Brick and Click

Beginner & Advanced: 2 Series of Social Media Workshops at Warrenton Chamber Offices

* Nov 4/5 Update: Classes were originally delayed one week due to Hurricane Sandy. Now, both class series have been indefinitely postponed/cancelled due to a minimum number of seats not being filled. Please contact me for further information if you have a reserved seat, or would like more information on personalized help for you and your business needs. I have reached out to all who have made reservations, to work out alternative, personalized training. Thank you for your understanding! Jeff

I'll be leading a 3-part Social Media 101 class/workshop (beginner level) at the Greater Warrenton Chamber of Commerce offices beginning Monday/Tuesday, Octobert 29th and 30th. Two times/days are offered each week for three weeks (three 2-hour sessions), so you can choose the day/time that fits your schedule best:

Class 1) Monday, Oct 29 Nov 5th: 7-9pm  or Tue, Oct 30 Nov 6th: 10a-12pm  

Class 2) Mon Nov 12: 7-9pm or Tue, Nov 13: 10a-12p

Class 3) Mon Nov 19: 7-9pm or Tue Nov 20: 10a-12p

This first three week series is aimed at those who have little/no experience with social media, may be on Facebook, etc ... but feel overwhelmed by it all, do not know how to properly build and utilize a professional personal and business presence on social networks, or feel a refresher course will be helpful. In skiing terms, think bunny hill to easy green intermediates. Material to be covered and general schedule as follows (may change slightly):

Class 1)  social media basics/overview, personal Facebook and Linkedin profile building; how-tos and best-methods to network, communicate, consume and share content and information.
Class 2)  Facebook for Business - Pages
Class 3) Twitter; brief overview of other key networks; how to utilize your smartphone effectively using social media apps and content capture/share capability.

These classes will have a workshop type environment. You're encouraged to bring laptops to work on your own social media presence/efforts, ask questions, etc. There will be a main screen presentation, so laptops/iPads are not required. Social media covers a vast and constantly changing landscape. This is a starting point to get you better informed, confident, and off and running. 

Cost: For GWCC members, $150 for all three classes.  Non members, $180.
Electronic payment up-front (via Paypal) will reserve your seat. Seating limited to 15 people per daily session. You need to choose your preference, morning or evening when reserving a seat. If you miss a session and can make it to the other one that week, you're more than welcome to do so if there's room. Note: A minimum number of attendees (to be determined) must sign up for this course to begin. 

Attendees can submit questions via e-mail in between classes (I'll reserve time each class for Q&A). Attendees will be encouraged to take on projects in between classes, a summary of what is being taught, with links to key blogs and other information, will be shared...and each attendee will be subscribed to the Brick and Click 'client only' e-mail newsletter for six months, with impactful news, tips and information about social media and marketing, especially as it relates to small business and all biz pros. Attendees will also be given the opportunity to continue receiving personalized help with generously discounted consulting rates. (image above/right: me teaching Public Affairs pros recently at Fort Belvoir the latest in social media communication)

A second three week course (Advanced Social media), will begin the week after this first course ends. More on that soon, and if interested, please contact me to reserve your seat. Same basic set-up, same days/times each week for three weeks and same fee will apply. Some who take the beginner course may want to reserve the Advanced course as well, to take things to the next level.

Reserve your seat now by contacting me, Jeff Crites, via email: jeff@brickandclick.com  or by phone: (540) 729-2742. You'll be invoiced for electronic payment. Contact with any questions as well. I hope to see many of you there!

Jeff Crites
Founder/Principal Strategist: Brick and Click Solutions
Integrated/Emerging (social) Media Marketing & Communications, PR, SEO, SEM
strategy | solutions | digital presence | training | management

Former Online Community Manager, Army.mil (part of a team that built and managed the Army's official website and social media presence). Nearly 20 years in New/Traditional Media, Marketing and Comunications. See my Linkedin profile for more on what I do and have done, and check the Portfolio and Testimonials pages on this website as well. My various social media connection points are linked via buttons in the upper right of this site's sidebar. Please connect!

