calgary chamber of commerce, small business week - social media 101 for business
DESCRIPTION
Kick off Small Business Week 2009 in Calgary with Stuart Crawford and the Calgary Chamber of Commerce. Social Media 101 and how to build trust within the community using everyday social networking and social media tools such as blogs, twitter, linkedin, youtube and blogtalkradio. Stuart Crawford from Bulletproof InfoTech presented to Chamber members to kick off small business week.TRANSCRIPT
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Social Media for Small BusinessCalgary Chamber of Commerce
How do you become the local expert and build trust in your community?
Stuart R. CrawfordVP, Business DevelopmentBulletproof InfoTech403.206.2233
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Before we begin
What social networking/media sites you use today?
FacebookLinkedInYouTubeTwitterBlogsOther
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Introduction to social mediaMore than just Facebook!
Is social media ready for business?Is business ready for social media?
What is Social Media?• Allows people to connect, share and
influence those around us• Allows us to help others• Allows us to promote others• Allows us to reach others
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Why Social Media and Why Now?
Why is social media so important?Old marketing tricks are becoming extinctPeople are looking for someone they can trust
Why is it important now?Prospects are turning to search and web communities to find information
The evolution of business The Industrial Age The Information Age The Participation Age
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Small Business in changing!
Changes in the way business is doneChanges in the way customers interact with usChanges in the way prospects find usChanges in the way people share informationChanges in the way people talk about usChanges in the way we approach the market
Change is coming, change is here and the old way doesn’t work unless combined with new mindsets!
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Remember this…before we begin
Information is a commodityIf you search hard enough, someone has posted something online for free Information we previously charged for! Everything is free!Don’t believe me, just do a Google search for “Calgary mortgage brokers”We need to change and change to survive!
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Google search
Calgary mortgage brokers
Oct 13, 2009
How do you compete?
Where can you get an immediate advantage?
Where can you build trust?
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What resources are available? What we will cover today
5 Social Media tools you can use nowBlogsLinkedInYouTubeBlogtalkradioTwitter
There are many more…
Lets get started
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Getting recognized The thought leader in you is born
Talk about everything around youBuild a followingOffer real adviceBuild relationshipsFollow eventsAdd commentaryAct as if…Demonstrate daily - you are a leader
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Should you start a blog? What would you say?
Why a blog, what is so important about blogging?
Many industry thought leaders blog dailyThey are viewed as an expertCommunicate with clients and prospects
You start to build trustTalk about stuff around youHuman side of your business
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Tips for a business blogSet up shop (Call to action, contact, how to work with me)Think like a business (sales, marketing, service)Build a consistent brand (brand awareness)Extend your platform (what’s next beyond blogs)Build powerful networks (the right people)Equip your clients (give the tools to serve themselves)Focus on the relationship (know, like, trust)Make trust a must
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Where do you start?
Plan, Plan , PlanFind your nicheDetermine your goals
Then…
• Find a professional• Your blog must match your website• Start writing and write again
Resources Available
• calgarybloggers.ca• wordpress.org• blogspot.com
• Blogging support groups• chrisbrogan.com• stuartcrawford.com
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Build a professional network
Stop using FacebookStart using LinkedIn
Why LinkedIn?
• Business to Business• Professional groups• Answers to questions• Professional image
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LinkedIn success tips
You need to be onlineYou must have a complete profile, it is you!Have a detailed summary of those you serveProfessional picture (no logos)Pay it forward (recommend others)Add passion to everything you doBe open and reachableSolve problems and join groups
Tip
Add your email address to your name or your description
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Start now with LinkedIn
Setup an account @ linkedin.comUpload your pictureWrite your summaryRecommend three colleagues weeklyJoin three groups
Linking CalgaryCalgary EntrepreneursChamber of Commerce
Why video?
People have short attentions spansRather watch than readCan be easily sharedYouTube is one of the top search engines
Why type of video works?• YouTube – embedded video• Walk-on video• Have others talk about you
Your own TV Channel All it takes is a camera and creativity
http://www.youtube.com/bulletproofIT
Video Tips
Ensure you add text with your videoGoogle can’t index video without text
Embed video on your website or blogTake your handy cam everywherePractice, Practice, Practice
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Online radio Do you have a face for radio?
Online radio is freeand fun
Reach new audiencesShare easily with your clientsPromote your partners and your clientsStart small and work your way up
Blogtalkradio.com
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Twitter…connects everything
Use Twitter to link everything togetherMore than just a tool to share “what you are doing”Blogs, YouTube, online radio can all connect via Twitter
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Twitter…it is about sharing info
Start the viral spreadingShare interesting stories and ideasPromote others, clients, colleaguesEngage with your community
Follow Calgary Chamber at @calgary_chamberRemember your hash tag (#YYC)
Who is on Twitter?
Get on Twitter today
Setup an account at twitter.comCustomize your page
Upload photo – no logosSetup a wallpaper, this can be your companyWrite your short bioInclude links
Start following othersUse services such as hootsuite.comRemember, share information others would be interested in
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Conclusion It just maybe too late!
Social media is here to stayThe old ways need to be blended inYou must start to use the tools now!
Create a blog, share your insightsUse LinkedIn daily, answer questions and provide valueStart leveraging Twitter to promote your businessConsider video and audio
Find a support group to help youThis is just the tip of the iceberg
Meetup.com, slideshare, tripit….plus more!
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Most importantly
Create something, do things, create your own impact….
most important
BE MEMORABLE
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Now what are you going to do?
What are you going to do next?Start BloggingCreate a LinkedIn accountUse Twitter to promote your businessCreate a YouTube channelHost your own radio showNothing at allother
Questions Follow me on Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn…
www.facebook.com/stuart.crawford.calgary.computer.service
www.linkedin.com/in/stuartcrawford
www.twitter.com/stuartrcrawford www.twitter.com/bulletproofITwww.twitter.com/calgarybusiness
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Q & A