Learn about online impact of social networking at seminar

Date: 5/26/2009

SPRINGFIELD " With millions of people using social media tools like Twitter, Facebook, YouTube and LinkedIn on a daily basis, these networks are a prime location to find customers and prospects. Recognizing this opportunity, a group of local businesspeople have planned a half-day workshop to help local business owners understand how to use these networks and to demonstrate how they can be a viable resource to grow revenue and increase exposure.

Online Impact: Tapping Twitter, Facebook and Other Tools to Grow Your Business is scheduled for June 5 at the Springfield Technical Community College (STCC) Technology Park. Attendees can sign up online at www.onlineimpact.eventbrite.com. All proceeds support the Regional Technology Corporation.

The workshop will include a panel discussion with local experts who will talk about how social media has changed the Internet. They will be followed by two breakout sessions where attendees can learn in detail how to use social media tools Twitter, Facebook, LinkedIn and YouTube for business, as well as how to manage their online reputation and how to approach online advertising. A special Help Desk also will be available throughout the workshop so attendees can set up accounts and see these tools in action in real time.

I ve spoken to many business owners who have heard of social media sites like Twitter and Facebook, but they are not sure how to use them or if there is a business application for them, John Garvey, owner of Garvey Communication Associates Inc. and one of the workshop organizers, said. This is an opportunity to hear from local people who are using these tools for business and are having success with them.

Panel participants include Veronica Cintron, WWLP 22 News; Gordon Snyder, National Center for Information and Communications Technology at STCC; and John Garvey.

Breakout sessions include: Twitter for Business, facilitated by Gordon Snyder; Leveraging LinkedIn For Business, moderated by Ann Latham from Uncommon Clarity; YouTube for Business, moderated by Dave Sweeney from the Communications Department; This Business Sucks! " Enhancing Your Online Reputation, moderated by John Garvey from Garvey Communication Associates Inc.; Facebook for Business, moderated by Tom Lewis from Needlemine; and Online Advertising for Local Businesses, moderated by Mary Fallon from Garvey Communication Associates Inc.