Social Media novices and veterans alike gathered at the McKimmon Center to learn from Tim Moore with Carolina Business Connection; Mark Schurtman with Red Hat; Angela Connor with WRAL; Randall Gregg with RTP-TV and Raleigh Telegram; and host Rebecca Antonelli (me) with TrianglePR. The audience listened carefully as the pros and cons of creating and executing a social media campaign were discussed and analyzed. Many questioned if the time investment so many companies were making was paying off in cash sales.

I admitted to spending 12 minutes a day in my social networking efforts, whereas Angela spends six hours building GoLo.com, WRAL’s local community on the web. Of course, that’s her job. Mark clarified the difference to the audience by classifying social media into three parts: social news, social networking and user-generated content (UGC). My focus is social news and networking and Angela’s is UGC. Tim admitted to having six Twitter accounts… hmmm… we all wondered how he has time for anything else. Then I noticed the timestamp on his emails – they end at 2 am and start back up at 5am. No wonder.

I think Randall wrapped up the meeting by making a great point. We must address this thing called social media, but we must not forget that a lunch meeting that gets us a sale is still more valuable than anything.

I’ll reiterate what I say often in my invitations to attend Meet the Media’s: You can not download a face-to-face meeting!

Thanks to Atlantic Creative Communications, Wildwood Green, Just Humor Me, Anson Howard and TBJ for your support. Please share your notes from the event with us!!!

Stay well! Rebecca

Meet the New Media
Thursday, October 15, 2009
10 a.m. to Noon
McKimmon Center, N.C. State
$20 in advance, $25 at the door, FREE to non-profits

Randall Gregg
Raleigh Telegram/RTP-TV
The Raleigh Telegram reaches out to over 500,000 Triangle residents and is a member of the NC Press Association. With more and more people going to the web for their news, Gregg is adding hundreds of subscribers a month. RTP-TV has produced shows that have been seen on CNN, MSNBC, Fox News and other television channels. Gregg is ready to hear your company’s story ideas.

Tim Moore
Carolina Business Connection
Tim will show you how to get your news in front of over 14,000 Triangle business people in a day through his news service and website. He’ll also share exactly how using social media – Inside919 and Twitter – increased his website visitors from 73,000 per month to 183,000 in just 90 days. If you want to learn how to use Twitter, this is your guy.

Mark Schurtman, MBA
Web Analyst, Red Hat
How is Social Media being used best in business? How do you measure its success? Is your social networking driving people to your website and then turning them into customers? How to be sure social media is working.

Angela Connor
WRAL, Managing Editor, UGC
Five mistakes to avoid when marketing through online communities
Do social media tools really matter?
10 tips to growing and starting your online community

Rebecca Antonelli
TrianglePR
“How to Toot Your Own Horn Without Blowing It”

Sign up today! http://www.MeetTheNewMedia.com

How to Get Publicity and Make a Name for Yourself Using Social Media Networks

Thursday, October 15^th, hosted by Rebecca Antonelli, with guest panelists from WRAL, Carolina Business Connection, RTP-TV, Raleigh Telegram and RED HAT from 10 a.m.- Noon at the McKimmon Center, N.C. State University

You’ve heard the stories: companies start using LinkedIn, Twitter, Facebook, and other social media networks, and soon they have hundreds of people following them and as many potential new clients. More than that, they become industry experts. Writers from major newspapers and magazines seek them out to comment on events in their industry, and conference organizers invite them to give keynote addresses. 

Can that really happen or are those stories like fishing tales that get grander each time they’re told? If it is possible, then how did they make it happen? How can you use social media networks to get publicity for you and your firm and establish yourself as an industry expert? Internet marketing experts are here to shed some light on the issue.

In this two-hour face-to-face seminar, you’ll get real world examples of successful campaigns that use social media networks and explain how firms big and small can also succeed using this new medium. 

— What You’ll Learn —

Join Rebecca at Meet the New Media and discover:

- The importance of having a strategic plan for using social media networks

- The benefits of the different social media networks

- How to use LinkedIn and Twitter to help people and thereby build trust

- The best way to spread the word about your services and accomplishments

- How to engage clients and build a community

- How to monitor what is said about you on social networks so you can improve your services

Social networks are more than avenues for announcing what you ate for lunch and that you’re going to the gym. They’re ways to share your knowledge, inform people of your accomplishments, and build a community. Do that well, and soon people will consider you a thought leader and will call on you for your expertise and your services.

