Tuesday, November 17, 2009

Productivly Share Your Expertise!!!!!!!

Have you ever looked at discussions on linken, twitter or other social media sites and noticed that the majority of them are not discussions but promotions of their own websites, blogs and services??

Industry discussion boards are for just that, discussions. If someone can not respond to what you've written then how is it starting a discussion? Promoting yourself is very important to your business but it should be done in the appropriate places. Community boards are a key element to expanding your business on a national or international scale. It can help build credibility and relationships that would otherwise not have been possible. YET shameless self promotion will not help to build those opportunities for you.

When engaging in these forms of media be sure to contribute what other people need, not what you have to sell. Answer a question, pose a question, give input and give back to the community. People will naturally come to you for your services if they like what you are saying and believe that you are helpful and trustworthy. This actually builds a better lead system for you. The potential clients are more qualified because they are aligned with your principals.

Don't ruin the discussion boards for all. If keep trying to sell on these forums the rest of us will stop looking at them, then the people who are actually looking for input and help will be missing out.

Friday, November 6, 2009

Get Yourself Press!!!

Wednesday night some of Chicago's elite event industry gurus gathered at one of Al Capone's famous old speakeasies; Room 21. The night featured food by Limelight Catering, Blue Plate and Food For Thought. The very fall appropriate pumpkin creme brulee in mini cappuccino cups was to die for.

The decor was swanky, dark and intimate in the main dining room but the surprise was the European garden patio. This luxurious 6,000 square foot space was the main attraction for the evening. Decor by Kehoe designs included over sized plush ottoman in chocolate brown. This can be great seating for a more intimate event as long as you don't mind slowly sinking into people sitting next to you.

The biggest highlight was the open fire pits provided by Kehoe. Between the heat lamps, tent and beautifully placed fire pits a person would never know they were standing outside for 3 hours in Chicago in November.

The event was a success, the decor was seasonally fitting, and Room 21 with the beautifully high lofted ceilings will make an ideal South Loop Venue. Yet the big kicker here is to remember your press! Google searches of Room 21 still say Restaurant Closed.

WATCH OUT--- When launching a product, opening a space, debuting ANYTHING new about your company be sure your press roll out comes before your event. That way the buzz you create is not confused with conflicting messages when a person does their due diligence and looks you up. Even if you hold a "soft" opening make sure you have press that alludes to "coming soon".

If you don't you run the risk of people being confused and not coming at all....