Biz Talk - Business Blog Roanoke and Beyond

Virginia Western Community College's Workforce Development Services , FRESH CONNECT to Virginia Western is hosting an informative seminar, Power of Social Media for Your Business.  The event will be Thursday, October 16, from 7:30 - 8:30am at UKrops, Roanoke Ivy Market.  Registration fee is $10.  Learn how you can harness the power of social media for your business.  Join the millions of businesses that are applying cutting-edge social media technologies.  If you don't get it, then check out this simple video by the Common Craft people. The Fresh Connect seminar will help you learn about social media tools for success in PR, marketing and recruitment.

Applying these seven social media must-do's will bring business success.

1.  Twitter - one of the newest social media phenomenons can help you leverage conversations for business contacts. Once you have an account and using the service you will gather up "followers" who want to engage in your conversations and invite you to engage in theirs.  It is referred to as micro-blogging and allows you to enter up to 140 characters to tell other twitter users what you are doing, working on or need. 

2.  Facebook - which you have probably heard about and may think it only applies to the younger generation.  WRONG!  According to Facebook Statistics they have more than 110 million active users, it is the 4th most-trafficked website in the world as well as the most-trafficked social media site in the world and the fastest growing demographic is those 25 years old and older. Facebook is a great place to reach a target market.  The technology behind facebook allows you to identify and target people that are your perfect clients!

3.  LinkedIn - used as a more professional means.  Users create a profile listing their current position, qualifications, past experience and awards.  You build your professional network by connecting with other professionals on LinkedIn.  A big advantage of LinkedIn is the professional groups that you can join and the means of giving and receiving recommendations.

4.  YouTube - to use video to expand you message by sharing your company and personal videos.  Videos for training, showcasing your company and marketing or branding a product or service.  Videos often become viral.

5.  Flickr - This is a place you can share your photos.  Many businesses are using flickr badges to include photos on their website and blogs.  Flickr is one of several networks you can use.

6.  Digg and Stumbleupon - These social bookmarking tools provide a place for people to discover and share content.  From news stories to blog postings to favorite videos and images, the more people who see your info is definitely better for your business.

7.  Blogging - This is probably the most important step you can take to get your message across.  Blogging gives you an opportunity to start a conversation and gives your clients an opportunity to join in the conversation.  It gives you an opportunity to have constant communication, a big plus in this day.

There will be more about these social media tools at the Fresh Connect seminar on Thursday at UKrops.  For more information about Fresh Connect and upcoming seminars contact Dr. Chuck Terrell, Vice President of Workforce Development Services. To register call 540-857-6076 or email pwillhite@vw.vccs.edu.