State of the Chamber
Posted on | March 11, 2010 | 2 Comments
Last week I gave my State of the Chamber speech. I have been on the executive team for 4 years, and this year I’m having a blast as President. As the economy was sucking wind last year I called a round table for the local business community. My theme for the round table was “Tough Times Spur Creativity”. I’m sure you heard that once or twice in 2009! Well, I took the message to heart and implemented ideas like crazy with a newly appointed board. Since that meeting we were able to create strategic partnerships with the town government and the port to secure an additional $75,000 for marketing. That might not seem much to larger communities but that is more than a 100% increase in marketing for our tiny town (population 860).
For the first time ever we purchased a billboard ad, tv commercial spots, implemented an e-newsletter to 1500+ visitors, created a new logo, ramped up on social media with Facebook, Twitter, and YouTube, and cranked up our ad buys in general. Most importantly we will be getting signage ($15,000 price tag) on the interstate along with directional signs along the way marketing waterfront historic district.
Creativity also came in the form of getting lean and mean. We cut over $4,000 in rent by tough negotiations along with many more smart decisions on cutting overhead expenses. Believe it or not, our membership level is at an all-time high.
The current economic times suck. But, on the other hand, we are smarter, leaner, meaner, and more creative because of it. My hope is that as things shake out, my small town will be on top of our destination marketing game.
Tags: Destination Marketing > facebook > Social Media > twitter > youtube
Love Makes the Marketing World Go Around
Posted on | February 11, 2010 | No Comments
“Show me the love” has been a common phrase in the marketing world before Social Media was a beating heart. Fast forward to 2010 and Social Media has become the BFF.
With Social Media you can easily develop a sincere interest in hundreds of people and accelerate the love. Take Dale Carnegie’s quote, for example: “You’ll accomplish more in the next two months by developing a sincere interest in two people than you’ll ever hope to accomplish in two years trying to get two people interested in you.”
Become a lovecat! Tim Sanders, past Chief Solutions Officer at Yahoo!, uses the phrase “love cat” in his bestselling book ,“Love is the Killer App”. Tim defines a lovecat as one who shares knowledge, networks, and compassion. This book was written in 2001 before Social Media went mainstream. Bull’s Eye! He put the arrow through the heart of how you can use Social Media today to “share the love”. In 2010 a lovecat is synonymous to a thought leader (a forward thinker with the confidence and compassion to share ones knowledge).
Think about using social media to share knowledge, offer compassion, and learn about people’s stories. Every one of your friends on Facebook or followers on Twitter and your blog can spread the love and will be worth the commitment to the relationship. From one lovecat to another…Happy Valentine’s Weekend!
Love Makes the Marketing World Go Around
The Art of Social Media – A Workshop
Posted on | February 9, 2010 | No Comments
Facebook, Twitter, Blogging, & More!
The Art of Social Media is a 2 day workshop being held the weekend of March 13th-14th, 2010.
I will be leading the discussion that will provide attendees from the art community with the powerful knowledge of:
- An Introduction to Social Media Tools – an overview of Facebook, Twitter, Blogging, YouTube, Flickr, MySpace and Etsy including tools and tips for which ones provide the most value for your time invested.
- Social Media Conversations – we’ll talk about the two-way aspect of social media and how this differs from traditional marketing.
- The idea of Chi Marketing – with so many tools, develop a strategy to reach many people but lead them all to your core message and content. We will explore nationally renowned artist, Alfred Currier, using his social media examples.
- Social Media & Compelling Content – a look at what mix of your existing artistic content along with new content will help create & grow online communities.
- Hands-On Step By Step – creating and setting up a Facebook account, Facebook fan page, Twitter account, and a Blog. We will show how to connect with existing fans and reach new ones.
- Round Table & Questions – during registration, you’ll be asked about your questions and interests. We will address these during the workshop. We will also include a round table discussion after each session.
Click HERE to register and for more information on location and pricing.
*Presented by Alternative Focus - Workshops for Creative Minds
Hope to see you soon!
Skagit Marketing
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