Social Media and Wine Come Together

Love It!

Busy Speaking

The last couple weeks I have been busy speaking to the Ohio Credit Union League on the topic of social media. Currently, only a handful of Credit Unions are incorporating social media into their marketing plans. I was added to the Ohio Media Training Tour to introduce Credit Union's to social media, with an emphasis on Facebook and Twitter.

Not only am I making an introduction to Facebook and Twitter, I am also discussing the importance of strategy:

• Creating objectives
• Targeting your audience
• Making your footprint
• Crafting content and key messages
• Deciding how much to converse
• Determining your commitment
• Using measurement tools

It's the strategy created behind Facebook and Twitter that will give Credit Unions, and any organization, the best return on investment and social media success.

Jack Johnson Fan? Get a Free Download By Retweeting

I enjoy the chill of Jack Johnson and I enjoy social media. Mix the two and you have magic, or a very smart promoter.

Visit twitter.jackjohnsonmusic.com. There’s a 116 character Twitter message you can retweet (or feel free to add 24 more characters) that promotes his new En Concert album. You can also pre-order your copy of the new album while you are there.

Just login into your Twitter account and retweet. The download of Flake will start to download automatically.

Social Media IS Powerful

Think social media is on its way out? Think again.

You may have already seen this video before but if not, check it out.

More social media info at Socialnomics.

Looking For Extra Support Using Social Media Create a Twibbon

Promote awareness on your cause using Twibbon.com.

With Twibbon you can add a small cause ribbon to a Twitter avatar. Find a ribbon to add to your avatar (there are thousands to choose from) or create one for your own cause for others to use.

This is a great way for non-profits to subtly promote their cause and find out who is supporting them on-line.

Non-Profits Why Not Enlist A Social Media Army?

Social media can be a non-profit organizations dream. A relatively new, basically free venue to create awareness, cultivate relationships, and enlist a social media army.

That's right, enlist a social media army. The beauty of Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, YouTube and other social media platforms is that you can spread your message, connect with individuals and create calls to action.

So why not increase your awareness. Instead of voicing your message all alone, why not enlist some of your volunteers who are using social media and ask them to help you create awareness. It could work similar to this old Faberge Shampoo commercial.

This could be a great way to update your speaker's bureau. Using the Internet is a great way to reach a brand new target market.

Before enlisting your army, make sure you select volunteers you know well and have a good relationship with. In order to control the message and keep brand consistency create a daily key message and send to your army. They can then tweet your message, add it to their Facebook page or to any other social media platform they use. Be sure to add your organizations web site in your message to give the recipient a place to find more information.

Blame Everything on Cancer - #BlameDrewsCancer

On Twitter this morning I noticed quite a few people blaming Drew's cancer for anything bad that was happening.  

Of course this intrigued me so I looked into it.

Here is what I found Drew Olanoff was diagnosed with cancer, Hodgkins Lymphoma, on May 20, 2009.  You can read Drew's story here.

This extremely creative guy wanted to be light-hearted about his battle with the disease so he created Blame Drew's Cancer.  Blame Drew's Cancer is a Twitter Hashtag (#).  So anytime you want to vent about something in a tweet add the hashtag #BlameDrewsCancer.

They will tally all hash tags and hopefully find a sponsor to donate $1.00 per hashtag to the American Cancer Society and The Make-A-Wish Foundation.

Let's help Drew win his fight against cancer and start blaming his cancer for anything and everything!

I'm going to start with blaming his cancer on my Internet connection being extra slow today (I was going to blame Oprah but Drew's cause is much better)!

Benefits of Owning Your Own Business

Yes, one of the greatest benefits of owning your own business is that you can close it down for a week if you wish.

This week, I will be doing just that because I am off to Washington D.C.   Instead of wearing my entrepreneur hat, I'm going to be wearing my chaperone hat and help with the 8th grade trip. I'm sure I'll be tired by the end of the week, but I know I'll have a blast.  

It's been quite some time since my last trip to D.C.  I'm looking forward to seeing the Holocaust Museum, the Newseum, the Monuments, the Smithsonian, and Mt. Vernon.  I'll be taking Twitpics along the way so be sure to follow me @cbusimpressions to see my photo journal.

Have a great week and I'll catch you back here next week!

Columbus Social Media Network Fun

Through MeetUp.com I have become a member of the Columbus Social Media Network Group. Ryan Bauer is the organizer of this fast growing group.  Last night we had a Cinco de Mayo Meet Up and boy did we have fun.   Here are a couple photos of me with friends I have met using social media.  Great people! 

