Social Media Secrets with Newport Interactive Marketers

Join more than 40 entrepreneurs, business owners, marketers and related creatives as they learn social media "secrets" from local professionals who have harnessed the power of social media within limited time and budget constraints.

This event, presented free of charge by Newport Interactive Marketers, takes place on Thursday, October 21, from 6 to 9 p.m. at Christie's, 14 Perry Mill Wharf in Newport, RI. Attendees are encouraged to bring a supply of their own business cards for the "Business Card Buffet."

The goal of Newport Interactive Marketers is to offer a fun, educational, and collaborative forum. Web marketing specialists as well as traditional marketers are welcome to attend for a smidge of education and some great networking. Food and beverages is always available to purchase.

Anyone interested in networking with marketers, graphic designers, SEO gurus, PR pros, project managers, developers, and creatives should plan to attend. Register in advance at http://newportinteractivemarketers6.eventbrite.com. Networking begins at 6 p.m. The presentation will commence at 7. For more information email Suzanne McDonald at sue@designatededitor.com.

What is Social Media?

Social media are media for social interaction, using web-based technologies to turn communication into interactive dialogues. One of the key components in successful social media marketing implementation is building "social authority." Social authority is developed when an individual or organization establishes themselves as an "expert" in their given field or area, thereby becoming an "influencer" in that field or area.

It is through this process of "building social authority" that social media becomes effective. That is why one of the foundational concepts in social media has become that you cannot completely control your message through social media but rather you can simply begin to participate in the "conversation" in the hopes that you can become a relevant influence in that conversation.

More event information

NIM is hosting a panel of Rhode Islanders who are crushing it with social media.

Kathie Manchester from the Rhode Island Blood Center "I believe social media offers a positive way to talk with our donors without being intrusive. Having been in the industry long enough to see many forms of communications come and go, I am passionate about all forms of social media as a way to build long-term relationships."

Dana Duellman & My Perfect Space Entrepreneur, consultant, Realtor "The key to having your business active in social media is to engage your fans: show them you love what you do, you are passionate about it, and rewarded everyday by your experiences.  My goal with my business page - and the pages of the businesses I manage - is to put forth uplifting, pertinent information that really allows our clients to relate and benefit from our relationships."

Moderator: Nick Brown, Community Manager at Astonish Results, a student of social media for nearly 10 years at a high-tech PR agency and at a digital marketing company focused on insurance agencies, Nick has taught social media and community-building in college classrooms and at trade show seminars. Nick brings a keen understanding of the tools, best practices, and skills necessary for successful social networking.

Focusing on Twitter & Facebook the panelists will share

• What exactly are they doing? Which platform is most effective for each?
• How do they do it? What tools are they using?
• And how you can adapt their insights to further your social media presence.
• Why should I bother with social media?
• An ideal way to connect with customers.
• An opportunity to turn the clock back early Google days.
• Tons more & maybe why you shouldn't bother.

Who should attend?

• Social media specialists: We're truly interactive; please share your insights.
• Social media neophytes: Come early for a quick personal briefing.
• Folks from Marblehead & Hartford & NYC: Because it's worth the trip!

The basics

6 p.m. Grab a snack, order a drink & network

7 p.m. Panelists share their social media secrets

On-street or valet parking $5 (mention Newport Interactive Marketers for discount) at 41North, 351 Thames St.

A bit about Newport Interactive Marketers

As web marketing specialists, we welcome both traditional marketers and beyond for a smidge of education, some great networking, and some small bites ... Right here in Newport!

What we're not: hard sells or boring.

If you're interested in networking with marketers, graphic designers, SEO gurus, PR pros, project managers, developers, and creatives -- or just to pick up a few tips, join us!