Sign Up Today!

Register for only $20 (free for non profits) at: http://www.MeetTheNewMedia.com/register

See you there!

Rebecca

919-740-3008

RA@RebeccaAntonelli.com

By Andrea Wenger, Carolina Chapter Member

On August 27, business people from around the Triangle gathered at the Angus Barn’s Pavilions, an open-air structure built from reclaimed lumber dating back to the antebellum era. The tranquility of the lakeside setting and the cobblestone paths contrasted with the energy circulating beneath the ten-foot ceiling fan that kept the space tolerably cool despite the summer heat. The crowd took their seats to listen as representatives from media outlets such as the News & Observer, WRAL, WNCN, and News 14 Carolina spoke about how businesses can promote themselves using media resources.

This was the tenth anniversary of the Meet the Media forum, which has evolved into Meet the New Media to include the burgeoning influence of social networking. According to its website, “The Meet the NEW Media forum provides the local business community the opportunity to make valuable media contacts and learn how to create publicity for their company through traditional media interaction and creative strategies to engage, monitor and communicate utilizing the social networking movement.”

“Bring us a story that is meaningful to the community that highlights what you are about.”
—David Crabtree

The organization’s founder, Rebecca Antonelli, said in her opening remarks, “Your horn sounds twice as loud when someone else blows it.” In this fierce economic market, small businesses, independent contractors, and job seekers must to set themselves apart to get noticed among the crowd. How can you leverage your expertise to make your voice stand out?

“We in the media are forever looking for good stories,” said David Crabtree of WRAL. “Bring us a story that is meaningful to the community that highlights what you are about.”

Alan Wolfe of the News & Observer also emphasized this point. “For us to tell a story, we need to hear from you.” If you wrote an essay for your blog that’s relevant to the larger community, send the N&O a link to it. But remember, news stories include the positive and the negative. An essay about how great your business is doing during the economic downturn won’t sound authentic if you don’t include the risks and challenges you face as well.

News outlets need stories on a wide variety of topics because people have a wide variety of interests—and they won’t invest time reading about a topic that doesn’t interest them, explained Nannette Wilson of WNCN. “The way people use media is changing…The word ‘friend’ and the idea of networking has changed.”

Customers prefer doing business with people they know. So how can you become known? Wilson recommended that you have a blog and a video on your website. When an event occurs in the community, and you can shed light on it, contact the media to offer your expertise. For example, suppose you volunteer with a dog rescue program. If the local media reports on a toddler mauled by a family pet, offer your insight on why such tragedies occur and how to avoid them. WNCN’s MyNC.com website provides community news and allows you to publish your own stories.

AnnMarie Breen of News-14 Carolina encouraged “citizen journalists” to look at what’s happening elsewhere in the country, and relate those events to what’s happening locally. What’s the best way for individuals to get their information to the media? Call and say, “I have a 30-second pitch for you, and I’ll follow it up with an e-mail.” Include the information in the body of the e-mail (no attachments), and keep it to one page.

David Crabtree acknowledged that the media is changing, but they have not yet changed. He encouraged the audience to embrace new technology, but not at the expense of other strategies that are the core of what they do. Authenticity is key. Crabtree stressed that you don’t want publicity—you want your story told. You want the public to know how the things you do help people.

Tell your story over and over, but remember that not everyone will listen. To increase the likelihood of being heard, make it personal. Look for ways to add life to people’s days. “We will listen to your story idea,” Crabtree says. “Tell me who it affects.”

The next Meet the New Media forum will be held on October 15, 2009 from 10 a.m. to noon at the McKimmon Center at NC State. Next quarter, I’ll discuss ways you can use social networking and blogging to promote your business or personal brand.

Andrea Wenger is the Membership Manager of the STC Carolina Chapter. She can be reached at andrea dot wenger at us dot schneider-electric dot com. End of article.

If you’re interested in:

• Connecting with powerful people
• Learning how to create “buzz” for your business
• Saving huge amounts of money on advertising costs

Then we cordially invite you to join us at the next Meet The New Media for a no-nonsense marketing, PR and promotions workshop.

