gWave and Christie Media are hosting a Social Media Marketing workshop on Thursday February 11th in Downtown San Diego.

You will learn how to create online video buzz to build your business!

Things you will learn:

Why Should My Business Care About Video?

• What’s the video buzz about?
• How to create a compelling story
• Busting down the myths

How Do I Get Started?

• How can you leverage video?
• Programs and cameras; how simple is it?
• Video hosting sites/channels, what’s out there, what to use?

There is no charge for this seminar, a light breakfast will be served. Seating is limited to the first 25 people, so RSVP soon.

Presenters:
Bekah Christie, Principal- Christie Media
Melani Gordon, Founder - gWave Consulting
Date/Time:
February 11, 2010  8:00-10:00 a.m.
Location:
Hive Haus - 770 11th Ave, San Diego, CA 92101
(corner of 11th & F.)
RSVP:
Reply by February 9, 2010 (seating is limited!)

LET US KNOW YOU’LL BE THERE! CALL: 619-894-0384 or RSVP YOUR COMMENTS BELOW

One of the largest mistakes companies who utilize social media are making is not integrating social media marketing into existing activities. What are you doing already that you can integrate social media into? Let’s get real; it’s 2010 and it’s now necessary to have a mobile device that lets you accomplish what your computer can. Think about how much more media- productive you would be if you had a mobile device that let you update Twitter, Facebook and check your e-mail while sitting in rush hour traffic or standing in line at Starbucks?

Social media can be hugely overwhelming, but now’s the time to jump right in. You can no longer afford to not participate. It’s shocking, but true; companies that do not use social media to engage the public are quickly becoming idle. Americans are largely reliant on social media to get information and updates about various industries and companies, and if you aren’t linked in you are missing out on a massive portion of your client base. Many underestimate the power social networking has to build real, working relationships with their clients.

· 60% of Americans regularly interact with companies on a social media site

· 43% of consumers say that companies should use social networks to solve the consumers’ problems

· 41% believe that companies should use social media tools to solicit feedback on products and services

Social media is still often referred to as “new media,” however it isn’t; it is media. Think about the last major news story and how you found out about it? I think it’s safe to assume that the majority of you did not read it in a newspaper. You probably got an e-mail update from an online news source or saw someone’s status or post on Facebook or Twitter. We no longer look for the news; the news finds us. (Social Media Revolution, video, YouTube.com)

Over the holiday break, I decided to turn a couple of leisure trips into business. First up, meeting with the marketing director of Diamond Peak Ski Resort. I had been monitoring them via Twitter leading up to their opening day - December 17th. Ski and snowboard fans experienced some great fun, trivia and contests. Did they work? Let’s find out.

1. First up, their “30 Day Countdown to Open Trivia Contest” that awarded one lucky winner of the trivia question of the day - Free All Day Lift Pass.

The contest ran for 30 days and increased their web traffic by 110% and a 13% increase in Facebook fans. In such a competitive landscape, Diamond Peak for sure marked this as a WIN.

2. With over 15 ski resorts in the Tahoe region, Diamond Peak gets innovative. Next up, Last Tracks Wine Tasting. The resort sales a limited amount of tickets every Saturday for those who want to enjoy the beautiful views of Lake Tahoe while tasting fine wines and tasty appetizers. Afterward, guests ski, telemark or snowboard down a freshly groomed blue corduroy run to the bottom (Ummm, I’d pay extra for that).

Why does this work? Because they took advantage of a feature that other resorts can’t compete with - The Diamond Peak Resort view of Lake Tahoe. We also spoke about a new concept “Early up powder.” Reminds me of the extended Disney Theme Park hours.

Well done!