Here’s one thing that 2009 taught us - everything you think you know about business can change very rapidly, and cause even the most stable of companies to get nervous, get shaky, and in some unfortunate circumstances, go under.

Here’s something else we know - out of recessions come some of the most powerful, profitable, game-changing companies. General Electric, Hewlett Packard, Microsoft, CNN, Federal Express, Burger King, and dozens of other giants started out in what some would consider the worst of economic circumstances.

One of the keys to their survival through thick and thin is their ability to innovate - to constantly search for ways to improve the way they do business, internally and externally. This is the overriding theme behind “Wild for Innovation,” billed as “a unique opportunity for New Hampshire businesspeople to converge with some of the brightest at UNH for a day of learning, sharing, celebration.”

It’s happening Friday, March 5th, at UNH in Durham, starting at 12pm and continuing through 5:45pm, after which there’s going to be a tailgate-style networking dinner. (You can stay and watch UNH’s hockey team take on Boston College at 7:30pm and make a night of it, too.)

I’ll be honest: I wasn’t planning on going originally, even though one of our clients is involved in putting on this event. But I’ve since changed my mind, and the reason why is because of what I learned from studying up on trade shows a couple of years ago:

If you want to stand out in your field, look at what’s happening in different industries to get fresh ideas, find out what’s working (and what isn’t), and bring some of that into your own presence as appropriate.

Same thing goes for innovation - if you want to get in the innovation mindset, surround yourself with open-minded business professionals who are thinking in that direction. Surround yourself with people who are actually innovating for a living. Get fresh input from different fields that you can take back and put to work in your own business.

You’re going to get that (and a lot more) from Wild for Innovation Day. It’s an event unlike others I’ve seen put on here in NH in the past, tickets are limited for it, and half are gone already, so don’t wait until the last minute - jump on it today.

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This entry was posted on Thursday, February 25th, 2010 at 4:01 pm and is filed under "A-Ha!" NH. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.

It’s hard to believe it’s just around the corner.

Friday’s event at the SERESC Conference Center Bedford, NH is one that’s been months in the making by our dear friend, incredible networking maven, SBA’s 2009 Women in Business Champion, founder of Women Inspiring Women, event planning partner, and all-around fabulous entrepreneur Leslie Sturgeon.

(Yes, we love her that much.)

The event is called “Marketing Inspirations,” and Leslie made it her goal to get everything you need to know to market your own business all in one place, delivered all in one day - for women AND men, too.

We’re speaking on social media there, but honestly, I think we’re just as excited about the rest of the speakers and topics at this day-long event - here’s the full schedule:

8:30 - 9:00
Continental Breakfast and Networking

9:00 - 10:15
How to Put Sizzle Into Your Brand!

10:15 - 10:30
Break (networking and exhibitors)

10:30 - 11:30
What is the Spice in Your Secret Sauce . . .
Identifying Your Target Market!

11:30 - 12:00
Don’t “Press” Your Luck -
Crafting & Delivering Messages that
Resonate with the Media

12:00 - 1:00
Buffet Luncheon, Facilitated Roundtable Discussions
and Exhibitors

1:15 - 2:30
All About Social Media and
How to Succeed with it Right Now!

2:30 - 2:45
Break (networking and exhibitors)

2:45 - 4:00
Drive More Targeted Traffic to Your Web Site
(SEO’s) and Online Marketing

4:00 - 4:15
Break (networking and exhibitors)

4:15 - 6:00
The Power of Email Marketing and
Features of Constant Contact

You can see full descriptions of the sessions and their presenters here, and (as with any of Leslie’s events) there’ll be door prizes and surprises galore.

That link is good for accessing the registration details, too - early bird specials end tonight, but I gotta say, it’s still a bargain at twice the full price, considering what she has lined up. Check it out, and we hope to see you there on Friday!

Posted in "A-Ha!" NH, Fun With Marketing | 1 Comment »

This entry was posted on Tuesday, November 10th, 2009 at 5:24 pm and is filed under "A-Ha!" NH, Fun With Marketing. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.

News bulletin: Allen just left Epiphanies, Inc.’s world headquarters to be interviewed by New Hampshire Today host Jack Heath and Steve Boucher, the NH Division of Economic Development’s Communications and Legislative Director, on WTPL’s “First Class Business” segment on Wednesday, August 5th at 4 p.m.