DC Dunkin' Donuts Gets Social

Hats off to the crew at DC Dunkin' Donuts ... via their Twitter profile, a "local, independent Dunkin' Donuts franchisee group based in DC, MD and NoVa". They picked up on a tweet of mine on Monday, July 2nd .. the first work/weekday following the destructive 'Super Derecho' storm that tore through the DC Metro area on Friday, June 29th. I was responding to a tweet from someone I know that works at Fort Belvoir (@fort_belvoir), after he mentioned the Dunkin' Donuts on the base was without power and closed. A coffee fiend and nerd, I asked if the Starbucks on the base was open, and a friendly conversation ensued, as seen below, with the local Dunkin' team.

They 'get' social. From the friendly and smart banter on Twitter, to the way they left a huge impression on me via a snail mail package. This is what 'brick and click' is all about. The way brands and people connect and communicate offline and online. And the package I recieved, within a few days of the Twitter conversation (it moved to direct message as well, as they asked for my mailing address and were just plain fun and nice to chat with), contained some terrific stuff. They sent me a $5 card to make purchases at Dunkin' ... a Free Iced Coffee coupon, a big 'DD' magnet (now is on my fridge), and most importantly, a personalized note that says the following:

Hi Jeff

Great to connect with you on Twitter.

I've attached a quick card for your next Ft Belvoir post Derecho roaDD trip!

Go forth and conquer!

Warm Regards

Mark Gundersen on behalf of Dunkin' Donuts Capitol Market Region

Mark actually read a blog post I penned about the Derecho storm and the way various businesses and organizations, like Ft Belvoir, communicated and helped people via social media. I love the playfulness of using double DDs in words (roaDD). It was a homerun across the board, and a perfect example of the way you can connect with, impress ... and potentiall convert people to brand loyalists and advocates via social media AND traditional channels as well. I haven't been to a Dunkin' Donuts in a long time. Part of the reason is there isn't one nearby, and I know all Starbucks locations by heart, using them as a 'third place' to work from sometimes.  But ... next time I'm at Ft Belvoir, or pass a Dunkin' Donuts elsewhere, you can bet your bottom dollar I'll pop in for a visit. And you can credit Mark and his colleagues for the terrific, customer-centric impression they've made on me. They 'get social'. Do you??

 

Next Level Social Marketing & Communication Workshop Feb 25

 

 

Saturday, Feb 25th at Iron Bridge Restaurant in Old Town Warrenton, 11am - 2:30pm, includes mouth watering lunch and amazing venue. For small biz owners and staff, military public affairs, marketing & communication pros, biz people and entrepreneurs who don't have time to waste, and love making up lost time ... this is a great opportunity to pack months of learning into a less than half day session. Attendee questions - what's important to you - warmly welcomed.

Topics covered include:

• Important changes to social networks - heavy emphasis on FaceBook Pages
• Why authentic, creative Engagement is critical - and why most of your content might not be seen by Fans
• best ways to create/manage custom Page Tabs
• Pinterest (Next Big Thing is here, right ladies?), Twitter & Linkedin tips ... to G+ or not to G+ ... (insert your platform question here)
• PPC ads - Facebook & Google
• Creating, managing, scheduling, monitoring content with apps like Hootsuite. Turn 9-5 into a 24/7 communication machine
• Metrics/Insights - what matters, why it's important to measure & adjust strategy
• Integration ... connecting the Dots, online/offline

Hosted by Jeff Crites (me!), Founder/Chief of Strat(egery?) at Brick and Click Solutions (Linkedin profile); former Army.mil Community Manager, part of team that designed & managed the Army's official website & social media presence. Nearly two decades marketing, strategic communications, traditional and new/social media experience.  Numerous clients from small businesses to national brands to military installations and more. Workshop guaranteed to take your marketing and communication efforts to the Next Level.

Fee just $150 (if you have a discount code/offer, please share when you contact me), includes amazing lunch, Stone Cellar venue, 'social' T-shirt & limited post-workshop questions answered.  Additional opportunities to secure discounted consulting time offered as well.  E-payment via paypal confirms your seat (seating is limited). Contact me, Jeff Crites, at 540.729.2742 or jeff@brickandclick.com. See what others have to say here.  Event on Facebook Here.

Why You Need Brick and Click Solutions

You're a business small or large...military command/installation...radio station or group. You need a vibrant digital presence that amplifies your brand. You don't have the time or expertise to navigate the fast-evolving Social Web. And you need an integrated strategy that punches through the noise, connects with your audience, and provides maximum ROI. You need Brick and Click Solutions.

