Non-CCG Event: Social Media for Recruiting in Government & Defense Conference

Using Web 2.0 Technologies To Attract, Retain, And Engage Top Talent To Become An Employer Of Choice

WHEN: April 12-15, 2010
WHERE: Washington, DC

WHY: Attend this conference to learn how to incorporate the power of social media into your organization's recruiting strategy.

DETAILS: Hear practical advice, firsthand, on how to attract, retain and engage top talent by using social media from leading government agencies and organizations, including Internal
Revenue Service, U.S. Army, Peace Corps, The Library of Congress, and many others.

Find out more.

NON-CCG EVENT: Twitch! Public Relations in the Age of Social Media

Twitch! Public Relations in the Age of Social Media

WHEN: Thursday, January 14, 2010 from 6:30-8:30pm
WHERE: Busboys and Poets at 14th and V Streets, Washington, DC

WHAT: A group of D.C. Journalists will discuss how they use social media to source their stories, conduct research and reach audiences.

MODERATOR: veteran newsman Jim Long (@newmediajim) of NBC Universal

PANELISTS:

• Jennifer Nycz-Conner (@jenconner) of Washington Business Journal
  
• Lindsey Mastis (@lindseymastis) of WUSA9
• Ryan Grim (@ryangrim) of HuffPost
• Jamila Bey (@jbey) of NPR and WAMU
• McLean Robbins (@deacondoesdc), Contributor Features Writer, Washingtonian Magazine

COST: $20

YOU MUST REGISTER TO ATTEND. Space is limited. No on-site registration.

Non-CCG EVENT: Social Media & Consumer Protection: Finding a Balance

Social media is a way of life and here to stay. Whether it’s Facebook, LinkedIn or twitter, businesses value these tools as a way to reach consumers and build trust, as well as increase their brand presence in a crowded marketplace. However, companies are grappling with how to best use these social media tools, while at the same time take into consideration the ethical and legal issues around consumer protection and privacy.

Three well-respected panelists in the social media and consumer protection areas will address the rise of social media tools and discuss the important issues in order to continue its growth and widespread adoption as a business tool. Attendees will gain a perspective on what their idea of social media is; the business, legal and ethical issues associated with making social media tools available to consumers; privacy-related considerations; and thoughts on best practices and behaviors to help ensure continued growth.

Moderator: Gerard M. Stegmaier, Attorney, Wilson Sonsini Goodrich & Rosati

Panelists:

• Pablo Chavez, Head of D.C. Policy Operations, Google
• Tim Sparapani, Director of Public Policy, Facebook
• Ari Schwartz, Vice President and Chief Operating Officer, Center for Democracy & Technology (CDT)

WHEN: December 1, 2009, from 7:30-9:30 a.m.
WHERE: The Tower Club, 8000 Towers Crescent Drive, Vienna, VA

COST: Member: $ 45.00; Non-Member: $ 75.00; $10 more at the door

Walk-ins will be accepted on a space-available basis.

Register at www.nvtc.org/events

WWPR PR Woman of the Year Award

Today -- FRIDAY -- is the last day to pre-register for WWPR's 20th anniversary of the PR Woman of the Year Award on Wednesday, November 4.

You can buy tickets via the WWPR web site.

NON-CCG EVENT: Meet the Press Event with Walt Mossberg

WHO: Tech Council of Maryland

WHAT: Meet the Press: Leading Journalists Speak on What's News, What's Not and Changes in the Media... with keynote speaker Walt Mossberg, personal technology columnist for The Wall Street Journal

WHEN: November 2 from 8-10:30 a.m.

WHERE: Bethesda North Marriott Hotel & Conference Center

ADDITIONAL DETAILS: Walt Mossberg will share his thoughts on the Cell Phone and the Future of the Internet. Mossberg is the author and creator of the weekly Personal Technology column and is one of the most widely-read columns on technology products and services in the world. He is also the co-creator and co-producer of the technology industry's most prestigious annual conference, D: All Things Digital, and is the co-executive editor of the technology web site, allthingsd.com, which extends the experience of the D Conference to the Web.