“Allen and Lani Voivod (Epiphanies Inc. founders) are two of the most creative thinkers in the industry,” Boucher said in this blog post announcing the social media-focused event. “In addition to helping the Division of Economic Development launch its ‘No Bull Business Blog,’ they’re shaping the communications tactics and strategies of some great companies of tomorrow.  They are truly a ‘first class business.’”

To listen live, tune in to WTPL 107.7 on Wednesday, August 5th at 4 p.m. or visit WTPL online at www.wtplfm.com.

Good luck, Allen!

(And thanks for giving me the thumb’s up and hustling back to babysit the kids so I can go see Pat Benatar and Blondie tonight LIVE at Gilford’s own Meadowbrook U.S. Cellular Pavillion. Two bold, incredible rock legends. Woohoo! Sooooo excited!!!)

Posted in "A-Ha!" NH, Social Marketing | No Comments »

This entry was posted on Wednesday, August 5th, 2009 at 3:12 pm and is filed under "A-Ha!" NH, Social Marketing. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.

Just when you think it’s all been done in the marketing and promotions world, the renegade “not your grandfather’s state government” team at the NH Division of Economic Development busts out of convention and into the pioneering innovation game by combining social media with arena football.

According to this post on the state’s “No Bull” Business blog:

“For the first time in North American professional sports history, computer terminals will be set up in a major sports arena’s concourse where fans can “tweet” about their experiences at the game.

“‘This is an incredible coup for the State of New Hampshire,’ said New Hampshire Division of Economic Development Communications & Legislative Director Steve Boucher, one of the organizers of the promotion. ‘With social media becoming such an incredible phenomenon, especially with the business community, this is a great way to get the Granite State excited about Twitter, Facebook and other new communications vehicles.’”

And for Team Voivod here at Epiphanies, Inc., this is especially radical, because we’re part of the team that developed this outside-the-box experiment and made it possible, along with the Division of Economic Development’s Business Resource Center, the Manchester Wolves, and Best Buy.

Love, love, LOVE to see cool ideas put into action!

Don’t forget to check out the original post, and throw some kudos Steve Boucher’s way by commenting on the No Bull blog:

Wolves Fans “Atwitter” About Social Networking Promotion - Special Offer for “No Bull” Fans

(Posted using ShareThis)

(It’s good biz visibility for ya, too. :))

Posted in "A-Ha!" NH, Fun With Marketing, Social Marketing | No Comments »

This entry was posted on Tuesday, July 14th, 2009 at 4:16 pm and is filed under "A-Ha!" NH, Fun With Marketing, Social Marketing. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.

Allen and I are so psyched to share that our first big event, the first annual “A-Ha!” NH Social Media Business Summit, is at max capacity at 100 people with a 40+ person wait list that grows every day! Of course, none of this would even be possible without the benevolent sponsorship of Public Service of New Hampshire, as well as support from our incredible, forward-thinking partners, the NH Division of Economic Development, and the NH “Stay, Work, and Play” initiative.

As it all happens just a few short days from now, the energy around here has been quite intense and focused, to say the least. Last-minute door prize donations are funneling in, agendas are being finalized, and Manchester Community Access Media has agreed to record the entire event for broadcast. (Isn’t that the coolest?!)

On the downside, one of our presenters, Microsoft Advertising’s New England Regional Sales Manager Frank Mulcahy, has come down with Type A Infuenza and won’t be able to join us, but alas, the show will go on. (Wishing you a speedy recovery, Frank!)

Still, most everything is falling into place in exquisite formation, thanks to the expert guidance and support of event mavens Leslie Sturgeon, President of Women Inspiring Women and NH SBA’s 2009 Women in Business Champion of the Year, and Maureen “Mo” Bresee, event and organizational consultant extraordinaire (and my dear friend of 30 years).

Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, blogging, the magic of RSS feeds, YouTube, social media measurement, social marketing strategies…all these and more will be part of the Summit experience, and will surely inspire animated exchanges on the value, pitfalls, and possibilities of this booming Web 2.0 world.

But no event is anything without really awesome attendees. And I hate to brag, but we are THRILLED at the caliber of businesses and professionals who are investing in their social media success by creating the space to show up, learn, network, expand their possibilities, and PLAY on Monday.

