Tweet Your Way to Better Business

Using Facebook as a marketing tool is almost mandatory. But before you ask clients to friend you or follow you on Twitter, consider the most effective uses of social media. Here are some tips from Giovanni Gallucci, an award-winning new media producer, author and digital media strategist.

Research. Learn how to find your existing and potential customers. Search for groups and buckets of people who share a demographic on the social media sites, then join the groups and start interacting.

Expand, don’t replace. Use social media to amp up current strategies, not replace them. “Some small business owners and entrepreneurs think social media is going to come in and replace their other types of advertising and marketing,” says Gallucci. “We find best success when we use sites like Twitter to compliment other advertising and marketing tactics.”

Build slowly. Start with just one, two, maybe three sites that make sense for your industry. Try tactics like building groups for disseminating information, posting giveaways on Facebook and sharing links about new trends on Twitter.

Protect your reputation. Be mindful about how your brands and products are perceived. Be careful about what you say online and how you respond to a customer’s posted comments and concerns. Address any problems and clearly explain what went wrong.

Keep up the momentum. If you don’t find value initially, don’t give up, Gallucci advises. There’s no magical number for how long it takes to get traction. You need to give yourself enough time so you can build a following.

Source: NAFE Magazine (Smart Talk)

2011 ISES Northeast Regional Education Conference Recap

A few weeks ago I attended ISES Northeast Regional Education Conference (REC), which was hosted by the New Jersey South and Greater Philadelphia Chapters, for event professionals from throughout the Northeast Region and around the world at the Bally's Hotel and Casino in Atlantic City, N.J.

This was an amazing conference: the education was great, the speakers inspiring and it was wonderful to see and networking with colleagues from near and as far as Sydney, Australia.

All the services and décor were donated by ISES members who all worked very hard to make this conference a success; but again, we never expect anything less from ISES members – we work hard, party harder and put out the best events! Moreover, we cannot forget to thank all the sponsors for all the in-kind contributions.


The opening luncheon was spearheaded by David Merrell, AOO Events who was fabulous and shared the newest design trends, which were all amazing. On Monday night, we enjoyed a fabulous luau with great food and entertainment at the beautiful Harrah’s Resort poolside. The conference concluded with a lavish brunch and a phenomenal presentation by Brett Culp where he shared his award-winning filmmaking approach as an effective and profitable marketing technique. He was brilliant!

Education session topics included:

• Event Technology Trends You Can’t Ignore in 2011
• Catering Events at Hotels – the Inside Information on Negotiating the Best Deals
• The Perfect Event Redefined: Build Your Reputation One “Moment” at a Time
• CSEP Exam Preparation Tips, Techniques and Changes
• Get You “Creative” On The Art of Being Creative & Working with Creative People
• Marketing Trends and Best Practices to Generate Business Success
• But Don’t Green Events Cost More Money? Top Ten Tips for Greening Your Events AND Saving Money
• Is it Possible to Achieve a Design “WOW,” in Today’s Economy?
• Strategic Partners – Making the Connection
• Master Tricky Sales Situations
• How to Get and Stay in The Event Planning Business
• Sexy Tents: A Peek Under The Covers
• Scentertainment®! Celebrating the Senses!
• Branding – What Your Image Says About You!
• Who’s Afraid of the Big Bad Fire Marshal?
• Tips to Ensure Your Event is Safe Without Compromising Creativity
• Get in the Spot Light of Social Media
• Dealing with Event Disasters, Are you the Problem or the Solution?
• WWSF…The WOW World of Special FX
• The Facts of Light: An Event Professionals Guide to Understanding Lighting
• The Newest ISES Member Benefit – Learn the “Insider Secrets” of Credit Card Processing

Already looking forward to the next REC in 2013!

The Reading List, Part II

As we all know, social media is the next best thing since sliced bread, especially for marketing your business. However, simply joining one of these networks, attending networking events, collecting business cards and passing out yours are not going to magically build your business. You have to build relationships. The golden rule of thumb: "touch someone at least seven times" before it leads to any business.

Among many of the best groups in the DMV area, of which I am proud member and ambassador to, is The Perfect Networker. Ken Rochon, the founder of the group and the author of Becoming The Perfect Networker, is one person whom I am absolutely delighted to consider an amazing "Ken-nection," colleague and friend. His book will guide you on how to step up your game, make powerful connections, be a part of a community and "Become The Perfect Networker!"

"Networking is not just going to events. It is not about passing cards. And it is not about you!" -Ken Rochon, Networking Vs Networking – Chapter VI

Having said that, Part II will focus on just a few books about networking, many of which are also recommended in Ken Rochon’s book. However, my first recommendation is of course:

1. Becoming The Perfect Networker ...Succeeding One Connection @ A Time by Ken Rochon. To purchase the book, visit the Perfect Networker Storefront at Amazon.com

2. The Go-Giver: A Little Story About a Powerful Business Idea by Bob Burg and John David Mann

3. The Four Agreements: A Practical Guide to Personal Freedom, A Toltec Wisdom Book by Don Michael Ruiz

4. Don’t Sweat the Small Stuff …and it’s all small stuff by Richard Carlson

5. The E-Myth Revisited: Why Most Small Businesses Don’t Work and What to Do About It by Michael E. Gerber

6. The Power of One: A Guide to Spiritual Enlightenment by Eckhart Tolle

7. The Traveler’s Gift: Seven Decisions that Determine Personal Success by Andy Andrews

8. Dig Your Well Before You’re Thirsty by Harvey McKay

9. Raving Fans: A Revolutionary Approach To Customer Service by Ken Blanchard and Sheldon Bowles

10. Little Black Book of Connections: 6.5 Assets for Networking Your Way to Rich Relationships by Jeffrey Gitomer

11. The Tipping Point: How Little Things Can Make a Big Difference by Malcolm Gladwell

12. The Monk Who Sold His Ferrari: A Fable About Fulfilling Your Dreams and Reaching Your Destiny by Robin Sharma

If you like this post, check out The Reading List, Part I