Sales Expert Jack Daly to Speak in Connecticut
“We’re excited to welcome Mr. Daly to deliver his renowned presentation to our members and guests and are confident this will be one of our most successful event of the year,” said EO Connecticut Chapter President Bob LaBonne of LaBonnes Markets.
The Entrepreneurs’ Organization is a global group built on the idea that member entrepreneurs will learn from each other to promote better business productivity and an enhanced personal life. The Connecticut Chapter currently has twenty-three members with businesses in various industries.
Event Information:
1:00pm – 5:00pm Wednesday, February 1, 2012
University of Hartford
200 Bloomfield Avenue
West Hartford, CT06117
Wilde Auditorium (Lower Level) West Hartford, CT06117
(*Free parking in Lincoln Theater Lot)
Pricing:
$0- CT EO Members, CT EO Board Members, University of Hartford Undergrad students
$10 Non-University of Hartford students
$25- CT EO Guests
$50- Global EO members
$75- Pre-registered general admission/public
NOTE: There will be a $10 fee for those who do not pre-register.
Is Your Company Using Social Media Effectively?
The age of Social Media is upon us. Sites such as Twitter, Facebook, and YouTube are now household names, and for many of us, have become integral parts of our daily lives. Businesses too are adopting the world of Social Media, and an astounding number of companies are using social media as a component of Public Relations and Marketing Campaigns. But how many of these companies are using social media effectively?
A report published in 2012 by the Harvard Business Review titled, “The New Conversation, Taking Social Media from Talk to Action” gathered data from over 2100 companies, and provides an excellent analysis on how companies are using social media channels.
Out of the 2100 companies surveyed, a large 79% of them reported they are currently using, or planning to use, social media. Interestingly though, only 12% of the companies surveyed felt that they were currently effective users of social media.
As the Harvard Business Review put it, “Despite the vast potential social media brings, many companies seem focused on social media as a one-way promotional channel and have yet to capitalize on the ability to not only listen to, but analyze, consumer conversations and turn the information into insights that impact the bottom line.”
Clearly, many companies are struggling to use social media to its maximum potential. Focusing on the 12% of “effective users” in the report sheds some light on what makes social media effective. The report featured key findings that highlight the characteristics that the effective users share. Here is a summary of these characteristics:
- Sixty-three percent of the effective users said they have developed and implemented a social media strategy. They have moved beyond seeing social media as a “shiny object” or fad, and have started to see it as a part of their overall marketing strategy.
- Effective users are far more likely to use more social media channels – 4 or more.
- Effective users are more likely to monitor trends, research new product ideas via social networks, have an online user group for customers, and collect and track customer reviews on their website. They know where customers are talking about them on the web and prioritize their social media activities accordingly.
- Effective users are focused on measurements. They use of metrics and analytic tools to measure their efforts as well as the social conversations about them.
- Finally, effective users were also far more likely to integrate their social media monitoring solution with their other marketing solutions, demonstrating an integrated approach to their social media initiative.
According to the report, “It will take new tools and strategies to create what Avinash Kaushik, Google’s Analytics Evangelist, describes as a new reality in harnessing the power of social media. ‘Too many companies have not evolved from what I call ‘shout marketing’ — think TV, newspapers, magazine ads — to influence by initiating and participating in conversations with consumers,’ he said. ‘There needs to be a generational shift. ”
Take a look at the report , and let us know what you think – http://www.sas.com/resources/whitepaper/wp_23348.pdf
5 Great Things To Do in Connecticut
Wishing you could take a vacation? We understand that feeling all too well. Unfortunately, the obligations and responsibilities of daily life will keep most of us stuck at home for the time-being. If you’re longing to break the humdrum of your routine but can’t disappear on vacation – check out some of the fun and interesting things to do right in your own backyard. Below, we’ve put together 5 fun and unique activities that are taking place right here in Connecticut.
1. Visit The Bijou Theater
The Bijou Theater opened in 1909 on Fairfield Avenue in Bridgeport amid public excitement over the new silent movies. Now, more than 100 years later, the oldest building used as a movie house in the country is poised for a revival. The Bijou Theatre is a multi–functional venue hosting film, theatre, art, comedy, music, and cabaret.
