At the end of 2010 I decided to write Marketing Melodie in 2010: A Year in Review. I have a habit of discrediting many of my accomplishments because I feel like I can always do more. Writing this really allows me to appreciate and be grateful for everything that I have done rather than focus on what I haven’t. Just like I did for 2010 here’s a year in review of 2011 highlighting noteworthy events, clients, blog posts, friends, accomplishments, adventures and amazing opportunities.

*JANUARY*

While marketing is my expertise and passion, I have another passion; YOGA! I’m very grateful for one of my clients this year, La Jolla Yoga Center. Creating marketing campaigns and strategies for a yoga studio I love definitely makes me happy.  I trained their team on using social media to grow their business and helped them get set up on Facebook and Twitter. They’re definitely doing a great job connecting with yogis on social media!

I’ve been practicing yoga for a few years and really wanted to strengthen my practice and take it to the next level. I contemplated getting my yoga teaching certification for a while. It’s a huge time commitment and I was really on the fence. Well I made the decision to go ahead with yoga teacher training and can now say, if you are ever on the fence, DO IT! I am so happy I completed my Yoga Teacher Training and wouldn’t trade the experience for anything. I began my training in January and completed my 200 RYT Vinyasa Yoga Teacher Training at the inspirational La Jolla Yoga Center, located right on the beach! I met so many amazing new friends, learned so much about myself and really took my yoga practice to the next level.

*FEBRUARY*

I hosted the 2^nd event in my Digital Media Dinners series. The topic: Social Media Branding. This was a great milestone because it officially turned Digital Media Dinners into a series rather than a one off event.  I taught strategies on how to strengthen people’s brand across various social networks including review sites such as Yelp, group buying sites such as Groupon and location based sites such as Foursquare. I incorporated a variety of sites because marketing and social media is growing beyond just Facebook and Twitter.

*MARCH*

Since I learn and receive so much from my online and social media community, I really want to give back. I did this by hosting Twestival San Diego. This event is hosted all over the nation using social media for social good by connecting communities offline on a single day to highlight a great cause and have a fun event. It’s entirely promoted via social media. Twestival San Diego was hosted at the Keating Hotel and all proceeds benefited the San Diego After School All Stars.

Me and a few other lovely Yogis were featured on KUSI demonstrating Bootcamp for Yogis run by my fellow yoga teacher trainee, Body By Mags. Check out the video below where I get my 5 minutes of fame while I’m smiling through holding a yoga tough pose and demonstrating yoga boot camp moves (Warrior has got nothing on me!).

VIDEO: Yoga Boot Camp Video

I successfully pulled my second April Fool’s Joke on Social Media! Everyone decided to wish me a Happy Birthday on April Fool’s this year!

The first annual Foursquare Day celebration took place in 2010 and I hosted Foursquare Day Hong Kong. This year I was in my home town, San Diego and had the opportunity to host Foursquare Day San Diego for my community at R Gang Eatery. Check in specials, complimentary wine, cocktails, delicious comfort food with an upscale twist, friends, badges and a good time was had! Foursquare Day on 4/16 (Yep that’s 4 squared which equals 16) is officially, my favorite geek Holiday!

Oh not to mention, I met my first Celebrity Chef, Rich Sweeney @ChefRicSweeney from Season 5 of Top Chef who is also the head of R Gang Eatery. You can read all about my addiction to food porn and cooking shows here.

*MAY*

I was interviewed by the San Diego Reader on using LinkedIn for Job Seekers. I shared my insight, advice and was gratefulto have my article published both in their paper and online! You can read the full article here.

Another Geek Holiday takes place in May! Star Wars day on May 4^th! May the Fourth be with you! I celebrated with some fun posts on Social Media!

*JUNE*

I really want to help others with yoga passion so I hosted my first yoga event: Yoga For the Busy Body at Hera Hub! I really want to provide an opportunity for other busy professionals and entrepreneurs to have a chance to experience the benefits of yoga while teaching them poses they can do on their own despite their busy lives. That’s exactly what I accomplished at this event.