Next week Ryan has arranged for a MeetUp to discuss Reputation Management: Social Media and Public Relations.  I will be a speaker and will be highlighting how social media can help non-profits and ways for them to avoid a social media crisis situation.  Join us if you can. But hurry, only a few spaces are left.

Espresso Yourself Music Cafe: A TasteCasting Event

Last night the TasteCasting team was treated to a night out at Espresso Yourself Music Cafe in Powell, Ohio.

  

Espresso Yourself is such a great play on words.  Obviously they are a coffee house, but musicians far and wide come to this venue to express themselves with their gift of music.  Eric, the owner and a musician himself, decided to open up a coffee shop that offered so much more than just java.  In it's second year, Espresso Yourself has a cool, artsy, organic, eclectic vibe, having a Short North feel in suburban Columbus.  

Picture the scene, an old church with smells of coffee, sounds of music and colorful walls filled with art from artists from all over.

Yesterday was a beautiful spring evening and was the perfect night to enjoy the jazz trio, Trio of Fury while sipping on peach and strawberry smoothies and eating a variety of delicious pannini sandwich samples.

Between sets we learned that if you sign up for the weekly Espresso Yourself Music Cafe newsletter you are automatically placed in the weekly $20.00 gift card drawing.  Register for their newsletter here.

I would recommend spending an evening or Saturday afternoon at this venue.  You'll be in for a real treat

Social Media and Crisis Communication

Time to revise your crisis communication plans to include the effects of social media.  Because of social media channels like Facebook, YouTube and Twitter, word (both positive and negative) spreads faster than ever.  Just ask the latest victim, Dominos Pizza.

So what can you do to keep your brand ahead of the 140 character or viral video storm?

1. Figure out who the source of the social attack is, where it's coming from, and how widespread it is.
   
2. Create an honest response as soon as possible.  Just like traditional crisis communication get it out quick even if it is to say you are looking into the situation and will get back with more information soon.
3. Don't make a broad statement.  Make your statement on the social media channel(s) in which it came from.  That way you are not creating more attention to others who may not have heard.
4. Keep your tone upbeat and professional and show your company cares about fixing the situation.

The playing field is just a little different but the same quick crisis communication tips for traditional media apply to social media:

• Get it right - communicate correct information
  
• Get it quick - communicate promptly to key audience
  
• Get it out - communicate your positive key messages
  
• Get it over with - resolve situation as quickly as possible

In Dominos case, they've taken action and have responded very fast.  They have a strong brand, a good product and should be fine.

Things Are Cooking At The Culinary Table

This week, my client, The Culinary Table will be busy whipping up some excitement!  So many interesting items are on this week's menu.  

If you're listening to almost any Columbus radio station Tuesday or Wednesday you will hear Children's Hunger Alliance talking about the children's cooking classes at The Culinary Table that will benefit the Foundation.  The Culinary Table is hosting children's cooking classes one full day, Saturday, April 11th, for food, fun and philanthropy.  Click here for details.

The crew at The Culinary Table will also be preparing for the TasteCasting group on Thursday. Almost 20 TasteCasters will eat and Tweet their way through a fabulous evening where they will sample some delicious appetizers like mozzarella stuffed grilled portobello mushrooms, Stilton tart with cranberry chutney, smoked trout on cucumber rounds to name a few, as well as learn more about what The Culinary Table has to offer.  The TasteCasters should be prepared for a real first-class treat!  The Culinary Table should be prepared for great exposure over hundreds of various social media channels.

Under my suggestion and supervision, The Culinary Table is also trying their hand at social media.  We have added more posts and personality to their blog, and they have joined Twitter. You can follow them on Twitter here.  The tweets are just starting, but after this week they should have lots more to add!

Social media is key in starting a new business.  It's a great way to advertise with real impact because it reaches a substantial number of individuals simultaneously for mere pennies. Something a new business with a limited budget like The Culinary Table can afford.

We are hoping that with the awareness generated by these two events this week The Culinary Table will be well on its way to years of great success.  

Mangia Mangia or Eat Eat like my Nonna (grandma) would always say.

Earth Hour Saturday - More Cities Need to Represent!

Watching the Weather Channel I saw a promotion for Earth Hour.  World Wildlife Fund is asking individuals, businesses and organizations around the world to turn off their lights for one hour this Saturday to show support for Earth Hour.  Make your statement of concern for climate change and support going green by turning off your lights for one hour this Saturday, March 28, 2009 at 8:30 p.m. your local time. (similar to New Year's Eve)

Currently about 200 US cities are participating.  Unfortunately Columbus and Cleveland have yet to sign up.  The only major cities in Ohio signed up are Cincinnati and Toldeo.  You can sign up your city here.  Over 2,500 cities in 84 countries are signed up to participate.

