Actions speak louder than words. Goal Setting for 2016

Source: Actions speak louder than words. Goal Setting for 2016

Tips for Making the Most of Your Holiday Networking

I just returned from my third – yes, third – holiday party so far this month. Say “yes” to holiday parties and events and stay positive. While the holidays are a great time of the year to get out and see people, they also present a perfect opportunity to reconnect professionally with those you only interact with a few times per year.

The best part is that most of these tips can be utilized throughout the course of the year. Of course, you must always start with being prepared and having a plan for networking.

Click here for a video of my tips for making the best use of your holiday networking time.

Be prepared for each event you attend:

• Know who is going to be attending
• Have a goal
• Have an understanding of what you want to achieve – whether it be meeting new people and/or strengthening existing relationships
• Know the event’s setting  – restaurant, catering hall, etc.
• Remember to take into account traffic and parking

Prepare your questions so they are designed to ask engaging questions about a person’s experiences over the past 12 months and their plans for the New Year. Among questions to ask:

• How was your year?
• What was your greatest success?
• Who are you looking to meet?

Remember to listen and then be helpful in assisting them in achieving their goals:

• If you ask questions listen to the answers
• Think about solutions….be it your solution or how you can help them achieve their objectives

When attending:

• Recap the year
• Ask people questions
• Be proactive in exploring ways in which you can help them   in2016
• Determine what your and their personal goals are for next year
• Practice your elevator speech and be prepared to meet lots of new people

Look to connect with key leaders and decision makers as this may be your only chance in linking up with them the entire year:

• Don’t be afraid to approach key leaders and decision makers
• Wait your turn
• Don’t be too pushy

Be a connector and ask to be connected:

• If it is your party or you know people in attendance, make the intros – especially if people don’t know anyone
• Ask to be connected and if there is anyone here that you think I should meet
• People appreciate thought and effort:  Send out those holiday greetings and follow up/thank you cards:
• Utilize personal email: if you’re not a big fan of the ecard, try sending a short personal video instead
• Call people if you can’t see them in person

As always, remember to thank your clients, referral sources and others who have helped you personally as well as professionally.

wjcorbett@corbettpr.com

By Bill Corbett

Corbett Public Relations Long Island and the World 

@liprguy

@corbettpr

Fight for Your Brand

Recently we announced the 26 boxers who will participate in the 2015 Long Island Fight for Charity. This is a 12-year-old not-for-profit event that my firm has worked with for several years. Over the 12 years of the Long Island Fight for Charity we have helped many boxers become local celebrities. We have secured hours of TV coverage, hundreds of newspaper and online stories, dozens of online video interviews and more social media activity than we can remember.

The boxers who participate in the Fight for Charity are a unique group of people who train and are willing to get in the ring and take a few punches, some in the face of course. They also have to raise money for local charities. To do this they must network and market themselves.

The lesson that can be learned here is that when you are involved in charity events this is an opportunity to expose people to your brand. You can express to people who you are and what you are passionate about. Discussing and letting people know what you are interested in and passionate about helps you to make personal connections and build relationships. Business is not always about business; when you are known for being a contributing and caring member of the community, you stand out. This attracts attention but it also attracts interest and respect.

You don’t have to get into the boxing ring like the brave Long Island Fight for Charity participants, but you must show the same determination in getting your message out to your target audience and community. Any time you are involved with charity you should let people know; yes this helps your brand but it also helps the organization that you are supporting. Keeping your involvement a secret or not actively promoting your participation in an event limits your ability to help the organizations achieve its goals.

Want to see who these boxers are? Check out this YouTube channel with their personal interviews.

Don’t be a Fool – an April Fool’s Day Reminder

It’s Foolish to forget the importance of a having a personal marketing plan.

Many American business people work hard each day to be successful within the companies in which they work or in their own businesses. Countless hours of time and energy are spent networking, attending trade shows, using social media, sending emails and cold calling. Each of these activities has the goal of generating leads and developing business. However, most people who are in sales or business development do not have a personal marketing plan.