*JULY*

I was cast in a Microsoft Commercial!  It was such an amazing experience to work a full day on set as talent! You can read all about how I was casted in the Microsoft Commercial and then watch my commercial when it finally aired below!

VIDEO: Marketing Melodie’s Microsoft Commercial

VIDEO: Digital Media Dinners- How To Build your Social Media Community 

I attended BlogHer for the first time as it was hosted right here in America’s Finest City. I connected with inspirational bloggers from all across the nation. It was great talking to so many people about their passions and seeing  them creatively share it with others through their writing. I had a good time at the conference itself, attending workshops, checking out the booths, the networking events, parties and left with more swag than I knew what to do with!

Oh and I met another Celebrity Chef, Brian Markaley in the Season Final of Top Chef Season 3. He was hosting a BlogHer party!

 *SEPTEMBER* 

Marketing Melodie is growing quickly! I sent out a call for interns and bring Allison Schummer @AllisonSchummer on board to help me!

Allison recently graduated from SDSU and I give her my highest recommendation to anyone who’s hiring as she’s currently on the market for a new job!

San Diegans experience a MAJOR BLACKOUT! But we united and got through it while making new friends! We proved that even during a black out social media still shines!

*OCTOBER*

Fall is in the air (even though it’s always sunny in San Diego) which means time for a new fall wardrobe! I attended one of my favorite tweetups ever, an Epic event at the Nordstrom Rack Plaza Bonita Grand Opening. I’m a very lucky person, I always win things and that night I won a pair of Designer Hudson Jeans.

In 2009 I said to the universe that I want  to meet my favorite author, Keith Ferrazzi. I finally met him 2 years later in San Diego at the Entrepreneur Challenge Fall Kickoff Event at UCSD. He autographed both my books and I learned some awesome networking tips from meeting Keith Ferrazzi.

The Nerds United! I tweeted and connected with amazing new friends  from the Talk Nerdy To Me Lover community by hosting @JenFriel and the #nerdsunite crew in San Diego. We had a fun night at the Tilted Kilt San Diego and a nerdy sleepover!

You can read all about the things that make me a nerd here.

*NOVEMBER*

After completing a successful Digital Media Dinners series, I hosted my first Digital Media Now Seminar- Personal Branding on Social Media at Pangea Bakery Cafe. Attendees learned how to make their personal brand cohesive with their business brand.

I was honored with an opportunity to speak to NATAS- National Academy of Television Arts and Sciences at their Social Media Workshop. Teaching television professionals how to use Social Media in their industry.

Thanks to the luxury car company, Infiniti and Social Media I enjoyed an amazing afternoon at the San Diego Bay Wine and Food Festival. I also met my 3rd celebrity chef this year, Sam The Cooking Guy!

*DECEMBER* 

I hosted my first Digital Media Now Webinar on How To Integrat Social Media Into Your Marketing. It gave me a chance to share my knowledge with people who can’t always be available and in San Diego to attend an in person seminar. While there were challenges to work out with my first webinar, I received great feedback and plan to host additional Digital Media Now Webinars in 2012!

I celebrated my Birthday on my lucky day, December 13^th (It’s clearly not on April 1^st). In the photo below I’m dressed as a Monster, holding a class with an M and Minty Wonderland and Mozart cupcakes. Yep M THEME PARTY!

I began my new venture at National University. I was hired as a Course Developer and Adjunt Professor at National University. My first class starts in January where I’m teaching a marketing class on Interactive Strategies.

Wow a lot has happened in 2012! If you read this entire post or even part of it, THANK YOU!  As I reflect on 2011 I just can’t help but smile and be grateful for everyone and everything in my life right now. I am truly blessed and so excited to ring in 2012!

