Article of Interest: Social Media by Design

Sustainable solutions only happen through smart choices and the art of execution. But have you thought about how design factors into it? This commentary, "Yes, Your Social Media Strategy Needs Design" will compel you to take a new approach to how you communicate with the world whether with words or images (hence, the Moscow Bridge image) or both.

Wikipedia "design" definition:

"Design is the planning that lays the basis for the making of every object or system. It can be used both as a noun and as a verb and, in a broader way, it means applied arts and engineering. As a verb, "to design" refers to the process of originating and developing a plan for a product, structure, system, or component with intention."

Go here for the voice of David Armano who blogs for Harvardbusiness.org.

Event of Interest: 6th Annual WPO Chicago Summit 8/13/09

6th Annual WPO Chicago Summit

"The Engagement Imperative:
Communications Strategies for a Connected World"

Thursday, August 13, 2009
10:30 a.m. - 8:30 p.m.

IBM Innovation Center
71 South Wacker Drive, 6th Floor
Chicago, IL 60606

Sponsored By:








We are in the final stages of planning our Summit -- sponsored by Harris N.A. and IBM -- and our program is as follows:

AGENDA

10:30 a.m. - noon

Supplier Diversity Professionals (SDPs) and WPO Chicago members discuss how to work more efficiently together during tough economic times.

Noon - 1:00 p.m.

Light buffet lunch (includes special tribute to Patti Ross, retired IBM executive)

1:15 - 2:00 p.m.

Emilia DiMenco, Executive V.P., Harris, will present, “Retrench, Renew, and Reset: Navigating the current environment and positioning your business for success," which will help WPO Chicago members re-evaluate their business objectives and financial well-being in light of the current economy and economic forecast.

2:15 - 4:15 p.m.

Rick Murray, President, Edelman Worldwide Digital, will present, “The Engagement Imperative: Communications Strategies for a Connected World,” that paints the big picture on social media and word-of-mouth marketing. Opening remarks by Janet Cabot, President, Central Region, Edelman

4:15 - 5:00 p.m.

Networking (bring plenty of cards)

5:30 - 8:30 p.m.

Dinner (offsite -- private)

This is a members-only event but it is not too late to join WPO Chicago provided you pre-qualify and we have space left in a chapter. Contact Laurel Delaney at the email address shown on our blog (right sidebar) or call 773-381-1700 for further information.

Special thanks to Harris N.A. and IBM for helping us make this year's event more relevant than ever.

We look forward to seeing or hearing from you soon!

P.S. WPO Chicago private wiki members register here.

Article of Interest: How To Avoid Business Entrapments

Whether you run a million dollar or a half billion dollar business, don't get snared by these three traps:

No. 1: You jump at every “opportunity”

No. 2: You develop “bright shiny object” syndrome

No. 3: Your target market is “everyone who…”

Find out how to beat the odds of entrapment and still stay focused running a successful business here.

Article of Interest: Social Media Toolkit

Here's a look at numerous online tools on how to develop social media strategies for personal branding, new business revenue streams, search engine optimization, new content initiatives and more for business owners or anyone else who is extensively involved in producing online content and publishing.

The Basics

• LinkedIn - Start the practice of connecting with every business card you receive from contacts.
• Facebook - Consider a "Facebook Movement" - creating a topic or trend in Facebook outside of your personal or brand fan pages.
• Twitter - A staple for all of us. Here's a must read basics of Twitter article.
  
• Google Profile - This is a Gold rush here. Secure and verify your personal name before someone else gets it.
• Plaxo - organizes business contacts via the web.

Learn more here.