Social media is a critical tool for most businesses and non-profits. Here in Maine we have the Social Media FTW conference each fall and this is a clip from 207 where we talk about who should go and what to expect.
Leading up to the 3rd annual Social Media FTW (For the Win) Fall Conference, I had an opportunity to put on my “tech guru” hat one more time and go on 207, the evening news program that runs on our local NBC affiliates here in Maine, and talk about the upcoming conference.
Kathleen Shannon interviewed me about the history of FTW, who was speaking, and who should go.
My big takeaways from the interview were, “that’s a really nice shirt,” and “I should shop at Marshall’s more often.” You can watch the interview at the WCSH 6 website or down below.
Between my responsibilities of blogging, speaking, generating business for my company, and trying to be a better husband and dad, I’m also ramping up for Social Media FTW, a conference I co-founded with Chrystie Corns and Jaica Kinsman.
As part of our ongoing online marketing campaigns, we’re running a series of interviews with our speakers. Because I was around, we interviewed me first. Watch the lovely and talented Chrystie Corns strut her interview skills below or wach the interview on YouTube.
And, if you haven’t signed up yet there’s still time! However, with over half the tickets gone, they won’t be around for ever. Remember, last year we sold out!
Early last year I got together with my friends Chrystie and Jaica and we decided to put on a social media conference. We had all recently spoken on social media topics and the rooms were filled with business people who were curious about what social media marketing was all about.
So we created Social Media FTW (for the win), an organization that would put on conferences about how businesses and non-profits could use social media to reach new audiences, build awareness and create deeper connections with customers and stakeholders.
Last year we put on the first annual Social Media FTW Fall Conference. It was a half-day affair with dozens of speakers and it sold out fast. In fact, we had a waiting list of over 50 people. People showed up without a ticket that day and just asked to be let in if someone didn’t show. There were sitings of some people outside holding up one or two fingers with hand made “I NEED A MIRACLE” signs. (Unconfirmed.)
This year, FTW’s going to be even bigger. We’ve got a full day of workshops, more networking and great speakers (who we’ll be announcing soon.) Based on feedback from last year we’re including beginner and advanced tracks on many topics. The networking bar is back and we’ll be serving you lunch as well.
To help keep ticket prices down we’ve got some great sponsors involved, including Constant Contact, FairPoint, JobsinME.com, flyte new media and others we’ll be announcing soon. In fact, the whole day, including the workshops, lunch, snacks and networking is only $149!
As good as that price is, we have a limited number of Early Bird Discount tickets for only $99! However, when they run out–or by August 6th, whichever comes first–they’re gone for good. Here’s our good friend Mark Nutting to explain more:
Unfortunately, there was some misunderstanding about who was going to be the spokesman for the ad.
So don’t hesitate, reserve your early bird ticket now.
Let’s say you’re visiting Chicago; so naturally you ask 10 friends what restaurant to go to while you’re there (as opposed to Googling it. You’re smart, you want recommendations.) 7 friends suggest Restaurant A, 3 suggest Restaurant B. All things being equal, you’re going with Restaurant A.
That is, of course, until you realize that those 3 friends are Chicago natives and the group of 7 are tourists, just like you. The 3 friends might even tell you “Tourists say Restaurant B, because they don’t know about A”. Then things change – the 3 friends have established their expertise now, and you’re on your way to B for some fine dining.
The same rule applies for Link Building
More links may be pointing to Website A than Website B. At first glance, that might mean that search engines would give more “value” to Website A (all other things being equal)…
But just like our restaurant scenario, things aren’t always as they appear. You see, as far as search engines are concerned, quality incoming links matter – not quantity. Sorry, A.
What’s the takeaway?
Sure, try to get out there and get all the incoming links you can. But the low hanging fruit won’t help you in the long term. Shoot for attaining links from those high quality websites that will help you establish your expertise.
Yesterday, my boss helped put on the Social Media FTW Conference (no, it doesn’t mean that; but: For the Win!). As sponsors and exhibitors, the flyte crew got to go and help out.
Since we were so busy helping people sign up for Twitter, Facebook, and LinkedIn at the kiosks, we couldn’t catch many sessions; so I can only assume the speakers were rock stars.
Why? I’ve never seen so many newbies so excited about social media. Any apprehension? Gone. Any questions? Kaput. Simply: “Hi I’m ready to join Twitter/LinkedIn/Facebook. Show me how.”
I can’t say enough about the atmosphere yesterday. While it may have been a little hot and sticky, there was a fairly obvious mixture of newbies vs. social media all stars. It mattered not. Everyone was welcome, and by the end of the day, everyone was on Twitter.
Social media is a critical tool for most businesses and non-profits. Here in Maine we have the Social Media FTW conference each fall and this is a clip from 207 where we talk about who should go and what to expect.
Yesterday, my boss helped put on the 