I have been on a personal mission to educate people about the importance of having a personal marketing plan and to grow their personal brand. America is a great country and the marketing activities that I listed above can all be effective. However, most people do not approach them with a system or a plan. For many, business and referrals come through these efforts but often it is a matter of pure luck. With even a basic plan a networker or salesperson can improve their lead generation and business development by 20 to 50 percent. Here are some quick actions you can take today:

1. Create a personal marketing plan. Remember to write your plan down. As part of this plan set financial goals but also set marketing goals such as:
   1. Number of new LinkedIn contacts made per week
   2. Number of new names added to email marketing list
   3. Number of follow-up calls or emails made to people who you meet at a networking event or trade show
   4. Number of social posts you will do each week
   5. Number of videos you will film each quarter
   6. Number of blogs you will create each quarter
2. Create your personal mission statement. What do you stand for and why should people work with you when they have so many options and choices?
3. Review and clearly identify your target audience/market and who are the key referral sources.
4. Create your system for following up with new contacts. You goal should be to turn contacts into prospects or to build trust which leads to referrals or opportunities.
5. Review all of your social media sites and make sure that all photos, bios and job descriptions are up to date. It is critical that your real world brand matches your online brand.

We live in a highly competitive world for business as well as attention. Business people need to rely on action and effort and less on luck. With a simple personal marketing plan efforts will be focused and greater success will be achieved.

If you would like an outline to help you with the personal marketing plan process, please email me at wjcorbett@corbettpr.com.

Goodbye CardMunch, Hello CardFul

This is an important blog for individual use user LinkedIn for networking and business development. It was only three years ago when LinkedIn first announced it would be offering the then-startup business, CardMunch, to its users (TechCrunch).  Now, LinkedIn is officially breaking its ties with CardMunch in order to “invest” in other developments.  A result of this decision is that CardMunch data will now be transferred to CardFul, a business card management app that extends from Evernote, an up-and-coming note-taking app. This transition from CardMunch to CardFul will take place Friday, July 11^th (LinkedIn).  I have been a big advocate for CardMuch and have spoken often about its benefits and how it makes it easy to connect with people on LinkedIn.   Since most people struggle with ways to network better CardMunch is/was a good tool for making connections on LinkedIn, a good step in building relationships.   I am disappointed in the change but I do use and like Evernote. I have been using the application for note taking and now I am using it for card scanning.

Although there has been a mix of reactions between tech-savvy business professionals and existing Evernote users, each member of the LinkedIn community is left to decide how he or she would like to continue managing his or her professional contacts. LinkedIn has offered the following options:

1)      Sync existing business card data to Evernote. Users will be granted two years of free business card scanning. It is important to note that although this is a premium feature, this does not automatically give users a premium account. Additionally, it may take up to 24 hours for the information on a business card to fully process, so users are urged to have all cards fully processed and transferred by July 11, 2014.

2)      If a member of both LinkedIn and CardMunch, a user will be able to access existing CardMunch contacts data under the “Contacts” tab at www.linkedin.com/contacts. This data will also be available in the Contacts app, where contacts can be managed and deleted. Users who select this option will not be able to view business card images.

3)      If neither of these options is convenient, users can request to download their existing CardMunch data by July 11, 2014 (LinkedIn). More information about these steps can be found here.

Note: I have done this and it can be a little challenging.   Take your time but do it now.

While this may seem like a hassle, it is worth it in the end due to certain notable changes on the CardFul app. By scanning business cards on Cardful, the process of connecting with individuals on LinkedIn is much easier and efficient. Users can write detailed notes about their contacts and add a geo-tag location to each business card they scan (Mashable).   I have found that the scanning easily integrates contacts into my outlook and it does make connecting easy.  Although there have been a few technical glitches along the way.

CardFul’s convenience and user-friendly interface is different but it is growing on me.   One problem I had was because I already have an Evernote account, some of my scanned cards became mixed with my existing notes. Also, CardFul doesn’t work as well with business cards that are glossy or with ones that have white lettering and a dark backgrounds.  Overall, however, CardFul is providing me with a relatively seamless way for me to store contacts and manage my business card information.  At this point its ease of use outweighs the app’s minor glitches.   I am sure that tech issues will diminish as updates are made

LinkedIn is a powerful tool for marketing, personal branding and networking.  Not matter how cards are scanned and connections are made user must have a system for using LinkedIn.  I am looking forward to additional changes and improvements.  It is hard to believe but I have had a LinkedIn account for over 10 years.