2. Play your Favorite Sport, No Matter the Weather!
Located on River Road in Shelton, The SportsCenter is a covered and weather-protected facility that offers a golf practice range, 18-hole miniature golf course, baseball and softball batting cages, laser tag arena, bowling, and the world’s only double-decker ice arena. If you love sports, don’t allow the weather to slow you down this season.
3. Take a Winter Sleigh Ride
The pretty fields and towns of the Litchfield region could have been designed for winter sleigh rides; complete with lap robes, harness bells, and a top-hatted driver. Wood Acres Farm in Terryville has 25 acres of wooded trails, sleighs, and teams of draft horses to take you over the river and through the woods. Particularly for Valentine’s season, couples may want to snuggle under a nice warm blanket and enjoy a ride on a private horse-drawn Victorian sleigh.
4. Pick up a New Hobby
If you want to dip your toe into a new hobby or art form, Brookfield Craft Center will set up a class or workshop to your specifications – from a half-day mini-workshop to a five-day adventure. You could study black smithing and blade smithing, ceramics, fiber arts, glassmaking, jewelry making, or wood turning. Contact Brookfield Craft Center to discuss the possibilities.
5. Check out the Winter Wine Trail
Come see what the local vineyards have to offer in the winter, and they will heat up the afternoon for you. Visit the six participating wineries on the Litchfield Hills Winter Wine Trail between January 1 and March 30, 2012, and be entered into a grand prize drawing. Participating vineyards and wineries include DiGrazia Vineyards (Brookfield), Jerram Winery (New Hartford), Haight-Brown Vineyard (Litchfield), Hopkins Vineyard (New Preston), Miranda Vineyard (Goshen) and Sunset Meadow Vineyards (Goshen).
Do you know of any other fun CT winter activities? Let us know!
4 Ways to Beat the Winter Blues
Now that the holidays are over, we’re all longing for the warmth of summertime. Unfortunately we’ve got quite a few cold, grey, snowy days ahead of us before the warm weather and sunshine come back out to play. The short days and cold nights can cause even the best of us to feel a little low. While many of us wish that we could hibernate until the winter has passed, that is simply not an option. Working in the Public Relations field, it is important to keep positive and cheerful at all times. So, to beat the blues we have some simple strategies that will help boost your mood and keep you feeling sunny.
1. Exercise
As if we needed another reason to get fit! Not only is exercise necessary for maintaining a healthy weight, it’s also excellent for relieving the stresses of our daily lives. Your brain releases mood-boosting endorphins (aka “feel-good hormones”) whenever you exert yourself through exercise. The mood enhancing effects of a good workout can last for several hours after you’ve hit the showers. A regular exercise routine will give you more energy throughout the day as well as boost your metabolism. As an excellent bonus to your improved mood and energy: by the time bathing suit season comes around you’ll be looking fantastic.
2. Make Plans
Winter seems endless! But making fun and exciting plans to look forward to is a sure fire way to elevate your mood. Plan an event that’s exciting to you; go on a weekend getaway, schedule a day at the spa, plan a party or special event, set aside an evening to go to a play or sporting event. Even on a budget, you can still find inexpensive ways to treat yourself! Have a game night with friends, host a potluck dinner party with a food theme (Italian, Indian, Thai etc.), or try taking advantage of the excellent deals that companies such as Groupon, Living Social and Deal of the Day are advertising in your city.
3. Brighten your Life
The weather might be grey, but your life doesn’t need to reflect it! Bring color into your home, clothing and corporate setting. Give an update to your wardrobe by adding bright and bold colors. Arrange a bouquet of fresh flowers in your home or workplace, paint a room with sunny, cheerful colors. Surround yourself with beauty and your spirits will be sure to lift!
4. Relax
You’re busy! Work, family, friends, events, and appointments—even those of us that enjoy the rush of a busy schedule could use some R&R at some point. Don’t be afraid to say “No” to extra opportunities. Try to dedicate a few minutes each day to yourself. Read a book or magazine, sleep in on the weekend, or take a warm bubble bath. You’ll notice that with more time dedicated to yourself you’ll alleviate stress and create a sense of calm.
These are four great ways to help improve your mood and well being during the Winter season. Do you have any other suggestions to share? Let us know in the comments below.
Holiday Open House Recap!
The holiday season has come and gone once again, but before we all start paying down those credit card bills and counting down the days until spring we just wanted to give everyone a quick recap on our holiday open house party. The event was a great way to celebrate the season and show our appreciation for all our clients and partner companies.