Meet the New Media

Thursday, October 15, 2009

10 a.m. until Noon

The McKimmon Center at NC State

Raleigh, North Carolina

Registration is $20 in advance, $25 at the door and FREE to non-profits

• Meet the top reporters from the biggest and most powerful news agencies in the Triangle area
• Get tons of sure-fire tips from top marketing experts
• Learn how you can execute low-to-no cost promotions that get huge results for your company

 Plus, Rebecca Antonelli will be presenting her popular program: “How to Toot Your Own Horn Without BLOWING IT!” where you’ll learn:

• How to add punch and polish to your story
• Who and where to share it
• How to get the attention you deserve NOW!
• Why you don’t need a big budget (or any budget) to make an impact

Free Gift to All MtNM Attendees:

“5 PROVEN STEPS to create an elevator pitch that will stop them in their tracks and recruit evangelists who are happy to spread your story using word of mouth and social media.”

Meet The New Media will give you a kick start on building your relationship with the media. In just two hours, you’ll make important connections and learn invaluable tips and techniques to grow your business (and yourself).

This is a great opportunity, and we guarantee that you’ll get so many easy-to-implement ideas, outlines of next steps, and resources that you’ll be anxious to get back to the office and get to it!

Meet the New Media is where business owners, marketing professionals and entrepreneurs meet top newsmakers and marketers, face-to-face.

Space is limited, so be sure to reserve a seat today! Sign up at www.MeetTheNewMedia.com/register.

Here’s to your success!

Greetings! It’s the Monday following a very inspirational and motivational meeting of business people, organizations, social marketers and NC media personalities at the 10^th anniversary celebration of Meet the Media. With over 200 in attendance, we had a great turnout. For those of you (like me) who may have missed a gem of an idea, we’ve posted this video for you!

www.youtube.com/watch?v=HIsPlSWtC6k

My advice for maximizing your attendance? Write a thank you note to the media, the sponsors and those you met face-to-face. Include your business card and a special offer that gets them motivated to meet with you again in a more subdued setting.

Here is my “Positive Press Relations TO DO List,” to help you keep moving forward in your publicity efforts until the next Meet the New Media.

Daily

· Read local and national newspapers

If there is an issue being addressed that involves you personally or professionally, craft a paragraph or two to send to the media. Write it as if you were speaking directly to the reporter.  Be sure to explain your position on the topic, provide some facts and figures that are helpful and let the reporter know you are happy to elaborate further.

Weekly

· Meet with your staff for story/release ideas

You must create a forum for the exchange of information with each of your employees. The people on the front lines usually provide the best information about what’s going on in your industry, with clientele – plus they read trade journals, watch TV and know what’s going on in the world, too.

Monthly

· Read your industry trade journals, cover to cover

Trade journals will give you industry forecasts, trends and statistics. Take that information, source it, and retell it to the local media – remember, you’re the expert. Pay special attention to numbers -- $ or % are meaningful to the press. Trade Journals will also give you ideas that companies like yours have tried. Perhaps you’ll find the publicity opportunity you’ve been looking for. Watch and learn from what other companies are doing.

· Write and send a news release

See the 88 Reasons to Send a News Release I handed out at the Meet the Media for ideas. You can also find it at www.MeetTheNewMedia.com/about/88reasons. There is always something you are doing that is of value.

Quarterly

· Phone the journalists who cover your industry

Ask if they’re working on a story you may be able to provide information for – they love help and you probably know research sources they are unaware of. Offer them a tidbit or two about the goings on of companies you have knowledge of. The more information you can provide to journalists, the more important you will become to them.

Yearly

·  Meet, face-to-face with the journalists who cover your industry

Have you signed up for the next Meet the New Media yet? If not, go to: www.MeetTheNewMedia.com/register and sign up today.

Meet the Media is celebrating its tenth, or aluminum, anniversary according to celebration lore, in business tomorrow. The announcement is made by Owner/Founder Rebecca Antonelli, who says a milestone anniversary in business is cause to celebrate the media and attendee partnerships that made the longevity possible.

“To that note I salute and celebrate the following media supporters who have graciously donated more than their share of time making these meetings a success: David Crabtree (who holds the record for participation), WRAL-TV; Nannette Wilson and Kim Genardo, NBC-17; Sougata Mukherjee, Dale Gibson and the whole team from Triangle Business Journal; also, Samantha Smith, Alan Wolf and many other News & Observer staffers,” Antonelli says.