As a Marketing Professional, one of the most effective Marketing tools  I use to build my community and generate new business is professional speaking. It’s not a secret,  I’ve already shared with everyone how I grow my business through professional speaking. It provides you with more credibility, it’s a strong marketing tool and speaking also inspires others. Speaking is something everyone has an chance to learn! To provide you with even more assistance on being an effective speaker for your industry, I even compiled Social Media Tips for professional speakers. I highly recommend checking out the resources I created, they will definitely help you get started!

Speaking to NATAS is a great chance for me to connect with people who work in television and share my knowledge on how to create a cohesive online presence with traditional media. Time sure flies with social media! Almost 3 years ago I wrote the post Traditional Media Companies- It’s time to Go Digital Media. Years later I’m happy to see that many traditional media companies have successfully integrated social media  to engage, interact and compel their audience to continue viewing them as a credible resource!

I’m really looking forward to meeting all the industry leaders in television this Thursday and continuing to share social media and professional speaking tips with all of my readers! If you’d like to hire me to speak at your next event, I’m happy to come and share my insight and knowledge!

The evening started off with a networking dinner so of course, I had an opportunity to meet some great community leaders, UCSD students and affiliates. The photo below is a prime example of never eating alone!

I followed one of Keith’s golden rules for meeting the speaker at the event. Get to the speaker, before he goes on stage! I saw Keith Ferrazzi walk by and immediately went up and introduced myself to him. He’s extremely personable, enthusiastic and positive. I manifested this exact moment into my life because in 2009 when Who’s Got Your Back came out, I told Keith Ferrazzi that I would get his second book when I met him so he could autograph it and that’s exactly what happened!

 After enjoying a great dinner, Dr. Irwin Jacobs and Keith Ferrazzi took the stage. Keith Ferrazzi’s job was to be curious and ask Dr. Jacob’s questions related to the topic of “Why great relationships matter in business?” Keith did a great job at asking questions that prompted Dr. Jacobs to share his inspirational story. As both a Marketer and an Entrepreneur, I really resonated with both Dr. Jacobs and Keith Ferrazzi. I definitely learned a lot about having a vision and following it, being a great leader and of course networking! Below are some networking tips I’ve learned from Keith Ferrazzi, some of them definitely came into play during this particular event!

1. Reach out before the event- If you’re attending an event and want to meet someone specific, reach out to them before the event. I’ve already discussed how to work a conference before it begins. This tip is very similar. Social Media is a great resource that allows you to connect. Before attending the event, I tweeted Keith a bunch of times and of course wrote my post to welcome Keith to San Diego. Reaching out can also be done by a simple email. You can let someone know that you enjoyed an article they wrote, congratulate them on a recent accomplishment or connect with them on a more personal level if you know a hobby they enjoy. (In the tweets below I engaged several people in conversation about Keith Ferrazzi and I even received a reply from him acknowledging that he would see me tomorrow!)

2. Arrive Early- If you want to meet the Speakers, they’ll definitely be at the event at least 30 minutes before hand. Chances are the speaker won’t be bombarded by everyone else so you may have an opportunity to introduce yourself before anyone else. If you wait until after the event to try and connect with a speaker, chances are they’re going to be busy talking to everyone else and also thinking about going home so it’s harder to make a personal connection. I actually arrived at UCSD 30 minutes early so was one of the first one who was let into the room.

3. Talk To the Organizer- Arriving early also gives you a chance to find and introduce yourself to the organizer and let him/her know who you may be looking to connect with. Ask the organizer if there’s anyone they feel would be a great connection for your industry. The organizer knows everything that’s happening behind the scenes and everyone who’s going to be at the event. See if they can introduce you to some other attendees or even the speaker. When approaching the organizer, make sure to be mindful of their time since they’re probably still planning last minute updates and make sure to thank them for hosting you.

4. Ask Questions- After many presentations and panels there is often a chance for audience Q & A. This is your golden opportunity to get in front of the room and let others know what you do. Before asking your questions, clearly state your name with a brief intro. Since you have everyone’s attention, there very well may be others in the room who are seeking your service, product or who many want to collaborate with you. Asking questions not only gives you mic time, it also allows you to interact and stand out to the speakers and attendees.