Citation Links:

TechCrunch: http://techcrunch.com/2011/01/26/linkedin-buys-business-card-converter-cardmunch-will-offer-its-services-for-free/

Mashable: http://mashable.com/2014/05/07/cardmunch-evernote-linkedin/

LinkedIn: http://help.linkedin.com/app/answers/detail/a_id/49554/ft/eng, http://help.linkedin.com/app/answers/detail/a_id/12035/kw/evernote

Going to Google – The Glass Introduction Experience

I had the pleasure and thrill of accompanying Basil Puglisi, social and digital media leader, to his special appointment at Google for a fitting for Google Glass.  Although we were not able to record video inside, I was able to document the experience.  It was quite remarkable.

Google’s Glass training and introductory area is located just above Chelsea Market, a trendy and popular setting in New York City.

After we entered a café-like setting, we were met by our Google training rep, Duyin Ha. She was fantastic and it was clear she had extensive training and knowledge of this amazing new device.

So what is Google Glass?  It’s a device worn like glasses; however, it possesses cutting edge technology which integrates an array of mobile applications and digital technology. If you have not read or heard about Google Glass you are behind the tech curve.  This incredible device takes video, connects with your online “life” and much more.  In the short training, Duyin explained features and walked Basil, a very tech, Google app and Android savvy individual, through the many functions, features and the set up for Glass.

From a marketing and social media perspective, Google Glass has tremendous potential.  The ability to quickly take, upload and share video content and images will make G+ an even more desirable and friendly social media platform than it already is.  Recent reports indicate that G+ has close to 350 million accounts and growing.  Glass interacts seamlessly with Google Chrome and other specific apps created for it.  Here is a prediction – with Google Glass, enhanced apps, services and integration, Google social media use will explode.  Watch out Facebook—with devices, apps and ease of use combined with search, it will be a challenge to keep up.

From the brief time I was involved with the demo and Basil’s first hours with Google Glass I was impressed and certainly liked what I’d seen.

From my public relations and marketing perspective, Google Glass will provide individuals and businesses with the ability to demonstrate, explore, educate and market products and people like never before.  Story telling from the first person perspective will be unmatched.

Glass is new and it was amazing to see how Basil became an instant “celebrity.”  After our session and following just seconds on the street in Manhattan, people were pointing, taking photos and asking questions.

People from all walks of life and ages wanted to know more about Glass.  Glass is a powerful personal branding tool which allows users to broadcast their experiences, demonstrate skills and expertise and show people a glimpse of their personal lives.

Information comes from the first person perspective and this allows users to share in a uniquely personal way.  We will be able to get to know people better and build relationships.  In terms of business, getting to know those that you work with or may work with will open up new opportunities as well as create new questions.

I can’t wait to get my Google Glass.  If you’re listening Google, I am a fan.  Can I get one?

More to come on this great device and technology.  We have not even scratched the surface of what Glass can do for business, brands, and to make life a little easier and more interesting. Here’s one final point. Google Glass enables its users to utilize Google maps. You can enter an address and the map and directions pop right up on the screen.  This technology is ideal for individuals walking in an urban-type setting but is not appropriate to use when driving.

If you have questions about Google Glass ask Basil Puglisi on twitter @basilpuglisi

To read about the story in Newsday please visit http://www.newsday.com/business/lier-test-drives-google-glass-1.5648381#disqus_thread 

For more images from the Google Glass experience please visit http://flic.kr/s/aHsjGrZ67V.

Follow me on social media to see additional posts, images and videos relating to glass and other marketing topics.  Feel free to email me any questions at wjcorbett@corbettpr.com.

PERSONAL BRAND TUNE UP FOR 2013

Your personal brand is how people perceive you, good or bad, in your market, industry, community and organization.  The beginning of the year is a good time to assess your brand and determine what’s working and what needs improvement.

Start with the basics and ask yourself these questions.
How do I want people to perceive me?  Is what their impression of me what I want and what I expected?  There are several ways to determine the answers.  Start by looking at your social media.  Have you been picking up friends and followers consistently?  Are followers and friends liking your posts? Are they sharing and commenting?  Are you getting endorsements and recommendations on LinkedIn?  If the answer to each question is yes, your brand is resonating.

If you are not getting the desired response, look at what you are posting and examine if it is consistent with you brand goals and mission.  A direct way to find out if your brand’s message is effective is to personally ask contacts.  Ask people who you know will give you honest and straight answers.  Don’t ask yes men; the truth may hurt, but a little pain today will help you focus and reach your long term desired goals.

Assess you goals and mission.  Clarify them or if you don’t have a mission and passion statement create them.