For more information on Earth Hour click here.

Follow Earth Hour on Twitter here.

MEDIA ADVISORY: TASTECASTING LAUNCHED CREATING UNIQUE WAY TO MARKET

Contact:  Dan Harris, Founder

     TasteCasting

     p: 740.881.0417| e: harrishammer@mac.com

CENTRAL OHIO’S MOST SOCIALLY NETWORKED USES VARIOUS SOCIAL MEDIA PLATFORMS TO PROMOTE LOCAL AREA RESTAURANTS

(COLUMBUS, OHIO) Let the tweeting begin! Last week TasteCasting was launched creating the newest way to utilize social networking.  The idea combines great people and good food to benefit the many food and drink establishments in our area.

TasteCasting is a group of socially networked people that enjoy connecting and meeting with others over food and drink.  Team members taste, tweet, and then repeat, broadcasting the experience across their social media platforms.

Establishments looking to spread the word about a grand opening, new product, new menu, or special offer, can use TasteCasting to increase awareness through the team of socially connected Bloggers, Twitters, You Tuber’s, Facebook and Flickr users, resulting in more traffic to their website and their restaurant.  In return, the establishment provides a complimentary tasting and tour.  Currently there is no charge to restaurants and there is no compensation for tasters.

Quote from Dan Harris: “The socially networked, and social media savvy are already meeting online, and attending a number of events held by Columbus TechLife, Tweetups and meetups.” says Dan Harris, Founder of TasteCasting. “TasteCasting is a way to get networked people meeting in person, learning about the establishments, the food, the owners, their passions and then the team broadcasts to thousands across their personal networks through blogs, twitter, video and photos.”

Last week Tastecasting events were held at the Suisse Shop Bakery, 2119 Polaris Parkway www.thesuisseshop.com and Katzinger’s Deli, 475 South Third Street www.katzingers.com.

Quote from Darlene Jones, Suisse Shop: "TasteCasting introduced us to 10 new potential customers in-person during the tasting and through those in attendance our message, images of our bakery, and our products will be twittered, put on Facebook and shared across the various social network platforms," explains Darlene Jones, Owner of The Suisse Shop Bakery.  "What is so exciting for us is thousands of the tasters' friends, family, followers, and connections may come to visit or refer others to us and they may become loyal customers and fans of our bakery."

Quote from Diana Katzinger: "As a business, the use of social media has become so important.  That's why Katzinger's was thrilled to host the TasteCasting team for a cheese and wine pairing.  We not only gained potentially a dozen new customers, we reached thousand of people we could never reach before because of strong social media connections."

About TasteCasting:  At TasteCasting, we view this social media effort and our purpose as a way to help restaurants, coffee shops, bakeries and other food service businesses grow their business. We have a growing team of socially connected networkers in Columbus, but will soon invite socially networked and social media savvy people in other cities to start teams as well.  For more information on TasteCasting or to request a tasting, visit our site at www.tastecasting.com.

Suisse Shop TasteCasting Event Delicious Success! #Suisse

Last night the TasteCasters were invited to the Suisse Shop Bakery for the first TasteCasters event. I met some really incredible people - TasteCaster members, as well as owners, Darlene and Herb Jones and their daughter, Elizabeth Jones who is the General Manager and cake artist.

We sampled over 17 different types of cupcakes - well, 17 types were available. I had bites of five different kinds - Chocolate Mouse, Buckeye, Boston Cream Pie, Red Velvet, and Italian Cassatta. All were incredibly delicious!! While we ate, we Twittered, took videos and photos to share with our social network platforms creating awareness for the family run business.

Specializing in European pastries and confections, and making everything from scratch, I would definitely recommend the Suisse Shop Bakery for any pastry needs. Marvelously delectable, I can see why the Suisse Shop Bakery has won numerous awards, which include awards from The Knot and Columbus Monthly Best Of!

Special Twitter promotion - stop in the Suisse Shop Bakery (Polaris Parkway, Columbus, OH) buy five cupcakes and get the sixth free if you give your @ Twitter name. Don't have one, you can use mine - @cbusimpressions.

Some photos from the night. You can see more photos here.

Tonight's The First TasteCasters Event (#CbusTasters)

I recently joined TasteCasters. TasterCasters is a group of socially networked people that enjoy connecting and meeting with others over food and drink. We taste, tweet, and then repeat. Broadcasting our experience across our social media platforms.

