14/03/2010

Social Media and Marketing - Oh, no, not again!

How does social media (for want of a better expression) integrate with the traditional paradigm of marketing?  What new opportunities does it present?  What are the common issues between time-honoured marketing practices and the development of innovative new tools and techniques?

As with any new development in marketing, the increased use of social media has seen a corresponding growth in people positioning themsevles as experts in the field.  Marketers are suddenly becoming Twitter gurus, techies have developed insights into marketing strategy and a business people for all kinds of backgrounds see fit to jump on board a bandwagon - but not all of these people seem to walk their own talk.

As a strategic marketing consultant, I cannot help but see the potential for using social media but don't claim to be an expert on every fine detail.  I do aim to use social media tools appropriately and with purpose for my own and my clients' businesses and will certainly be open to any suggestions that what I do know is not all that I need to know.

So this session is most definitely NOT a lecture.  I will not be telling you that what works for my business will work for yours and I will not be claiming that Twitter is the be all and end all of social media (although I have a little story to tell about just what impact one tweet can have).

Rather, we will be aiming to explore the impact that social media can have on your approach to marketing, what works and what doesn't, and under what circumstances.  I'll be collating key points and sharing them afterwards on this blog - and anywhere else you might recommend.

MediaCampNottingham is a free one day event to share, explore, challenge and build understanding in digital media of how the Internet can be a valuable asset to everyone.

It takes the form of a barcamp or unconference, an event that is about participating, not watching.  It's not just for the digirati, media types and marketers.  Far from it.  In fact, it's a great opportunity for people from all sectors - business, people from the arts, politics, technology, education and media - to share ideas and perspectives and gain new insights.

A barcamp asks a couple of things of you:

When you come, be prepared to share with barcampers.

When you leave, be prepared to share it with the world.

Last year's MediaCampNottingham was a stimulating day and, judging by the line-up of facilitators, this year's will follow suit.  It would be good to see you there - you simply need to book your place online.

It’s taking place at:

Saturday March 27th 2010
Lace Market House
54 – 56 High Pavement
Nottingham, NG1 1HW
9.30am – 6pm