No tune up would be complete without setting goals.  Goals for your brand can be diverse, but they should all focus on the spreading your message, attracting attention and building your follower base.  The larger and more involved your follower base the greater traction and amplification your brand will receive.   These are some examples of personal branding goals:
1) Post daily on social media content consistent with your brand.
2) Create interesting and engaging brand content (blog posts, video posts, social media posts).
3) Share information from others that is consistent with your brand.
4) Create a personal marketing time budget. (Ask yourself how much time will you spend marketing yourself in the real world and cyber world?)
5) Set weekly, monthly and yearly community growth goals.  (Ask yourself how many LinkedIn connections, twitter followers and Facebook fans do you need?)

Your image matters.  Therefore a personal brand tune up should include new photos on social sites and profiles.  Change your Facebook page image and customize your backgrounds on twitter, YouTube and other sites.

Profiles get old fast. Review your profiles on LinkedIn, Facebook, Twitter and website. Update them with new or current activities.  Mention recent successes, accomplishments and affiliations. This keeps your information and personal brand fresh.

Perception is reality.  It’s up to you to take control of how your brand is viewed and how it is projected.  We live in a competitive world and failure to build and tune up your brand regularly will slow its growth allowing competitors and others to grab attention that should have been yours.

Do You Need a Blog? The Personal Branding Perspective

Why should I have a blog?  This is a question many of us in the marketing arena are often asked.  From the personal branding perspective the answer is absolutely.  A blog is where your personal brand is shaped.  Unlike a static website or social media profile, a blog is where an individual’s personal brand comes to life.  It’s where you can express your opinions and passions and demonstrate your experience.  It’s where people get to know you, what you are interested in and what you are about.  Your blog creates the narrative for your brand and allows you to express yourself how you want to in the way that you want to.

Image c/o kathybackus.files.wordpress.com/

From a business perspective, why should a person blog?  Besides creating a brand narrative, blogging helps to build relationships.  Writing timely, topical, fun and informative posts builds a following.  Have you seen Amy Adams and Meryl Streep in the movie Julie & Julia?  The film demonstrates the power of blogging, and how it can impact an individual’s life or business.  I won’t give away the plot, but the main character played by Amy Adams follows her cooking passion and writes about her struggles and successes.  Her creativity, writing ability, emotion and content slowly began to resonate and attract a following, media attention and much more.  Social media expert Seth Godin said, “It doesn’t matter who reads your blog.  What matters is the humility that comes from writing (a blog)….the meta-cognition of thinking about what you’re going to say.  How do you force yourself to describe in three paragraphs why you did something, how do you respond out loud?  [Blogging] forces you to make yourself part of the conversation.”

What Will You Blog About?

What should you blog about?  There are no rules here, but certainly something you’re interested in, an expert on or something you are passionate about.  If you have trouble coming up with blog post ideas then maybe you should look to another subject for inspiration.  A blog does not have to be all about business.  Watch Julie and Julia and you will see what I mean. If you are looking to grow your personal brand and build relationships with people, post what you are passionate about and interested in.  Readers will connect and engage with you.  If you build your following and readership with content that you enjoy creating, then blogging will be a joy instead of a chore.

Be Consistent

Consistency matters when blogging.  Some may find that once a day or once a week works, while others determine twice a month works for them.  No matter the schedule, stick to it.  Consistency is vital to maintain reader interest.  According to Jane Sheeba, author of Pro Blogging Success, “choosing a blogging frequency depends on various parameters for different people.”  She emphasizes that blogging frequency is dependent on many factors including the blogger’s goals and preferences, the type of blog, and how new the blog is.

Time Limitations

We are all pressed for time in our fast-paced world.  Many of us have limited time to read and research topics we are interested in.  We want information in a short and concise format.  Susan Gunelius, author of About.com’s Blogging Guide says, “Most people who read blogs don’t have a lot of time or patience to read thousands of words of content. They’re looking for quick access to information or entertainment. Therefore, you should try to write succinctly and use headings to break up long blocks of text.”  Blog posts should be a reasonable length that allows information and messages to be conveyed.  For blogs that provide how-to or do-it-yourself advice, the length may be longer, but consider using bullet points. This will allow you to get the same message out but with fewer words.

