Execumama Online

Would You Attend the Event Pictured Above?
The wide-spread availability of Web-based networking via Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, and countless specialized social networking communities, has left many wondering whether the “old school” methods of professional networking are still necessary.

Is face-to-face networking still relevant? Some would argue it’s an imperative step in the transition of your customer base from chat buddy to committed client.

What are some of the key elements and benefits of face-to-face networking?
In a word: Monetization

Conversations online don’t easily translate into monetary transactions. Sure, you use the successes of Twitter, with its 1500% annual growth rate, and Facebook, with its more than 200 million users, to promote your hand-crafted products on Etsy, your self-published book, or your graphic design services, and when you engage in conversation, odds are, your Web-based buddies will visit your Web site, but will they purchase something? Probably not without a fusion of new (social media) and traditional (promotions, incentives, etc.) marketing methods, which includes seeing your product up close and personal. People still want to chat about products and services, theirs in particular, with their designer coffees in hand, and nifty name badges pinned to their shirts. This is where conferences, meet ups, and mix and mingle networking events become critical.

Conferences, for example, provide once-in-a-lifetime opportunities to see the superstar of your industry speak, and meet like-minded people from various parts of the country (or world!). Meeting your potential allies, customers, and collaboration partners will leave a much longer lasting impression that one tweet. The chances of you making an in-person connection with someone, then maintaining and building on that relationship with the help of social media are much higher than maintaining the relationship solely via the Web.

Mix and mingle networking sessions, some with unique twists such as speed networking, (coming to Atlanta December 10, courtesy of Corporate Chics, LLC and Execumama Enterprises – shameless self-promotion!) offer great after work opportunities to see and be seen with purpose. Marketing your brand is still about connections, and in the sea of millions of users online, you may find that though your online followers and friends can easily climb to the thousands, eye-to-eye will still drive the conversation from “you’re so cool” to “my credit card info is…”

***Certainly, I am in no way claiming to be a student of, nor an expert in advertising, social, or traditional media. This is my perspective as an entrepreneur/social media user navigating the waters of new and old selling methods.***

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With all the hubbub around Facebook, Twitter, and all the topic-specific social networking communities, do we still need to attend conferences? If we can chat with our clients through our blogs, and meet new ones through Facebook, why shell out cash to look at people you may not even get the chance to meet?

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To read this post in its entirety over at MySalonScoop.com, click here

According to Collegegrad.com’s article titled Dressing for Interview Success, “conservative is ‘in’ for interviewing. Why? Because you should be doing the talking, not your clothes…”, and certainly not your hair!

School guidance counselors and visiting job recruiters are usually forthcoming with tips on what not to wear or say during an interview, but what’s the scoop on the hair do’s and don’ts?

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The words “natural” and “organic” are all the rage right now. You see them in just about everything — food, beverages, cosmetics, skin products and hair care. But have you ever given much thought to what they mean?

The term natural is…read more

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As small business owners, our budget cups don’t necessarily runneth over—at least not for the first couple of years! So, when we’re nudged with the prospect of a must-do budget item, we examine that puppy from every end of the spectrum in efforts to make sure that it’s likely to be money well spent.

One of the potential budget busters is of course, marketing!