Topics we’ll discuss at the event include:

– best social media practices for business owners

– how social media can boost your blog traffic

– how social media can help freelance writers land paying gigs

– social media tips for authors

– the Alabama Social Media Association

 

Ultimately, you can determine the topics of this discussion by leaving your questions about social media in the comments section of this post.

This event will also include time for networking and a brief Q&A session with our panelists.

Our panelists include:

Chanda Temple worked for 20 years as a reporter, covering people’s stories. Now she promotes people’s stories as a public relations pro. Currently, she’s director of public relations for the Birmingham Public Library. One of the ways she builds buzz is via social media. For tweets of inspiration, being better in business, information about Birmingham events and more, follow her on Twitter at @chandatemple.

 

Mitzi Eaker of Mitzi Jane Media consults with individuals, businesses, and organizations in online marketing strategy. She walks beside her clients from teaching basic social media skills to coordinating complex website projects. Mitzi lives in Inverness with her husband Shane and two boys where she enjoys running and teaching children’s small group at The Church at Brookhills. Follow her on Twitter at @Mitzi_Eaker and @mitzijanemedia.

 

Jennifer Warren is the business director for the Music Opportunity Program a 501(c)3 string education nonprofit. She received both her Masters in Business Administration and her B.S. in Management from the University of Alabama at Birmingham. Jennifer volunteers her time with the Alabama Social Media Association as a Board Member, the Homewood Arts Council as Secretary and At-Large Representative, and Tau Kappa Epsilon Fraternity as a Province Advisor. She currently plays with the Red Mountain Chamber Orchestra and serves on their Board of Directors. Follow her on Twitter at @JennWarren85.

A special thanks to our sponsors:

Hamer Law Group LLC and REV Birmingham’s SocialVenture.

Remember to leave your questions about social media in the comments.

See you Oct. 29!

As CEO and founder of Mitzi Jane Media, Mitzi Eaker spends a lot of time helping people build their online presence. Mitzi Jane Media is a small organization of social media strategists and content providers that work with small businesses, nonprofits, and bloggers to make their creative vision of growth a reality. Because of her work Eaker also spends a lot of time studying the fumbles that bloggers and business owners make in the game of social media.

Are you guilty of any of these social media mistakes?

1. You have no logo. Eaker says it’s important to have a professional brand online. “Even writers need to have a professional look and feel to their website whether that have a logo or not,” she says. “The look and feel, the brand, needs to be consistent throughout their social media platforms. A logo is a fairly easy way to help do this.”

2. You’re afraid to engage.  Some people, Eaker says, “get all the bells and whistles from a Web developer and then they don’t have the confidence to step out and use the tools to connect with people.”

3. You think you need to be on all social media platforms. Eaker says it’s best to find out where your core market is and join them. “Facebook is a pretty safe place to start, but some niche businesses and bloggers can find alternative online communities that fit their niche more specifically,” she adds.

4. You talk to much. “Social media is about engaging in community not advertising,” Eaker says. “This is an amazing opportunity to get to know your audiance and really listen to them directly and indirectly.”

5. You’re too personal or not personal enough. Eaker admits that this is a tricky area.  “My philosophy is to set healthy boundaries for your online presence.,” she says. “For example, there are things I talk about on my ministry blog that I would not talk about on my business blog, but they both represent my life and who God made me to be. I encourage my clients to make a list of all the things they could possibly write about then go back and edit off the items that are not really where they need to focus their content.” Your content may change as your blog or business grows, but it’s good to start with a strategy, Eaker says.

If you’re making some of these mistakes and you’re not sure where to go from here, perhaps Eaker can help.