A personal brand focused blog needs to be promoted in order to attract followers, subscribers and readers.  Besides including keywords, tags and categories in and with the blog specifically, the following are several simple strategies for getting the word out:

• Post a link to your blog on LinkedIn, Facebook and Twitter (use a shortened link)
• Use Facebook applications such as Networked Blogs to allow your blog to also reside on Facebook
• Send your blog link to your contact list and ask people to subscribe
• Ask friends to share and recommend your blog on social media and directly
• Put the link to your latest blog in your email signature – highlight the topic
• Each time you blog, ask 20, 30 or 50 or more people what they think of it? Share their comments and ask them to follow.

There are literally millions of blogs.  According to Hat Trick Associates there may be as many as 450 million English language blogs as of 2011 and possibly close to a billion if you count all languages.  Many of these blogs have virtually no readers.  These brands aren’t growing they are stagnant.  Become a successful blogger and create a brand that reflects you and your passions in life and business.  Start by determining what you will write about, find the platform that works for you and start posting.  Remember to be consistent and proactively promote your blog.  To grow your brand and blog you need to tend to it, nurture it, create content for it and build relationships with it.

Author:

This article is provided by Bill Corbett, Jr., President of Corbett Public Relations, Inc., a leading media relations, social media and personal branding consulting firm.  For more information, go to corbettpr.com or to his blog corbettprblog.com.  He can be reached at wjcorbett@corbettpr.com or @wjcorbett.

* Origionally published on www.digitalethos.com on May 2, 2012.

Tips to Extend Media Coverage

Media coverage is not easily obtained, but comes at a great cost and effort.  It is highly sought after because of the credibility and significant exposure derived from it.  Today’s media cycle is constantly moving, which gives many stories short-term relevance but a long-term shelf life.  When a company or an organization does get a story in the press, it must do everything it can to leverage its exposure quickly to secure a return on investment.  Below are several strategies for ways of extending the life and brand-building power of hard-earned media coverage.

Social Sharing

Use your social media infrastructure to promote press coverage.  Post links immediately on Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, Pinterest (photos) and/or others.  Social media is a direct conduit to an organization’s fans, followers and “likers.”  Social media allows you to get the message out quickly and efficiently, but remember, every social media platform is different and each message should be customized to each site.  All coverage must include the link to the story or video.  If the link is too long, use a tool like bit.ly to shorten it.  Post at different times of the day and week to maximize the reach of the post.

Don’t Forget Images

Images are important.  Select the best image to include with the post and make sure to stress key messages in posts describing what the story is about.  Photos and media outlet logos help attract attention, shares, likes and retweets.

Proper Crediting

Post the article or a link on your website and/or blog.  Keep in mind that you may need to get permission to reproduce a published article or video.  Post coverage links in the groups you belong to on Facebook and LinkedIn and in appropriate threads on sites like Digg and Reddit.

Teamwork is Vital

Teamwork is key.  Company employees, friends and contacts can share positive company news in the groups they belong to on social media.  A collaborative effort can help increase the exposure exponentially.

Debra Vilchis, Chief Operating Officer of Fishman Public Relations, proposes creating an e-mail message to send to “customers, coworkers, and friends, pretty much anyone you know.” Share with them the press coverage directly, or include a link to the video or print story.

Communications

Communicate the company’s success and media coverage internally to employees and vendors.  Include the coverage prominently in electronic or print company newsletters.  Every company should have a news area on its website.  Links to stories should be placed here.  Multiple story links demonstrate that the business and its principals are industry leaders and experts.  Positive media coverage can increase company morale and productivity, and enhances the company’s credibility and stability to outside partners and vendors.

PR pro John Lee said, “Depending on where your story lands on the media food chain, use it as a stepping stone to garner more coverage.  Compelling print and online stories can be the best way to generate TV coverage, especially when they include a compelling human interest story.  Use print coverage prominently in a pitch to TV, but emphasize the visual aspects to the story, and if possible, suggest a fresh angle or an interesting person who can be interviewed.”

Publicity trainer and speaker Nancy Juetten suggests “creating a custom signature for your outgoing emails [because it] makes it easy for clients and prospects to read about your good news and remark upon it.”

Media coverage is a vital part of branding, credibility enhancement and promotion.  It is    positive third-party content, which must be pushed out on social media streams.  Good coverage can and should be repurposed periodically to ensure key individuals and target audiences see it and learn important information about you and your business.  Media coverage offers unmatched credibility enhancement and promotion.  The value it provides cannot be easily measured, but it is worth many times more than advertising and other forms of marketing.  When you get the coverage use it.

