Let's be (Facebook) Friends...

Thanks to the 70+ who attended yesterday's Social Media Marketing Seminar. It was a great mix of marketing professionals, business and professional-types who wanted to learn more about the phenomenon called social media.
Like so many people, I am fascinated with the speed with which the "viral" aspect of social media has so affected the way we view marketing. Having worked in either TV, Radio, or Marketing since I was 17 (34 years) I've watched the evolution of mass media to social media...and that's why I use the adjective "phenomenon". In literally seconds, we can change the way a product is perceived by hundreds of thousands (eventually millions) of people around the world. Because of the sheer strength of social media, segments of it have become very sophisticated (not necessarily complicated, just sophisticated)...and to quote Seinfeld, "not that there's anything wrong with that!" That sophistication has been created by tech-driven businesses...to help small businesses...which often spawns other small businesses. That's what EntrePaducah is all about!
So, at this point, I'm preaching to the choir. You likely wouldn't be reading this blog if YOU weren't aware of what social media can do for business marketing. Hopefully, you picked up some tips yesterday that will help your business grow.
Our presenters were great. Glynn Mangold, Professor of Marketing at Murray State University, shared some of the origin and philosophy of Social Media Marketing (SMM). BTW, he's teaching a class in the spring on SMM and his class is seeking local businesses to work with his class on building their social media campaigns. Interested??? Contact Glynn at Murray State.
Susan Guess, VP of Marketing at Paducah Bank, and the bank's SMM Consultant William Sledd discussed why and how their bank entered into the social media world. Technically, because of banking industry regulations, they can't "advertise" bank services. But as they explained, they can certainly begin a social network dialogue with their customers...and potential customers. William would be happy to share information on how to get started with social media.
And, as always, Todd Duff of IVS Websites, Inc., shared a little magic while making very valid points about SMM. He and Account Rep. Kate Light (EntrePaducah's web consultant), discussed how SMM can stand alone for some businesses, but that it's wise to use an integrated approach to marketing. The integrated part includes SMM, website, and mass media.
We also had a guest appearance by our good friends and founders of http://www.ilistpaducah.com/, Mary Thorsby and Nikki May. A few years ago, there was very little web or social media presence in Paducah. iListPaducah.com paved the way for both web-based and social media users in this area...and has shed light on a whole new Paducah sub-culture (Mary and I call it "The New Paducah").
It was a pleasure to co-sponsor the event with Chris Wooldridge of the regional Small Business Development Council.
My good friend Bill Fox reminded me yesterday that less than a year ago, I made the famous quote "I don't have time for that Facebook stuff."
I'll have a little Tabasco on that crow I'm eating :)