5. Give Books as Gifts- Since the holidays are approaching so quickly, tis the season to start thinking of gifts for your prospects, clients and colleagues. Books are full of information and are personal because you’re recommending something that has helped you. Autographed books are even better! Keith reminded me of how great of gifts books can be as he was signing mine. He asked if there was anyone I’d like to give “Who’s Got Your Back” to so he could sign the book to that person. I didn’t have anyone in mind, so I just told him to sign his name in case I did want to give the book away as a gift. Well Keith came up with an even better idea by writing “Melodie’s Got Your Back”. This way I’m able to keep the book myself or also give it away as a gift.

Again, it was such an honor to meet my favorite author, hear Dr. Jacobs speak and connect with other Entrepreneurs. I’m grateful that attending the event inspired me to refresh my own networking skills, allowing me to share tips with you. If you have additional networking tips, please leave them in the comments below! I’m personally hosting a networking event and seminar coming up on Wed. November 2nd! If you’d like to attend my next seminar where you’ll definitely have a chance to apply these networking tips, you can register here. If it’s your first time attending one of my seminars, please email me: melodie at marketing melodie dot com and I’ll send you a code fore $10 off. Happy Networking and if you don’t already have Never Eat Alone and Who’s Got Your back, check them out at your local library or purchase them! You won’t be disappointed.

Introducing our panel of speakers:

1. Jim Trotter- Senior Writer, Sports Illustrated: Followers of the NFL and sports fans have long relied on Trotter for his dogged reporting and astute insights. Trotter joined Sports Illustrated in Sept. 2007. Before SI, he covered the San Diego Chargers for the San Diego Union-Tribune for more than a decade. Born in San Francisco, CA, Trotter graduated from Howard University with a degree in communications. In addition to his SI duties, Trotter is a contributor to ESPN’s First Take, the NBC San Diego affiliate and numerous radio shows across the country. Read more about Jim Trotter on his Sports Illustrated Page. Twitter: @SI_JimTrotter

Digital Media Dinners is honored to have Jim Trotter on our panel because he brings knowledge of traditional media to the online space. With his recent introduction to Social Media Trotter has already successfully branded himself as a subject matter expert in the sporting industry and boasts a community of over 28K Twitter followers who actively engage in conversation with him, look forward to his articles and turn to him for the latest news and updates. Digital Media Dinners attendees will learn insight from Trotter on how to authentically be a subject matter expert online, have people look forward to reading articles your articles/blog posts and how to incorporate relevant personal information into your updates.

2. Megan Pogoda- Community Manager, Google (Google Places): After graduating from Penn State University, Megan headed for California chasing eternal sunshine and sandy beaches. Megan knows the ins and outs of San Diego. She had the opportunity to travel the entire county  for about a year as the promotional manager for various community events. From charity fundraisers and runs, to nightclub dance parties, community gatherings, live music events, art openings, farmers markets, health and fitness expos , conferences , trade shows and more, she quickly gained respect for all the great things America’s Finest City has to offer. As Google’s  San Diego Community Manager, Megan reaches out to the community to encourage users to create more reviews, ratings and interaction with their local ecosystems using Google Places. Read more about Megan on the Google Places Blog. Twitter: @GoogeSanDiego

Google is one of the most innovative Digital companies in the world. They’re not afraid to launch new products and their tools from Gmail, Google Maps, Phones to Search and Google Places, etc play a significant role in the efficiency and success for many business owners and entrepreneurs. Digital Media Dinners couldn’t be more thrilled to have a representative from Google who can speak directly to the audience about community building since it’s what she does day in and day out. Megan will share strategies she uses for community building at Google that can be applied to your own business.