You will also hear from a panel of distinguished journalists that cover technology, biotech, telecommunications and general business issues to help explain what they cover, how they do it and educate us on the changing world of journalism.

More info or to register.

GrowSmartBiz Conference: Take 2 -- The Expert Answer Booth

So the brains behind the GrowSmartBiz conference did something very interesting during the conference. They created an Expert Answer Booth and recruited people from all walks of life -- PR, social media, finance, legal, etc. -- to staff the booth. Yours truly was one of the experts they recruited. (Looking back on it, I feel a little like Lucy from the Peanuts...)

The concept was that any of the attendees could get free advice from a pool of talented professionals. What a cool concept! And what a value add for attendees.

Truth be told, the booth didn't work as well as it could have -- great staffing, but poor use of the talent by attendees -- and there are a number of reasons way. Maybe it was lack of advertising to the attendees... Were there signs at check-in promoting our services? (Truthfully, I didn't see any. And I asked one of the people where the booth was when I checked in, but she didn't know.) Did the emcee mention us during his various moments at the podium? (Not while I was in the room, but I was also staffing the booth for some of the time, so perhaps he mentioned us when I wasn't there.) Maybe we should have been part of the program -- before each session, we could have come up on stage and answered a question in front of the whole group. But that doesn't change the fact that the concept is great.

I suspect there are things conference organizers will do differently next time to promote our services. OK, I'm sure there are things they'll do differently. That's the kind of team we're dealing with.

But the point of this post isn't to talk about what was done wrong... but rather, what was done RIGHT. And the idea of this booth had "RIGHT" written all over it. What a great value add to attendees... if they take advantage of it.

My point here? Next time you're planning a conference, think about implementing your own Expert Answer Booth. And thank the brains at NetSol for coming up with that great idea.

GrowSmartBiz Conference: Takeaway #1

So yesterday I attended Network Solutions' GrowSmartBiz conference. And now I have the hard task of figuring out where to start as I blog about it. The fact is, despite not being a "small business," I left with a lot of "takeaways." So here goes with my first one...

"I'd rather work with a passionate amateur vs. a bored professional." -- Chris Anderson, editor-in-chief of Wired magazine and author of The Long Tail and Free

OK, that quote may not be word-for-word what he said, but it's pretty dang close.

And I think his point has a lot of merit. It reminds us that when we're going to work with someone -- be it forging a business partnership, hiring a new employee, or creating an event -- we need to look beyond resumes. Why?

Because even someone is the smartest person in the world (or the room), if they're not passionate about what they're doing, they may very well be ineffective... or, at least, less effective.

And just because a resume or a person's experience may not match every criteria you're seeking doesn't meant they aren't the perfect person for the job. Because someone who's passionate -- and eager to learn -- will easily outperform the person who's become complacent.

(Just a few reasons why I so enjoy working on projects with Shashi Bellamkonda from NetSol; Mayra Ruiz; and Bob London of London Ink.)

What do you think? Can passion overcome experience?

-- Robin

socStardom4 w/ Jibber Jobber Creater Jason Alba

So I could sit here and write a nice recap of the socStardom4 event, but I've already done so. I just didn't post it here. It's over at the Network Solutions blog. So curious what socStardom 4 was all about? Then read my recap.

Interested in staying "in the loop" on future socStardom events? Become a Facebook fan. Or send me your contact information.

NON-CCG EVENT: socStardom 4 with Jason Alba

Don't miss this opportunity to hear social media superstar Jason Alba talk about how to use social media to grow your business!

Jason will talk about how he's used social media to grow his business, and share examples of success stories with Twitter, LinkedIn, Facebook, blogging, Yahoo Groups, etc.

DATE: Tuesday, September 22
TIME: 6:30 - 8:30 p.m.
LOCATION: Johns Hopkins University Montgomery County Campus, 9605 Medical Center Drive, Rockville, MD 20850

Read more about why you don't want to miss this opportunity to chat with Social Media Superstar Jason Alba

(Psst... if you don't know who Jason is, here's the quick version: Jason is the creator of JibberJobber -- an online tool that can be used to manage job searches... and your entire career. He is also the author of I'm on Facebook -- Now What?? and I'm on Linked In -- Now What??)

