.com
• Mande White, founder of FreeSocialMediaHelp.com
• John Lawson, founder of ColderICE

These experts have personally launched successful programs in fast food, motivation, self-help, music, legal, hospitality, travel, high tech, retail and other industries.

This SFIMA WORKSHOP is a must-have for marketers and agencies that are looking to learn how to launch and manage successful social media marketing campaigns on a local and national basis.

SFIMA Workshop Agenda:

• Understanding the Social Media Landscape
• Social Media Channels and what they mean to your brand
• Social Media Monitoring, Measurements & Metrics
• Social Networks
• Twitter
• Facebook
• LinkedIn
• Widgets
• Blogs, Word Press and Podcasts
• Word of Mouth
• Creating Profits Through Social Media Marketing
• Social Media Case Studies
• And much more...

Who Should Attend:

Marketers:

• Online Marketing Directors
• Vice President of Marketing
• Marketing Directors
• Marketing Managers
• Business Development Staff
• Community Managers
• Customer Service Directors
• PR Directors
• PR Support Staff
• Editorial Staff
• Media Buyers
• Research & Consumer Insights Staff

Agencies:

• Digital Media Directors
• Media Planners
• PR Team
• Account Managers
• Creative Directors
• Creative Services Team
• Research Team
• Community Managers

Agenda for Course (details subject to change):

8:00 AM - 8:45AM Sign-In/Continental Breakfast
8:45 AM - 9:00 AM Welcome & Opening Remarks
9:00 AM - 10:30 AM Morning Session
10:30 AM - 11:00 AM Morning Break/Refreshments
11:00 AM - 12:00 PM Morning Session Continued
12:00 PM - 12:45 PM Luncheon Served
12:45 PM - 1:45 PM Afternoon Session
1:45 PM - 2:00 PM Early Afternoon Break/Refreshments
2:00 PM - 3:00 PM Afternoon Session Continued
3:00 PM - 3:15 PM Afternoon Break/Refreshments
3:15 PM - 4:15 PM Afternoon Session Continued
4:15 PM - 4:45 PM Brand Case Study
4:45 PM - 5:00 PM Q&A All Panelists

This event costs $99 for SFIMA members. For non-members it costs $249, which includes a one-year membership to SFIMA. Membership includes free attendance at regular monthly programs and much more. There is also special $49 student pricing, when booked in advance and with a valid student ID. SFIMA Workshops sell out every time so don't get left out and register today. SFIMA Workshops focus on “how to” tactics and are priced 4 to 6 times lower than similar courses because SFIMA is a non-profit forum. Register for this event today.

Note: One Year SFIMA Membership included in the cost of $249 for Nonmembers.

SFIMA July Educational Event at the W Hotel!

Thursday, 7-9-2009

42 Rules for 24-Hour Success on LinkedIn - Chris Muccio

This special event will be held at the W Hotel in Ft. Lauderdale rather than the usual location at the Riverside Hotel. At the W Hotel, we will have the same amazing networking both before and after the presentation and you can look forward to some great live music as well as some great snacks and drinks.

This is an educational event not to miss! And the seats are going fast. Register today!

Speaker:

Chris Muccio
Chris Muccio has quickly become a leading "Social Media Expert". He is currently the Chief Technopologist for Link To Prosper, a social media consulting firm. Earlier this year he authored, 42 Rules for 24-Hour Success on LinkedIn, which achieved Amazon Best Seller status within a couple of weeks of its release and hit a ranking of #68 out of over 2.2 million books for sale! The theme for his next book is Social Media as a Corporate Strategy. Look for that by early 2010.

Although accomplished as an author, Chris spent the bulk of his professional life in leadership positions for large corporations where he is recognized by CEO's and CFO's for the ability to deliver strong, sustainable results in finance, operations, and information management. Through his management of numerous global projects and processes across 28 countries on 5 continents, his innovative vision and leadership have resulted in multi-million dollar increases to the top line, a stronger bottom line and major improvements to their operational effectiveness.

Chris has a B.S in Accounting from the State University of New York at Albany. He earned his MBA with a specialization in Entrepreneurship, from the University of Florida where he was also named a Matherly Scholar. He began his career with Coopers & Lybrand in Audit where he passed the CPA exam.



Check Out Our Dazzling New Venue!
Lounging on Florida's Gold Coast and just a wave away from Millionaire's Row, W Fort Lauderdale is the perfect balance of style and soul. With panoramic views of the Sunshine State's best surf, sand and sea, the W Hotel compliments the alluring elements of Fort Lauderdale Beach. Come out and explore the elegance and enchantment of the W Hotel at our next educational event.

Event Details Time/Date: 6:30 - 8:30 Thursday, 7-9-2009 Place: W Hotel 401 North Fort Lauderdale Beach Boulevard Fort Lauderdale, FL 33304 Contact: Membership@sfima.com Member Cost & Registration Non Member Cost & Registration $39