Content Marketing, Community and Brand building via Facebook, Blogs, Twitter, Linkedin, Pinterest, Youtube, G+/Places, Mobile, Email...to social PPC campaigns, Search Engine Marketing and more, Brick and Click builds and connects the dots - offline and online (brick & click) - ensuring your presence, strategy and performance on each dot is the best it can be. And we can manage those dots as well.

Your mission and message is unique, like digital snowflakes. You need solutions tailored to your needs, dreams and budget. You need Brick and Click: Digital Marketing and Communication Strategy, Presence, Integration, Management, Training. 20 years experience. View our Services, Contact us for a no-cost initial conversation.

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Social Media for Business Workshop

I'll be conducting a private social media for business workshop - special emphasis on Facebook - for a Winchester BNI Group on Wednesday,  May 25th, from 9am to 12pm, at Alcova Mortgage in Winchester.  I'm attending my first BNI meeting this morning with this group in Winchester, VA, and am always excited to discover new ways to network with business owners and professionals.  Taking part in regular business focused networking meet-ups are one of the best things I or anyone can do.  Being immersed in the Social Web each day is great ... but it's imperative to get out and 'hit the bricks', shake hands, pass out biz cards, and meet people face to face.  Of course I'll be doing what I advise all of my clients to do this morning:  making sure everyone knows how to easily find and follow/connect with me on Facebook, Linkedin, Twitter and this blog. It's those simple things like converting a 'brick' experience into 'click' connections that can add tremendous punch to your high value community building.  Those you meet face to face, those you help or interact with on a more personal level online via Twitter, Facebook, etc ... are much more likely to be interested in communicating, referring, sharing and networking in the future. Looking forward to hosting workshops again!  I'm available for private ones like this one, can come on site to do training for any business (local or anywhere), and will be posting 'open' workshops in various locations, mainly NoVA and the DC metro region.

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UPDATE:  Workshop has been pushed to Wed May 25, same time, same place (originally said May 17th in post)

How 'digital snowflakes' stick to friends and fans on Facebook

When I'm trying to explain the magical effect social media can have on business marketing or organizational communication (an Army command or installation for instance) ... I like to use the term 'digital snowflakes'.  Each time you post a message on your Facebook personal, group or fan page, you're dropping a digital snowflake into the news stream of each person connected to you. It doesn't mean each thing you share will be seen, but it does mean that over time, some of your messages will 'stick'. 

Consistency and quality of content are key.  There's nothing worse than a dead Facebook Page, where the last update was weeks ago. You have to make it snow enough so those who want to hear from you ... will hear from you.  And you have to refrain from hitting your fans or friends with a blizzard of messages that make them 'hide' you, or worse, unfriend or un-fan you. There's a balance.

So my encouragement is to make it snow each day. Keep dropping those unique flakes into the daily lives of people who have chosen to connect with you.  And make sure to respond to their messages as well. Over time, your snowflakes of conversation will start to stick and make an impression.  Hopefully, it's an impresion that will boost your bottom line. 

Sign up for my newsletter & get a free 'I'd rather be Tweeting' t-shirt

Short and sweet to kick off my e-mail newsletter.  First 100 people to sign up get an "I'd rather be Tweeting" t-shirt for FREE.  The only cost is $5 shipping & packaging. the few moments it takes you to sign up!  White, high quality short sleeve tee in the size of your choice (S,M,L,XL,XXL).  If your address is outside the U.S. & Canada, a shipping charge may apply. 

The Brick and Click Newsletter will arrive in your inbox like a warm, freshly baked pumpkin muffin.  

If you don't have 'smell' enabled, I hope you'll find the newsletter to be value-packed ... chock full of usable information and insight.  Sign-up is easy (click on the Newsletter link in the upper right sidebar).  And should you grow weary of the pumpkin scent, you can unscubscribe  at any time.  My feelings will not be hurt, but I might wonder how I could've baked a better newsletter.  You're encouraged to leave suggestions in the comment area about additional aromas you prefer, or other phrases that would make a killer T-shirt.  Please share your Twitter handle too.  Cheers.    