Let us know if you're planning on attending. (We want to make sure we have enough food!)

NON-CCG EVENT: GrowSmartBiz Conference

So there's this guy, Shashi Bellamkonda. If you don't know him, you should. He's the Social Media Swami at Network Solutions and he's amazing... he knows a ton of people, he's super knowledgeable, and he's all about sharing that knowledge.

His latest undertaking: the GrowSmartBiz Conference.

The keynote speaker? He's snagged Chris Anderson, editor-in-chief of Wired magazine and author of two New York Times bestsellers. (Shashi also calls him "the most insightful and articulate voices at the center of the new economy.")

So for all our small business owners and entrepreneurs... think about attending the GrowSmartBiz conference to learn how to overcome challenges that all small businesses face.

-- Robin

NON-CCG EVENT: Social Media for Crisis Communications in Government

Social Media For Crisis Communications in Government: How To Integrate The Latest Web 2.0 Technologies To Maximize Effectiveness Before, During, And After A Crisis

WHEN: November 2-5, 2009 – Washington, DC

Attend this conference to learn how to incorporate the power of social media into your organization's crisis communications strategy, along with helpful tools, tips and techniques to get started. Hear practical advice, firsthand, from leading experts including the Federal Emergency Management Agency, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, City of Plano, Texas, University of Oklahoma, San Francisco Public Utilities Commission, and many more.

Conference Only: $1299+
Conference Plus One Workshop: $1699+
Conference Plus Two Workshops: $1999+
Conference Plus Three Workshops: $2199+
Conference Plus Four Workshops: $2299+

Conference Hotel & Venue: TBD. (Shortly.)

Presented by the Advanced Learning Institute.

Call for Speakers: Social Media for Government Conference

Call for Speakers: Social Media for Government Conference
December 7-10
Washington, DC

Looking for speakers to share best practices and successful case studies on the use of social media in government.

December 7-10, 2009 in Washington, DC

Organized by the Advanced Learning Institute.

Interested? Please contact Amy Gerstein at amy.gerstein@aliconferences.com or 773-695-9400, x20.

Speaker referrals are welcome and most appreciated!

Non-CCG Event: Communicating Pandemic

Communicating Pandemic: Lessons for the Future
The Communication Roundtable Series
The recent H1N1 scare reminds us that it’s just a matter of time before another pandemic — perhaps as lethal as the 1918 influenza outbreak — strikes again. Will we be prepared? Learn how scientists, journalists and public health advocates have worked to keep the public informed during this latest health scare, and what we’ll all need to do when the next big pandemic strikes.

WHEN:
Monday, June 29, 2009
7:30 to 9:30 p.m.

WHERE:
Johns Hopkins University, Washington, D.C. Center
1717 Massachusetts Ave., N.W.
Lower Level Room 7

SPONSORED by The Johns Hopkins University M.A. in Communication Program

PANELISTS:

• Rob Stein, National Health Reporter, The Washington Post
• Joe Neel, Deputy Health Editor/Correspondent, National Public Radio
• Andrew Pekosz, PhD, Department of Molecular Microbiology and Immunology, The Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health
• Jeffrey Levi, PhD, Executive Director, Trust for America’s Health
• David Fouse, Director of Communication, American Public Health Association

MODERATOR:
Jane Twomey, PhD Master’s in Communication program, The Johns Hopkins University

FREE AND OPEN TO THE PUBLIC.

socStardom3 w/Ten Golden Rules CEO Jay Berkowitz

I just realized that I never posted to this group about our upcoming socStardom3 event with Web Marketing and SEO expert Jay Berkowitz. Here are the details:

WHEN: June 1, 6:30-8:30 p.m.
WHERE: JHU Montgomery County Campus, 9605 Medical Center Drive, Rockville, MD
COST: Free

Wondering what Jay is all about? Trying to decide whether or not you're attending socStardom3? Listen to this podcast with Jay!

More details about the event.

Please RSVP if you plan on attending!!