**UPDATE: Jeff had a scheduling conflict so our new speaker was Matt Browne- Founder, SDBloggers.com and Tech Correspondent, NBC San Diego**

3. Jeff Monday- Account Executive, Apple Inc.: Jeff Monday is an Account Executive on Apple’s iPad and iPhone in Business team. Jeff has been with Apple in various roles over the last ten years focused on delivering marketing and sales to customers in Southern California and the Southwest United States. Jeff enjoys exploring the ever-changing world of social media and in his spare time authors the blog mondaydots.com. Twitter: @tweetjeffmonday

Apple Inc. is an exemplary brand that successfully leverages the power of their community. Their customers essentially sell  their products for them. Apple customers are fanatics, enthusiasts and loyal brand evangelists who authentically and passionately spread the word about their love of Apple Products. Imagine having thousands of people speak highly of you and authentically sell your products for you. Learn tips from Apple on how to create buzz for your own business, large or small. (See image below of a Facebook update I posted when I was in the market for a new computer. Within minutes the first 3 replies were Apple customers evangelizing for their products. A high percentage of replies after that also mention Mac).

DATE & LOCATION: Thursday, July 14  6:30pm - 8:30pm, Nik Software Headquarters 7588 Metropolitan Drive, San Diego 92108

AT DIGITAL MEDIA DINNERS YOU WILL GAIN:

• Hands-on, tactical tips to implement and incorporate immediately
• Knowledge on how to effectively engage in conversations on Social Media
• Tips on how to encourage interaction with your community and turn your audience into true advocates for your brand

WHO SHOULD ATTEND?:

• Business Owners and Leaders
• Marketing and PR Executives
• CMOs, Marketing Managers and Directors
• Product and Brand Managers
• Anyone interested in learning how Social Media will help grow your business

DINNER:
Dinner is sponsored by Rubio’s Fresh Mexican Grill and will consist of their Beach Mex Buffet with Grilled Chicken and Steak, rice, “no-fried” pinto beans, jack and cheddar cheese, lettuce, fresh guacamole, three signature salsas, soft tortillas and tortilla chips. Veggie Burritos available by request.

DRINKS:
Water provided by Fiji Water, Energy provided by Monster Energy Java

EVENT PARTNERS:

• Silk Road Productions
• Fandom Marketing “Growing Brands with Fans”

REGISTER FOR DIGITAL MEDIA DINNERS HERE

Networking during dinner at Digital Media Dinners

Social Media Branding will focus on strategies to strengthen your brand across various social networks including review sites (Yelp, TripAdvisor), group buying sites (Groupon, BuyWithMe), location based sites (Foursquare, Gowalla), Facebook and Twitter.

Marketing Melodie will give an educational presentation followed by a panel discussion with successful industry leaders and business owners. The panelists will provide insight on how their business or organization is excelling in brand management through Social Media. The event will conclude with audience Q&A.

Digital Media Dinners- Facebook & Twitter for Business Panel

GOALS:

• Learn hands on, tactical tips to implement and incorporate immediately
• Knowledge on how to improve your brand image
• Gain tools to customize a compelling brand message to attract qualified customers

Our first event, Digital Media Dinners- Facebook & Twitter for Business was successfully hosted last November 2010. Check out the event photos here.  We received positive feedback based our post event survey:

• 100% of attendees AGREED or HIGHLY AGREED they would RECOMMEND the event to others.
• 78% of attendees said the quality of content was EXCELLENT.
• 100% of respondents AGREED or HIGHLY AGREED the event was INFORMATIVE.

CALL FOR SPEAKERS:

We’re currently still recruiting speakers for the event. For this particular event we are looking for professionals who represent a review website, a group buying website and businesses successfully using location based networks.  If you’re interested in speaking, please email: Melodie at MarketingMelodie dot com with the following information:

1. Name, Company and Title
2. Email Address, Phone Number and Website URL
3.  Topics you can speak on
4. Social Networks you are using with the specific URLs to each network
5. Brief description of how you have used social media for your business and the benefits
6. Please list any additional professional speaking experience

For complete details and to register for the event. Please click here.

