Inforum “Social Media Jump Start” seminar features Ford digital marketing guru Scott Monty and power house social media panel June 25, 2009

DETROIT -- Scott Monty, Global Digital and Multimedia Communications Manager for Ford Motor Company, and a panel of social media experts will share case studies, tips and best practices for using social media to positively drive your business at a "Social Media Jump Start” seminar hosted by Inforum on Thursday, June 25.

The Wall Street Journal, Forbes Magazine, and New York Times are a-twitter about how businesses and individuals benefit by using social networking—also known as digital marketing—as a communication tool to build their brands. From Facebook and LinkedIn to Twitter and Search Engine Optimization, the myriad of social networking options often leaves technical newbies feeling overwhelmed.

“Inforum’s Social Media Jump Start program offers a user friendly, high impact/low fear approach to give participants the foundation and practical application needed to immediately begin effective use of social media,” said Inforum COO Kari Lawry.

Panelist Derek Mehraban, CEO, Ingenex Digital Marketing, said, “Social media provides measurable results. We’re going to illustrate how individuals can grow their businesses by building an online community around their brand. Participants will learn and how to track fans and followers, follow link traffic to see who is seeking more information about them, and measure the growth of personal or corporate brands online."

The panel also includes: Terry Bean – Chief Networking Officer, Networked Inc and Motor City Connect; John Hill – Director of Career Services, Michigan State University; and Catherine Juon –Co-Founder and Catalyst, Pure Visibility.

Participants will receive tips and tactics on how to build business and personal brands by effectively using social media, digital marketing, search engine optimization, Google tools, and online brand building. They’ll also learn how to publish content, such as press releases and important news about their businesses.

The Social Media Jump Start event will be held at the Hyatt Regency Hotel in Dearborn, 7:30 a.m.-noon. Breakfast will be served. The public is welcome to attend by registering on the calendar at http://www.inforummichigan.org.

Date: Thursday, June 25, 2009
Time: 7:30 a.m. Registration; 8 a.m. Breakfast & Keynote Presentation by Scott Monty; 9:30 a.m. – 12 Noon Panel discussion
Place: Hyatt Regency Hotel, Dearborn
Cost: Inforum members $50; Non-members $75 (Add $10 after June 21)

To register or for more information on Inforum’s Social Media Jump Start, visit June 25 on the calendar at http://www.inforummichigan.org or call 877.633.3500.

Inforum is one of the largest and most prestigious business forums for women in the nation, with more than 1,800 members from a broad cross-section of Michigan’s business community. The mission of the organization is to strengthen the business environment by creating opportunities for women to lead and succeed. Founded as the Women’s Economic Club in 1962 in Detroit, Inforum has affiliates in Grand Rapids and Lansing, Mich. For more information, visit http://www.inforummichigan.org or call 877.633.3500.

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NOTE TO EDITORS: One representative from each media outlet covering this event is welcome to attend at no charge. To reserve a spot or to request interviews with the program presenters, contact Leslie Herrick at 313.578.3244 or [email protected].