Now, there’s nothing we enjoy more than planning fun and creative events, especially during the holiday season. So, when it came time to begin planning our own holiday we had the bar set pretty high. Teaming up with the other two businesses in our building, Harry E. Cole and Son and the Law Office of Jeremy Taylor, we put together a holiday open house complete with festive decorations, specialty holiday cocktails, and a pizza truck!
We had a great turnout as each company hosted clients and friends from all around the state. I think it’s safe to say nobody went home with an empty stomach as all were able to indulge in the pizza stylings of the Chunky Tomato Pizza Truck which offered a variety of different pies, from traditional pepperoni to their unique “Irish Pizza” complete with potatoes, bacon, garlic and mozzarella. They even included dessert pizza (my favorite) made with sweet cheese, chocolate chips and peanut butter.
To wash down all that pizza, each company provided a unique holiday cocktail in their respective conference room. The drinks were named, St. Nick with a Kick, Holly-Day Cheers, and Naughty N’ Ice and were all a big hit as all three punch bowls were empty at the end of the night.
All in all the event was a huge success and we are already looking ahead for the next opportunity to have another office celebration.
I would like to wish you all a happy and prosperous 2012!
Visit our Facebook page for more event pictures!
Kate Sirignano in Hartford Magazine
Four local entrepreneurs were recognized in the December 2011 issue of Hartford Magazine, including our very own . If you haven’t had an opportunity to pick up the latest issue, you can read a bit about those featured below.
Nick Unsworth, the 29-year-old founder of NUMedia 2.0, was born with a hard-working entrepreneurial spirit. Unsworth had his first paper route by the age of 6, was picking tobacco at 14, and was self-employed by 19. His West Hartford based company; NuMedia 2.0 provides social media content and training to improve brand marketing for companies. NUMedia has reached the half-million landmark in revenue and has over $1million in pending contracts.
Kate Sirignano founded Image Marketing Consultants, a marketing, communications, public relations, and event planning firm, when she was just 23. Currently the Plantsville-based firm boats a client list that includes William B. Meyer. Lex Products, Haier America, and Osh Kosh B’gosh as well as Standard & Poors. Sirgnano, now 27, jokes that sometimes prospective clients ask to speak to her boss. Her response is, “Sorry. You’re stuck with me. I’m the boss.”
Jolina Li is a 22-year-old entrepreneur with a recent degree from the University of Connecticut in Finance. Her Farmington-based company, Oh Capture This, is a digital photo booth company. The technology in Li’s photo booths allow for more than 300,000 different backgrounds that will provide partygoers with a unique picture to remember an event. While most recent graduates were looking for jobs Li was growing her own.
Caitlin Thayer is the founder of Barefoot Media, a social media marketing firm located in West Hartford. After managing the social media for the Mark Twain House calls began to pour in from more and more businesses asking for Thayer’s help with their own social media. Barefoot Media clients include the United way of Central and Northeastern Connecticut, the Hartford Marathon Foundation, and the Hartford Public Library. The name of her company, Barefoot Media, comes from Thayer’s love of barefoot running.
Unsworth, Sirignano, Li, and Thayer have all taken the risk of starting their own businesses at a young age. Although it is hard for most start-up companies in their first few years these entrepreneurs show that it is ability, not age, which makes for a successful company.
Happy Thanksgiving!
The team at Image Marketing Consultants would like to wish all of our families, friends, clients, and co-workers a
Happy Thanksgiving!
Enjoy some quality time with your loved ones and take a moment to reflect on all that you have to be thankful for.
(And don’t forget to indulge a bit. Thanksgiving food is by far the best!)
Save-A-Suit | Help a Career
Yesterday afternoon, Tim and I had the opportunity to represent Image Marketing Consultants at the Save-a-Suit event at the University of Bridgeport. If you have not yet heard of this organization, take a minute to read on! This amazing non-profit organization collects suits and accessories for college students who cannot afford to buy them, in hopes to boost their confidence and better prepare them for their job search.
At Image Marketing we’ve recently begun a college coaching program to help students develop their “brand” and prepare for the “real world” by offering advice, tips and insight from the perspective of the employer. Everything from resume building, interview preparation and skills, how to make a lasting first impression, maintaining and monitoring social media sites, how to dress, and so much more. Save-a-Suit provided us with an excellent opportunity to reach more students and better develop our own program.