*Photo Credits: Michael Regala Photography

*JANUARY*

2010 was a breakthrough year for my Professional Speaking career on Social Media and Marketing. To start the year I was honored with an invitation to speak at an Internationally renowned event, Domainfest alongside keynote, Tony Hsieh, CEO of Zappos and on the same Panel as two of the most well respected professionals in the Online/ SEO industry, Danny Sullivan: Editor in Chief of Search Engine Land and Bruce Clay: Founder of Bruce Clay Inc.  The event coincided with a fabulous private dinner  at the Getty Center and a party at the Playboy Mansion.

[VIDEO]  DOMAINfest 2010 Panel Importance of Social Media for Real Time Search

Speaking on a panel next to Danny Sullivan

Enjoying the Getty at Night with Van Gogh

Playboy Mansion Party for DomainFest 2010

I also began my career as an Educator teaching my first Marketing Class at Platt College San Diego, a Private Accredited Post Secondary and Vocational Institution. My classrooms are filled with intelligent and creative students that I not only teach, but learn from.

Teaching Marketing at Platt College San Diego

*FEBRUARY*

I had the opportunity to work with another renowned Web Entrepreneur, Dmitry Shapiro Founder of WeekendU and CTO of Myspace.com. I taught several courses at WeekendU for the Internet Power series alongside Dmitry in San Diego at the University of California, Los Angeles.

Dmitry Shapiro at WeekendU

*MARCH*

With so many great speaking and teaching opportunities in first quarter I wrote several blog posts to educate others on how to Grow Your Business Through Professional Speaking and of course incorporating Social Media with 10 Social Media Tips for Professional Speakers

*APRIL*

My first International Speaking Engagement! I was invited by the Internet Society to give a Social Media Marketing presentation at  the INET Asia Regional Conference in Hong Kong which corresponded with the Hong Kong Electronics Show. In addition to speaking I took advantage of my time in Hong Kong and toured the city for over a week experiencing their food, culture and nightlife.

Speaking at INET Hong Kong

Great view of the city from Convention Center in Hong Kong

I gave my community a chance to hear me speak live at AIGA to learn Social Media Design Techniques

I also returned to my beloved Alma Mater, UCSB  to speak on a Panel for UCSB Communication Career Day. I remember being so impressed and intrigued by the Speakers when I was a student so I was humbled and enthusiastic to be on the other side and now share what I learned with students as I was in their shoes not too long ago.

*MAY*

Getting ready to teach my third Marketing Class at Platt College I posted a Call for Speakers and received a tremendous response. Throughout the school year I brought industry leaders to speak in my classroom to provide an interactive educational experience.  I had speakers in Mobile Marketing, SEO, PR, etc. In addition to teaching my students, I personally  also learned something new from each and every speaker which I’m grateful for.

Jeremy Duimstra- MJD Interactive speaking to Platt College

*JUNE*

Marketing Melodie launched a fun summer Social Media promotion for a client: Vacation Smart with Credit.com. A lucky winner won a free flight! Working with Credit.com was a great way for me to learn more about credit, finances, savings, etc. I’m appreciative for the chance to work with many different industries allowing me to be knowledgable on a myriad of topics.

San Diego Has Earthquakes! But it’s a small price we pay for living in America’s Finest City. I gave a Glimpse of a Real Live San Diego Earthquake on Social Media.

*JULY*

I had my 5 seconds of fame on TV! I modeled clothing from Nordstrom for MyFashionPlate.com on NBC San Diego. Of course I incorporated my modeling career into Social Media with How To Optimize Your Public Relations Effort for Social Media.

Marketing Melodie Modeling on NBC San Diego

*AUGUST*

August was a great opportunity for me to fine tune my corporate Social Media workshops and seminars for B2B companies. It’s an honor to work with National companies based locally in my backyard. I hosted a workshop for Networkfleet, and later worked with them on setting on their Facebook page that’s increasingly becoming more interactive. They’re a prime example on how a B2B company can benefit from Social Media.

*SEPTEMBER*

I had fun hosting a Social Media Educational workshops for a client, Insect Shield because their products and technologies fight pesky insects that always bite me! I was able to use my ammo, Social Media to fight bugs!