*Previously posted on www.digitalbrandmarketing.com

Extending the Value of Trade Show Marketing with Social Media

This article originally appeared February 23, 2012 on Digital Brand Marketing Education & Interactives

Social media networking and marketing allows businesses to reach and provide tremendous amounts of information to clients, prospects and referral sources.  However, face-to-face marketing still has an important place.  Trade shows are one area where social media can provide significant support to face-to-face efforts and create opportunities for overall event marketing success.  Exhibitors can use all the help they can get; The Center for Exhibition Industry Research (CEIR) reports that 80 percent of exhibitors make no attempts to follow up on their leads from trade shows. Considering how much is spent on trade shows this is a shocking statistic.

c/o http://skgtechnologies.com/

Trade shows are typically face-to-face, relationship-based marketing events.  However, when in-person marketing activities are combined with social media, sales success can be improved, and the effectiveness and lifespan of marketing messages and branding can be extended well beyond the trade show itself.

According to marketing industry veteran David Clark, “Ratcheting up your social media marketing, before, during, and after a trade show is proving to be one of the most effective ways to drive traffic to your booth and cement the relationships.”

Before the show a business must leverage its collective social media presence to promote its appearance and related activities.  Post information, pictures and/or videos (perhaps a preview of a new product or video invitation to visit the booth) about the event, the business’s participation and/or booth activities.  The goal is to let people/prospects know the who, what, where and when and most importantly the why they should visit the company’s booth.  Use social media to promote contests, giveaways or prizes that will be connected with a specific trade show appearance.  If the trade show has its own hashtag, include it in all posts.  Hashtags can be used to engage audiences, generate buzz and form relationships.  Promoting the show in general helps attendance and all exhibitors should work together to mutually support each other.  Often show producers can help lead a team of exhibitors and provide them content to help them promote their appearance as well the show.

Getting Connected

Connect with the show organizer/producer, show marketing firm and other exhibitors with whom there may be synergies.  Non-competing exhibitors can use this strategy to build relationships and find cross selling opportunities as well.  Exhibitors and show managers can and should share content via social media. Starting early and being proactive will allow exhibitors to reach more people and prospects with a variety of messages and images and get a jumpstart on creating a buzz which will attracts booth traffic.   From a media relations perspective it is essential to get to know and communicate with show managers and their marketing firms.  Here is a link to a short video I recently published with a few tips on trade show public relations strategies.

c/o http://www.diymarketers.com/

Post often to social media sites during shows.  Show people what is happening and what will be happening at the booth or the show.  Invite people to check-in on Facebook or Foursquare, perhaps for a drawing or other reward (show special) or simply to invite people to visit the booth in person to learn about something new.  Be sure to remind attendees of the contests, giveaways, and all the exciting and interesting products or demonstrations happening at the booth.  Post information about the show, pictures, video, or gems of information from seminars or workshops.

According to trade show marketing professional Timothy McClain, by “link[ing] your Foursquare account to your Twitter and Facebook accounts…you [can] check in, add a special note, and it will appear with your location link on Twitter and graphical map on Facebook and be shared across your channels.”

At the booth businesses can use smart phones and social media apps to grow their social media “followers” directly on site.  Give access to social media pages in the booth by setting up a designated computer or tablet to allow users to “Like” the business on Facebook or follow on Twitter.  Recruit booth visitors to “Like” the business using their smart phones as well a QR (Quick Response) code can be used or link visitors to Facebook on their phones.  After Facebook is mobile enabled, people can then text “Like” and the business’s Facebook page username to 32665 and they will automatically “Like” the page.

After the show, continue to post pictures and video from the event.  Post pictures and create albums to Flickr, Facebook, Picasa, etc. to show booth activity and interactions.  Be sure to post thank you messages to the event organizers and to key prospects and contacts.  Social media can assist with follow up.  It provides the opportunity to present images, messages, video and other branded content in such a way that will allow prospects learn about the company, but not be hit with hard sales messages.  Use LinkedIn and Facebook direct messages to start conversations, share information and continue relationship building.

Social media’s role in the trade show space is growing.  It can make trades shows more fun, support branding and assist in the relationship building process.  This is key to building trust and we all know that people want to do business with people that they trust, like and know are capable of doing the job.  Social media can help create a buzz before the show, make interactions at the show itself more interesting and extend the marketing value of a tradeshow appearance.