It’s really exciting to have been able to watch the digital revolution unfolding and bringing with it new ways of working and interacting with people. As someone who has always relished the idea of working from home as a writer, social networking offers the opportunity to do exactly that, without losing touch with my clients, family and friends. And increasingly, I’m finding myself helping people with their social networking while they focus on what they do best.
I was delighted, therefore, to be invited to assist with a series of workshops run by Success Network. Not only did I meet some really interesting people and extend my “real-life” network, I also got the chance to pop in and visit some old colleagues at the Regus building in Slough!
There are various reasons why people shy away from social networking; for some it’s the fear of the unknown, some find it difficult to find the time and some people just haven’t had the chance to assess the business benefits. The workshop covered all of these areas along with a whole lot more and the feedback was really positive. I’d thoroughly recommend them to anyone who likes the idea of using social media as a networking tool, without overselling and becoming a marketing bore (yes, that’s covered too).
I was also more than happy to help out with the PR. You can read the press release below or in today’s Business Monthly in the Maidenhead Advertiser (copy here).
Photo: Andrew Sansom
PRESS RELEASE
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
BERKSHIRE, UK
New Training Initiative Takes the Fear out of Social Media
Success Network has just run a series of highly-successful “Social Media in Practice” courses at Regus in Slough, two of which were exclusively for micro businesses run by women. These highly-practical, hands on courses were an overriding success and the funding organisation praised its innovative format and design and the great results.
The participants found using social media much easier than they thought and said the course was really easy to follow due to the simple step-by-step instruction. Attendees said that they now feel much more comfortable with Facebook, Twitter and LinkedIn, with Caroline Shaw, of Shaw Styling, adding, “it really takes the fear out of social media!”
The sessions were run by Success Network founder and networking expert, Ute Wieczorek-King, with other experienced colleagues. Ute says, “Understanding how social networking works can bring huge benefits to a small business. It is much more than a free marketing tool and small businesses who get on board now will secure a huge advantage over their competitors.”
The delegates were all owners of micro businesses who wanted to tap into the power of platforms such as Facebook, Twitter and LinkedIn to enable them to promote their businesses more effectively. Ute added, “Unlike any other tool, social media can help you to keep up with the competition and understand your target audiences better.”
Attendees had been asked to bring their own laptops so that they could work online in small groups, with the assistance of experienced facilitators.
The delegates left the course with new contacts – each other! More importantly, however, the course taught them the skills necessary to find, connect and communicate with the right people online. Trisha Mentzel from B2B Event Management, who attended one of the courses says, “The workshop was excellent at giving the basics for starting to use social media and it gave me the confidence to start writing comments, posts and tweeting. Now I just need to stick to my goals! Thanks for a very practical and enjoyable workshop.”
Success Network’s next hands-on workshops run during May and June, in Maidenhead and Marlow. More information can be found on the Success Network website at www.successnetwork.org.uk/workshops.htm
#ENDS
Catherine Osborn 