Insect Shield armed me with products to shield pests!

*OCTOBER*

Another unique and amazing speaking engagement took Marketing Melodie to the Middle East! I was invited as a featured speaker to another Internet Society conference INET Beirut

Marketing Melodie Speaks at INET Beirut

Beirut is a booming place for Social Media. Their social networking technologies are slightly behind those in the states but speaking to a savvy audience was truly an honor.  In addition to presenting at the conference I stayed for over a week and toured the oldest cities in the world, Byblos, Baalbek, Anjar just to name a few. I was in awe of the sights, culture and architecture.

Exploring Baalbek in Lebanon

*NOVEMBER*

I launched Digital Media Dinners and hosted the Inaugural event at Jasmine Seafood Restaurant. The topic was Facebook and Twitter for Business. My goal was to have attendees walk away with tactical and practical tips to implement immediately into their marketing strategy. I also provide an opportunity for networking. Stay tuned for more Digital Media Dinners in 2011!

[VIDEO] Digital Media Dinners- Facebook & Twitter for Business

Digital Media Dinners Audience

My enthusiasm for sharing my experiences earned me Yelp Elite Status and inspired me to teach business owners How To Encourage Authentic Yelp Reviews for Your Business

*DECEMBER*

As the featured speaker at the San Diego Convention and Visitors Bureau’s E Commerce Summit, it was a joy to combine my passion for San Diego and enthusiasm for Social Media, my two favorite subjects!

My final blog post of the year was a festive piece to celebrate the Holidays but also motivate everyone during a time that’s difficult to focus on work. Tis the Season for Marketing Yourself to Advance Your Career.

Yelp Elite Hippie Holiday Party with San Diego Community Manager, Danny Wurst

Thanks to everyone who motivated and inspired me this past year and here’s to a happy, healthy and prosperous 2011.

*Photo Credits

1.Dmitry Shapiro at WeekendU: Photo property of WeekendU, 2.Digital Media Dinners: Michael Regala Photography, 3. Yelp Elite Party: Rich and Creamy Productions

I’ll be presenting 2 Social Media Workshops to ConVis members comprised of hotels, attractions, activities & tour companies, restaurants and other businesses that supply services to hotels/attractions/etc. at their E-Commerce Summit on December 1^st, 2010. My first workshop will be customized for Social Media beginners who are just starting getting their feet wet in the space. My second workshop will be more high level, providing tips and insight on optimizing current social media strategies to those who are already active in the space.

In addition to the Social Media workshops I’ll be hosting, the other part of the conference is pairing hotels/attractions/tour companies with Online Travel Agencies – Expedia, Travelocity, Orbitz, etc – for one-on-one meetings to discuss business development opportunities. It will truly be a valuable event for attendees offering a variety of resources to grow their business.

In 2010, professional speaking has grown to be a significant part of my business.  I attribute my success to my true passion and desire to educating and empowering others with Social Media knowledge.  I will continue to build my platform for professional speaking for 2011 and beyond. In the meantime, if you’re interested in hiring me to speak at your event or to your organization I am more than happy to work with you in customizing an experience that’s unique for your audience.

If you’re reading this and have considered having professional speaking as a part of your own business revenue, feel free to check out my additional resources on this topic:

• 10 Social Media Tips for Professional Speakers
• Grow Your Business Through Professional Speaking

The panelists are:
Kevin La Rue, Marketing Director of Nik Software
Daniel Matthews, Marketing Director of the San Diego Asian Film Foundation
Steve Stoloff, CEO of VAVi Sport and Social Club

I’m providing an opportunity for two lucky people to win complimentary entry into the Digital Media Dinners event.  Please post a comment on this blog post answering either question:

1. (If you’re already using Social Media) How has Social Media helped with the growth of your business?
2. (If you’re new to Social Media) How do you envision Social Media helping your business?

Anyone who retweets this blog post on Twitter will also receive an additional entry.