*Note:  I'll update here as soon as the first 100 have signed up, in case you're wondering "am I number 165 and he's not telling us so he gets more subscribers".  This isn't and never will be about deception, though general tomfoolery is always fun.  It IS all about transparency, making genuine connections, and hopefully handing you a nice welcome gift you can wear with pride.

*Update: Thanks for everyone's interest!  The promotion is technically over (it's April 11th), but the welcome mat is always out to anyone interested in my free newsletter.  I'll be including business and marketing tips and advice ... and giving subscribers 'first dibs' at client specials, beta invites and things I hope you'll find of great value.  This blog, and the newsletter, will be focused more and more on entrepreneurs and small business ... the trends and technology that are changing the business landscape and empowering small business to think and act big.

We're All Geeks Now

I was on Twitter and my eye caught a retweet of Steve Rubel tweeting about an Advertising Age article:  Who Says Everything Has To Be Monetized? (Marketers Use Communication Machine Twitter to Engage Consumers With Their Human Side).  The article spotlights various ways brands are using Twitter:  as a "virtual information booth" (Jet Blue), a "quasi helpline" (Comcast), a "multipurpose communication machine" (Southwest Air), and a way to "give fans a peek behind the curtain" (NBA).  For someone keenly interested in the way businesses communicate with consumers, this is exciting stuff.  Noting Twitter's exponentially growing popularity, AdAge writer Michael Learmonth asks: 

....  is it time to call the top, or double-down on Twitter?   

One marketing guru, who was one of the few to actually start using Twitter, is going with the former approach. Once, Twitter's top 10 was a who's who of geek royalty; now, Edelman Digital Senior-VP Steve Rubel noted, the list looks like an issue of US Magazine.

"Historically, as the geeks go, so goes social media," Mr. Rubel blogged, as SXSWi wrapped for another year.  "I believe that the founding fathers and mothers of Twitter -- people who gave the service its wings, will soon tire of it and seek the next shiny object."

Or as some would assert, that means it's just about ripe for the mainstream.

Rubel has been calling for Twitter to lose it's sparkle for some time now, even as it continues to grow like Kudzu.  He and fellow geek royal Robert Scoble have found Friendfeed more to their liking, singing its praises to all who will hear (ironic that more would hear them if they spent more time on Twitter).  They and other well known early adopters have found their next shiny thing - and will likely find many more - which is great.  I've benefitted from the Rubles and Scobles of the world many times.  I discovered Twitter, Qik, Brightkite, Utterli and other cutting edge platforms by following the likes of these two.  But something has fundamentally changed, and I think Rubel and others are missing it:

We're all geeks now.  We're all early adopters now. 

So many are now plugged into the 'human information machine' (Twitter) that the next shiny thing is instantaneously discoverable by an army of social media enthusiasts ... large enough and intelligent enough to minimalize the influence of  small, founding father squad of geek elite.  This army of enthusiasts has decided that they like Twitter very much, thank you.  And they know that Twitter, like Facebook and blogs, is an evolving and vibrant communication hub that has cemented itself in the social media landscape.

I Love You More Than Rainbows Triple Book Twitter Giveaway

Here's the skinny.  I"m giving away four sets of my wife's children's picture book, I Love You More Than Rainbows.  Each set contains the regular picture book, a smaller board book version, and a new jumbo board book version.  The Rules:

1. You have to retweet my contest tweet at least once
2. You have to watch the video, DM me via Twitter and tell me what my favorite page in the book is (I mention it in the video)
3. You need to tweet a 140 character (or less) verse that you make up, that includes the words and title "I Love You More Than Rainbows"
4. You need to retweet my Tweet about our upcoming Walter Reed visit

I'll choose four people today from the group that does these three things.  And those four winners can have the books personalized by my wife (the author).

Thanks for playing along on a snowy Monday (at least it is in Washington DC).   Have a great day! 

**UPDATE** 

Probably made this a little too complicated for some (it might've taken all of ten minutes to complete the tasks, but in this hyper cluttered environment, next time I'll cut that to a minute or less).   Two fine folks took the opportunity to complete the four requirements, and I'm pleased as punch to give a set of these deliciously delightful books to Twitter peeps @eformanator (Elaine)  and @flicka47 (Ruthi).  Congrats to the both of you!  I hope you and the little ones who you'll read these to enjoy them immensely.