NON-CCG EVENT: Social Media for Government Training

Social Media for Government Training: How To Engage Your Employees And Citizens By Using The Latest WEB 2.0 Technologies To Drive Communication Results
July 13-16
Hyatt Regency Crystal City, Arlington, VA

Hear practical advice from leading government agencies and organizations — from the Department of State to the U.S. Army to the NIH — who are already using social media for better communication results, including:

Topics include:

• How To Maximize And Manage Your Blog: Promoting Your Organization's Message And Keeping Current With The Trends While Staying Within A Budget
• How To Use Podcasting To Engage Your Audience - - Even When Your Resources Are Limited
• Web 2.0: From Strategy To Implementation In 60 Days - A Roadmap For Success
• How Twitter And Other Social Media Tools Can Keep A Community Informed And Bring Citizens Together
• Harnessing The Power Of Social Media To Get Your Message To The Hard To Reach Communities
• How To Build And Leverage An Online Community To Foster Your Organization's Mission And Goals - While Protecting Your Online Reputation
• How To Maximize Your Mission's Mandate By Using The Latest Social Media Tools To Engage Your Audiences

And our own Joe Balintfy will be presenting on “How To Make The Audio To Video Jump: Getting Started With Vodcasting”

More agenda details or to register.

NON-CCG EVENT: CCG Member Wendy Meyeroff on Websites

Just heard about one of our members holding a two-part "lecture" that I thought members might be interested in attending. (You might already know about this... if you've joined our LinkedIn Group and checked out the discussions section.)

WHEN: Friday, May 8, 9-10 a.m.
WHAT: Enhancing Your Website's Effectiveness
DETAILS: Making your site clean, well-written, easy to read--the kind that works in the 10-second timeframe you have to capture your audience.
WHERE: Apple Store in Towson, Maryland
ROOM FOR: between 5 and 8 additional people

WHEN: Friday, May 15, 9-10 a.m.
WHAT: Driving People to Your Website
DETAILS: Identifying the ancillary marketing materials that help people find your site and enhance their interest in hiring you vs your competition.
WHERE: Apple Store in Towson, Maryland
LIMITED TO: 15 people

Neither of these are techno-oriented. You won't find info on Flash or meta tags here (except for insights provided by the Apple team or the audience). Both are about making you stand out from others in your field.

YOU MUST REGISTER TO ATTEND.

TO REGISTER: Call 410-823-1988, hit 3, and leave a message for George Merrill

#socStardom2... a much belated recap

So... a few weeks ago my campus (Johns Hopkins University Montgomery County Campus) hosted #socStardom2, a "fireside chat" with SocMed superstar Dave Evans. I had every intention of writing up about the event the next day... but things at my day job have been crazy busy. (First rule of social media: Don't do a blog if you're not going to update it regularly. And I fail at that rule ALL THE TIME. So if any of you readers are also CCG members and you'd like to submit some guest posts on relevant issues, send them my way. Please!!)

Anyway... some highlights from our chat with Dave. (And no promises that any or all of my "takeaways" are revolutionary. In many cases, they're merely reinforcements of what we should already know.):

• People today want to be left alone to figure things out on their own. They want to talk with people who've done it, used the product, etc. [MY TAKEAWAY: Cultivate your faithful followers and give them not only a reason to talk you up, but a forum in which to do so.]
• The social web changes purchasing dynamics. It used to be: be aware – consider – buy. Not, after buy, people form their opinion and talk about the product, which folds them back into the purchasing cycle as they can influence others at the "consider" phase. [MY TAKEAWAY: Your interaction with your customer isn't done after they purchase the product.]
• Some of today's biggest eAdvocates are those in the 50- to 60-year-old range. This community actively follows legislation, and when anything happens, they are the people who are advocating at the local levels, who show up at courthouses, etc. [MY TAKEAWAY: This generation is important and you'd better have them on your side.]
• Why enter this realm? If you don’t know what people are saying, how are you going to manage it? Plus, the conversations are going on without you. [MY TAKEAWAY: You can't afford to not be there.]
• LinkedIn: You'd better have a complete profile. You'd better put thought into your default message. You'd better put thought into who you accept as your friend because everyone you add is a reflection of you.
• Honesty is key. You must be genuine. 'Nuff said.
• If you're out there, you'd better be telling people who you are. Richard at Dell always tells people he's with Dell. You can write from the biased POV of being with a company, as long as you tell me you're from that company so I know how to read your blog or your comments. You must take the extra step to ensure transparency. (This one is kind of a subset to the bullet above. And while it seems obvious, we all have heard the stories about people who ignored this rule. And every time, it came back to bite them in the a**.)
• Make sure your company has a social media policy that prevents the above from happening. (Your SocMed policy should require people disclose who they are when they're in the SocMed world, whether they're there in their personal time or business time.)
  