Two lucky winners will be randomly chosen on Monday Nov. 8^th, 2010. If you don’t win you can still receive $5 off by joining Marketing Melodie on Facebook. Good luck and see you next Tuesday!

I’ve met many business owners throughout the past year that are challenged in getting started with Social Media so I’ve taken the initiative to be a resource in this area. My goal for the event is to have attendees walk away with tactical and practical tips they can implement immediately into their marketing strategy. I also want to provide an opportunity for networking and growing business connections.

Every business owner knows they need a social media presence. Going to another event or conference and listening to someone talk about the “importance” of being on social media will not help grow your business. The real value now comes from being empowered with knowledge and tools on how to actually use social media properly. At the Digital Media Dinners attendees will learn hands on tips for excelling in Social Media.

The first Digital Media Dinners event takes place on Tuesday November 9^th , 5:30pm at Jasmine Seafood Restaurant.  The event will focus on two popular networks, Facebook and Twitter.

EVENT FORMAT:

5:30-6:30: Networking, Buffet Style Dinner

6:30-7: Presentation by Marketing Melodie

7-8: Panel Discussion, Audience Q & A (Panelists will share success stories on how their businesses have expanded with the use of Social Media.)

Confirmed Panelists: Steve Stoloff, CEO of Vavi Sport and Social Club; Daniel Matthews, Marketing Director of the San Diego Asian Film Foundation; additional panelists TBA

Advanced Registration is $45 per person and $55 at the door. Marketing Melodie Facebook Fans will receive $5 off.

Event attendees must pre-register on the event page here. I look forward to seeing everyone at Marketing Melodie’s Inaugural Digital Media Dinners event!

Special thanks goes out to the event venue host, Jasmine Seafood Restaurant. Jasmine serves San Diego’s freshest seafood prepared Cantonese style, just like you’ll find in Hong Kong. Join them for Dim Sum, bring your friends for family-style dinner, or contact them to plan your next reception or business luncheon in their banquet facilities. They’re centrally located in Kearny Mesa, have adjustable private rooms to fit 10 to 200 people and event space for more than 500.

I’ve recognized the need for business owners to understand and use social media in a way that’s simple, effective and engaging to their audience so I’ve taken the initiative to host a series of dinner events that will teach hands-on, practical and tactical tips to business owners coming straight from the knowledge of other business owners  who are already succeeding in the space. And thus I announce my CALL FOR SPEAKERS for an fun, inspirational and educational dinner series presented by Marketing Melodie. The dinners will take place before the end of the year at Jasmine Restaurant in their spacious event space. Additional details TBA.

WHO? I am looking for business owners who have successfully implemented social media  into their marketing strategy, can talk specifically about a how a network has helped them, demonstrate results and give insight on how to get started.  Each speaker will cover 1 specific social network. I would like a speaker on each of these digital media tools:

• Facebook
• Twitter
• Foursquare
• Yelp
• LinkedIn
• Blogs
• Videos (YouTube)

If you’re interested in speaking for my Digital Media series, please email: Melodie at MarketingMelodie dot com with the following information:

1. Name
2. Company and Title
3.  Email Address, Phone Number and Website URL
4. Social Networks you are using with the specific URLs to each network
5. The social network you can speak on (one topic will be covered by each speaker)
6. Brief description of how you have used social media for your business and the benefits
7. Please list any additional professional speaking experience

There are many benefits of getting on stage and opportunities to grow your business through speaking including:

• Marketing – All speakers will receive their name, company and website listed on all marketing materials for the event. This include mentions in blog posts, Facebook, Twitter and other social media updates.
• Event Exposure- All speakers have an opportunity to bring marketing materials to the event to distribute to the audience.
• Guest pass- All speakers will receive an additional complimentary pass for a guest that includes dinner for the event.
• Public Relations- Having someone featured from your company as a speaker is a significant accomplishmment and positive PR opportunity.

I look forward to learning  from everyone and hearing social media success stories from business owners!