Results-Focused Face-to-Face Meetings at Forums

David Crabtree, news anchor at WRAL-TV sums up why he continues to be involved. “The media and the public want news. We want to meet business people, learn about the products and services their company produces, and what new innovations they’re working on. Information is the essence of news and business owners are the essence of information.”

Antonelli believes Meet the Media’s intense focus on building a Rolodex of both media and the business owners, entrepreneurs, non-profits and professionals who attend the meetings. What’s in it for her? “It’s never been about the money – if we break even we’re lucky. I just want small business America to have a voice in the news as well.” The event does, however, lead to speaking and consulting engagements for Antonelli.

Dickey Eason, who has been to nearly every meeting held in the past 10 years explains, “Can you say “Thank You” too much? I don’t think so. Thanks for your help again. Yesterday, WTVD replayed the Big Shelf tape from last year. We already have a job from it. The story also got picked up by the Durham paper, which called to interview me. You are making a difference in people’s lives.”

Because of the Meet the New Media forums, hundreds of businesses and dozens of reporters have made contacts that otherwise would be time and cost prohibitive. “Since the first meeting in 1999, our focus on ensuring win/win/win results has not wavered,” commented Antonelli. “During the past year, Meet the Media has aggressively embraced and incorporated the Internet and social media tactics into its package of value-added forum – going so far as to rename the event “Meet the New Media.”

The next event will be held this Thursday, August 27^th at the Angus Barn Pavilions. It will be the biggest crowd ever – over 200 attendees. Why the outdoor venue? “I believe we should care as much about our environment while doing business as we do in other areas of our life. I’d rather have a Carolina blue sky above us – not ceiling tiles. “

About Rebecca Antonelli

 Rebecca Antonelli specializes in building businesses utilizing a full spectrum marketing approach that includes media relations, sales systems, special events and promotional efforts. The focus is on the strategies and tactics necessary to achieve impactful visibility through coverage in national, trade press, local and social media. http://www.MeetTheNewMedia.com

What attendees should bring to the Meet the New Media
Attendees  should fill in the following questionnarie to prepare to meet the media. This way, you can hand a one-page overview of you and your company to the 15 media outlets who will be represented at the next Meet the New Media. Remember, you have 90 seconds to make an impression  – giving them this outline about you and your business will make it more likely for them to contact you.

Your Name:
Work Phone:
Cell Phone:
Email address:
Website:
Mailing Address:

What is the name of the company or product you are promoting?

What business/industry are you in?

Do you promote yourself as an expert in your industry? 

What makes you an expert on this subject?
(Example: education, years of experience, awards)

Can you promote yourself as an expert on other subjects as well? Please list:

Are there props you can use to teach or explain your subject?

Most importantly…Why is this your passion?

List up to 5 feature story ideas you’d like to pitch:

I’ve been getting a lot of questions about the upcoming Meet the New Media. Here is an overview of who you can expect to meet at the event.

Most media want the same thing – a solid backlog of interesting and informative sources – and the Meet the New Media will give them an opportunity to make connections with you and all the attendees.

To get attention in media, you must think like the media.

How do they think? They’ll tell you themselves.

Each panelist will give an overview of how to increase the odds of getting covered in the news (give them a call!), getting quoted (piggyback on what’s happening nationally with a local angle) or becoming a source for news stories (provide numbers, percentages, facts, research from your industry). Perhaps even more importantly, they’ll share what NOT to do (send a news release as an attachment).

The following media outlet will be represented: (*waiting on panelist name):

WRAL-TV – David Crabtree, Anchor

NBC-17 – Nanette Wilson, News Director

Triangle Business Journal – Dale Gibson, Associate Editor

WTVD*

News & Observer – Alan Wolf, Reporter

News 14 and Time Warner Cable *

Social marketing expert panelists:

Jason Peck, eWayDirect
Chuck Hester, iContact & Linked In
Greg Hyer, LinkingInRaleighNC.com

After the panelists speak, there will be a Q&A session.

After questions and answers, the experts and the media will be available to speak with you one-on-one. We have tables set up where the panelists and other news outlets like Cary Magazine, Carolina Business Connection and Triangle East magazine will be set up. They want to meet you and help answer your questions. Look for a complete listing next week.

Bring lots of business cards. See you there!

Rebecca

Meet the NEW Media
Thursday, August 27, 2009 from 10 a.m. to noon
Hosted by Angus Barn at the Pavilions
Raleigh, North Carolina

Register today – space is limited!