As social media grows, so does the unique ways in which to market your business. TasteCasters helps market various establishments. Business helping business. If an establishment is looking to spread the word about a grand opening, new product, new menu or special offer, TasteCasting can help increase awareness by driving traffic to the web site, and encouraging people to visit the establishment to experience for themselves.

If an establishment is interested in hosting a TasteCasting all you need to do is invite as many TasteCasting members, (currently 22), you'd like to a tasting and tour. In return, each TasteCasting member in attendance will broadcast their event, at no cost, to Facebook friends, Twitter followers and LinkedIn connections. Members will also post photos, videos, comments about the establishment and food at the event on their blogs, Flickr, Youtube and Viddler accounts. Establishments also receive a landing page on the Tastecasting website.

Tonight's TasteCasting is at the Suisse Shope off of Polaris Parkway. We are going to sample cupcakes and other goodies. Watch for my tweets and Facebook status updates starting around 7:30 pm. Tomorrow I will post about the experience.

If you want to see everyone's Twitter comments during the TasteCasting follow along here #CbusTasters and #Suisse.

Non-Profit Inventory

As a former director of Brand Marketing and Development Programs in the non-profit industry, one of my main responsibilities was to create fundraising and development programs while overseeing brand compliance.

In order to strike corporate/business interest in the organization we had to establish a consistent and professional brand, not only for the organization, but for each fundraising program that we built.  But that wasn't enough.  We also had to create some sort of inventory, a tangible benefit to the corporation/business.

Corporations and business alike get involved with a non-profit for many reasons.  They like to give back to their community, they like to engage employees through involvement, and they like to get a little something back in return.

Non-profits have more to offer than they realize.  Some benefits that were created for sponsors, usually because of an event or corporate giving program, were:

1. Media Mentions - Securing media sponsor(s) early on so the title/presenting sponsor can be mentioned in PSAs.
2. Brand placement - positioning the corporate/business logo on everything from invitations and brochures to signage and website.
3. Unique Visitors - Using your website unique visitor count can be a huge selling point. Monitor your web analytics and use them as a benefit to the donor.  That's the number of times their brand will have additional exposure.

Now with social media a new lot of inventory benefits are available:

1. Facebook - By creating a Facebook page for the organization or event and including the sponsor logo you can use number of fans to the page as inventory.
2. Twitter - By posting a tweet on Twitter about the sponsor involvement you can use the number of followers to your profile as inventory.
3. You Tube - By adding a video on You Tube with the sponsor logo you can add number of views to the video as inventory.

The benefit possibilities are endless if you just think "beyond the box". 

If your non-profit needs assistance in creating consistent, successful development programs for your organization columbus imPRessions can help.  Email michele@columbusimpressions.com 

FeedBurner and Google Created Changes For My Twitterfeed

With the acquisition of FeedBurner by Google changes on RSS feeds are being made.  I found that out the hard way when all of a sudden my Twitterfeed stopped working.  With fingers crossed I think I figured it out.  

According to the Google Adsense for Feeds blog . . .

On February 28th, if you have not moved your feeds to a Google Account, the traffic to your feeds will not be cut off or terminated, but you will not be able to view or manage your feeds until you have moved to a Google Account

You can get more info here.

Now hopefully, this post will directly feed to my Twitter profile - fingers crossed.

It's Twitterriffic! Just ask GMA, Skittles, @8101Harris and columbus imPRessions

Twitter, it's all over the place!  

Yesterday Good Morning America announced during a segment that they will now be using Twitter for next week's special series "GMA Goes Big".  Their "tweets" will be clues hinting where they are.  They also have a link to their twitter profile right on their web homepage.

Last week Skittles created an interweb where their chatter is an overlay of Twitter.  This overlay captures every "tweet" (good or bad) that is being communicated over Twitter.  Make a "tweet" about Skittles and it immediately shows up on their Twitter interweb, very innovative.

columbus imPRessions uses Twitter daily.  Twitter has been very successful in pitching story ideas to the media, helping non-profit organizations with feeds from In-kind Connection, directing more unique visitors to our site through twitterfeed, as well as finding new clients. The project for Baby The Planet Expo came via Twitter.

Yesterday I had a great meeting with Dan Harris or @8101Harris.  Dan is coming up with great ideas using the social networking world.  Can't wait to get involved with Taste Casting - a unique tool to help local restaurants using Twitter.  If it wasn't for Twitter I most likely would not have met @8101Harris.

Now I can "tweet" anytime and anywhere because I just installed Twitterberry on my Blackberry.  Twitter is twitteriffic!  You just need to think "beyond the box" a little to make it work. "Beyond the box", that's columbus imPRessions approach.  You can follow columbus imPRessions on twitter here.