• When trying to convince the C-suite that the social media world is important, always lead with the business objectives and then tie the social media activities to those objectives.
• Have a personal networking strategy for your use of social media (just like your business has a business strategy for use of social media). Don't use it just to use it. Don't be somewhere because you think you have to be there. Be on the sites where you think you'll benefit.
  
• Dave on Twitter: "On Twitter, I'm looking for people who could possibly answer questions I don't know I have yet."

For other primers on #socStardom2, try these sites:

• Dave's column on ClickZ
• Mayra Ruiz's Marketing Misfit blog, part 1 and part 2
• Network Solutions recap

If you're interested in hearing about future #socStardom events -- and there will be future events -- your best bet is to follow us on Twitter at @socStardom. Or let me know and I'll add you to the mailing list for future invites.

-- Robin

NON-CCG EVENT: Fireside Chat with Social Media Superstar Dave Evans

WHAT: Fireside Chat with Social Media Superstar Dave Evans

WHO? Dave Evans. He writes a social media marketing bi-monthly column for ClickZ.com and is the author of Social Media Marketing: An Hour a Day.

WHEN: Monday, March 9 from 6-8 p.m.
WHERE: Johns Hopkins University Montgomery County Campus, 9605 Medical Center Drive, Room 121, Rockville, MD 20850

Read more about why you don't want to miss this opportunity to chat with Dave at the Mayra Ruiz's marketing misfit blog.

You must register to attend this event.

Communitelligence Presents... Rethinking Corporate Communications 2009: Delivering More Value in a Tough Economy

Just in case you're interested...

Rethinking Corporate Communications 2009: Delivering More Value in a Tough Economy
Conference & Workshop
March 4-5
Washington, D.C.

CCG members get 25% off the registration fee by using this code when they register: CILA25

Visit the conference site for more details.

Washington Network Group Event: Can We Talk Off the Record

CCG member Ed Barks of Barks Communications delivered a talk this week on his report, "Can We Talk Off the Record? Resolving Disagreements, Increasing Understanding Between Reporters and Public Relations Practitioners." The January 28 event was hosted by the Washington Network Group.

Barks noted the confusing jumble of definitions unearthed by his research. It turns out that many PR practitioners lack clarity with regard to such time-honored journalistic techniques as "off the record," "on background," and "not for attribution." He cautioned that such confusion can only lead to trouble. His report represents an attempt to find common ground that can help increase understanding between reporters and PR practitioners, as well as within the PR community.

The report issues 10 common sense recommendations to help facilitate off the record interviews. Among them: Keep interviews on the record unless there is a compelling reason to do otherwise, make sure you trust the reporter or source, and gain explicit agreement before entering into an off the record conversation. He also spelled out definitions designed to lend consistency and minimize misunderstandings for such interviews.

Barks challenged the crowd -- which included a host of veteran PR operatives, many of them with journalistic experience -- to help implement the report's recommendations. He placed a particular burden on the shoulders of those with newsroom backgrounds, challenging them to help educate fellow PR types who lack that critical insight. He urged them to distribute the recommendations and definitions to professional societies in which they hold membership, and even offered to co-present with them on the topic before their organizations. He also encouraged them to become advocates within their organizations and among their colleagues.

The executive summary to "Can We Talk Off the Record? Resolving Disagreements, Increasing Understanding Between Reporters and Public Relations Practitioners" is available at the Barks Communications web site.