We met a variety of students from different backgrounds, nationalities, and races; all of them shared with us their major concerns about preparing to enter the work force. The majority of students have the same fears and questions, and we are grateful to have the opportunity to lend a helping hand, and steer some of these students it the right direction.
I actually grew up with the Chief Information Officer of Save-a-Suit, Jessica Ewud, she is such a doll and I’m so glad I was able to catch up, and learn more about what she’s been doing for the organization.
Check her out on FOX CT yesterday morning:
Working with Save-a-Suit seemed like a natural fit for us, and we hope to continue to work with them in the future. For more pictures from the event, visit our Facebook page!
You can get involved and learn more about Save-A-Suit on their website www.saveasuit.org, their Facebook page“Save-a-Suit”, and on Twitter @SaveASuit.
For the book worms: “The Fall of Advertising and the Rise of PR”
It’s always this time of the year when you want to snuggle up on the couch and read a good book. Yet, it seems so difficult lately to go out and find a good book to sink your teeth into! One book that I recently read is, “The Fall of Advertising and the Rise of PR”.
This isn’t your typical novel because the book is a non-fiction story that gives real life examples of companies such as: Coca Cola, Altoids, Nike, and Heinz. Each company is given a brief background of where they started, and how they used PR to succeed, or failed by using just advertising. What I like is the book isn’t biased either, it does show examples of when PR failed, or when advertising succeeded in creating a company, but these cases are rare.
The book gets straight into the subject, “You can’t launch a new brand with advertising because advertising has no credibility. It’s the self-serving voice of a company anxious to make a sale. You can launch new brands only with publicity or public relations (PR). PR allows you to tell your story indirectly through third-party outlets, primarily the media. PR has credibility. Advertising does not. PR provides the positive perceptions that an advertising campaign, if properly directed, can exploit” (Ries & Ries, XI). There are five parts to this book, the first titled ‘The Fall of Advertising’ where it talks about how there is an overload of ads, with no credibility behind them. You could see an ad saying that a new car is the best on the road, but would everyone truly believe this car’s claim to be the best? A lot of advertising companies choose to use ads for entertainment purposes these days; this isn’t what advertising should be used for. Companies are making ads just to win awards, and not using it to connect brands with a concrete message about the product/service. Part two of the book is titled ‘The Rise of PR’ and shows readers how PR is a third party way to get a brand’s message across, which can be less biased than the company putting out their own ad. Of course they believe their product is the best and want their consumers to believe that too. Part three is about the new use for advertising: Brand maintenance. This is when a company has report, and is able to use ads to keep their company relevant in the consumer’s minds. Part four and five then further discuss the differences between advertising and PR.
This book was great insight into new techniques that can be useful in helping our clients. However, this read wasn’t just for professionals, it is so engaging that almost anyone would label it as a ‘good read’.
We want to know, what did you think of the book? Write a comment below with your own review!
The New Age of Public Relations
The world of public relations is an ever changing business and staying aware of new trends and technology is essential to stay on top. Currently, one of the fastest emerging trends in PR is the use of social media. It’s almost to the point where things like blogging, tweeting and Facebook posting are essential in a public relations campaign. Here, at Image Marketing Consultants we’ve taken this movement in stride and always stress the importance of social media on our clients.
Now, Facebook is not a new trend by any means, as it has become one of the most recognized brands in the marketplace, if you say the word “Facebook” people know exactly what you’re talking about. However, Facebook and various other social media outlets like Twitter, Youtube and LinkedIn have now become valuable tools for business, especially in the realm of public relations and marketing.
Blogging is another emerging trend, and one that is also important in the creation of a public relations campaign. Blogs offer PR professionals another outlet to pitch stories to. As more and more people look to blogs for news and information, this outlet becomes increasingly valuable.
Much like any other tool in public relations, the effective use of social media outlets and blogs is a learned skill. Sure, you can create a Twitter account for your business or write a blog, but you’re not maximizing your PR potential unless you’re interacting with the right people and posting the right things. The emergence of social media and blogging in the business world has given us an extremely valuable public relations tool, one that if used correctly can open doors that would be otherwise jammed shut.
Contact us today to find out how we have adapted to the new age of public relat