WORKSHOP:Social Networking for the Author or new Business Owner

Social Networking for the Author or new Business Owner
by Ella Curry

Social networking has created new paths to communicate and share information with people around the world. With the economy being what it is, authors and business owners need to use social media network to reach new customer. You can now reach millions with just a few hours of hard work! All business owners and authors need a strong Internet presence to spread their message to their target audience and potentially new consumers.

This audio seminar will help authors and entrepreneurs understand how to use social networks to gain new customers and how to retain old ones. Social media marketing is the process of using online communities to generate popularity, product exposure, speaking opportunities and ultimately increase sales. I will give the listener insight into how to achieve strong branding and marketing communication skills through the participation in various social media platforms. This is a 2 part audio seminar that will share tips, information, resources and a few suggested networks to utilize.

Up for Discussion

What is an author’s control center and what should be included? The author’s website is their control center. This should be your primary location to direct all readers. All of your vital information should be in one place and readers should only be directed to your most important links. Here are a few items that should be included: written excerpts, audio readings, reader’s guides, event photos, shout-outs to supporters, reviews and recent interviews, downloadable files, talking points, video media center and at least one page that has material in a copy/paste form. Readers should use all their senses except actual touch when visiting the site.

What is a hook? A "hook" is the one thing that captures the reader's attention. A hook might consist of a compelling statement, a soulful quote, a thought provoking question, a call to action, a bit of drama or controversy shared, or the resolution to a problem. The hook is the entire reason you produced the book, product or service! Your hook explains why your product or book is relevant.

What is a byline? Byline articles are an excellent way to establish ownership of articles and position you as a thought leader. The primary reason for including a byline with all written material is to gain exposure for a product or service with out blatantly pitching it to readers. Bylines should be a link back to you and your control center and not an advertisement.

Here are a few of the topics covered in the 2 seminars

Part 1—Click here to listen and learn http://www.audioacrobat.com/play/WHDVZ1Ns
Creating your control center
Creating your pitch, hook and bylines
Importance of building relationships
How to add value to social networks
How to stimulate conversation with article writing
How to use audio and video to increase followers
The 4 main rules for success in social media marketing

Part 2—Click here to listen and learn http://www.audioacrobat.com/play/W2rhPhCs
How to use Facebook, Twitter, Myspace and LinkedIn for business
Internet tools to promote your message
How to use the Internet to find target audiences
How to develop your social media strategy

Resource links for Business Owners

50 Ways to Use Social Media
www.web-strategist.com/blog/2008/07/15/50-ways-to-use-social-media-listed-by-objective

How to Use Social Media to Reach New Customers
www.flyte.biz/resources/newsletters/07/11-social-media.php

List of Top Social Media Network Sites
www.instantshift.com/2008/10/19/list-of-top-social-media-network-sites

If the listeners have any direct questions for me, I will stop by the blog and answer questions from 9am-12 noon EST and from 8pm-11EST. If I don't have the answer, I will find the resource or expert to answer the question.

Ella Curry, president of EDC Creations Media Group
Website: http://www.edc-creations.com/
Email: elladcurry@edc-creations.com