In fact, we’re so happy about the roster of businesses, organizations, and agencies signed up for the event that we’d like to take a minute and share them here. Who knows - maybe they’re part of your own network, and you can reach out and ask them to share some of the tips, strategies, and big “A-Ha!” social media action steps they’re determined to implement after the 15th.

Ready? Here are businesses represented by the REAL STARS of the upcoming Social Media Success Summit, along with the towns and cities in which they either work or reside:

• 53 Technology (Hanover, NH)
• ActiveEdge (Nashua, NH)
• Aleuromedia (Bedford, NH)
• Align Partnerships (North Conway, NH)
• Arbonne International (Derry, NH)
• BarnSweetBarnDVDs (Milford, NH)
• Boucher Public Relations (Pembroke, NH)
• Child Advocacy Center of HIllsborough County (Nashua, NH)
• Children’s Museum of NH (Dover, NH)
• ClosetPlace (Wolfeboro, NH)
• Dillon Creative Inc. (Bedford, NH)
• Dimdim (Francestown, NH)
• Division of Economic Development (Concord, NH)
• eCoast (Rochester, NH)
• FixMedia (Amherst, NH)
• Gallagher, Callahan & Gartrell, P.C. (Concord, NH)
• Geocentric Innovations (Meredith, NH)
• Gigunda Group, Inc. (Manchester, NH)
• Green Apple Resources (Laconia, NH)
• Grief Support Services (Moultonborough, NH)
• Griffin York & Krause (Manchester, NH)
• GSIL - Granite State Independent Living (Concord, NH)
• Halvorson New Media (Hancock, NH)
• Hooksett Library (Hooksett, NH)
• Jillian’s of Manchester (Manchester, NH)
• JitterGram (Bedford, NH)
• John S. Jordan Design - Architect (Canterbury, NH)
• Just Be Products LLC (Webster, NH)
• Kamigo Marketing (Nottingham, NH)
• Keene State College (Keene, NH)
• Lakes Region Spirit (Gilford, NH)
• Lavoie Wealth Management (Nashua, NH)
• League Chiropractic (Keene, NH)
• LinkAbilities/Gateways (Nashua, NH)
• Manchester Wolves (Manchester, NH)
• Manchester411.net (Hooksett, NH)
• Many Spears (Guild, NH)
• Metis Communications (Raymond, NH)
• MicroCredit-NH (Concord, NH)
• Microsoft Advertising (Brookline, NH)
• Mitzi’s Window Fashions & Interiors (Hollis, NH)
• Moore Center Services (Manchester, NH)
• Mustard Seed Communities (Manchester, NH)
• New Hampshire Public Television (Durham, NH)
• New Means Financial Planning (Hollis, NH)
• NH Community Loan Fund (Concord, NH)
• NH DHHS DPHS Adolescent Health Program (Concord, NH)
• NH ITRC - International Trade Resource Center (Portsmouth, NH)
• NH SBDC - Small Biz Development Center (Nashua, NH)
• NL Partners (Portsmouth, NH)
• NoonanArts (Manchester, NH)
• Now or Never Media (Portsmouth, NH)
• Orlando & Co. (Sunapee, NH)
• Ping PR (Manchester, NH)
• Plymouth State University (Plymouth, NH)
• Primerica Financial Services (Nashua, NH)
• Print Savvy (Manchester, NH)
• PSNH (Manchester, NH)
• Savoir Faire (Manchester, NH)
• Savvy Workshop, Inc. (Manchester, NH)
• SERESC Conference Center (Bedford, NH)
• SilverTech (Manchester, NH)
• StoreyManseau, LLC (Concord, NH)
• The Fiddlehead Loop, LLC (Manchester, NH)
• The New England Sampler (Manchester, NH)
• University System of NH (Durham, NH)
• V3 Leadership (Hollis, NH)
• Viaflo Corp. (Hudson, NH)
• Viva La Pixel (Merrimack, NH)
• Weichert Realtors Peterson & Assoc (Nashua, NH)
• Windhill Design (Gilford, NH)
• Women Inspiring Women (New Hampton, NH)
• Xtensible Technology (Manchester, NH)

Additionally, there are quite a few independent professionals, solo-preneurs, and free agents signed up, which will add to the masterminding power of the day.

New Hampshire, we’re honored to serve you and look forward to diving into the social media realm together, with grand mojo and might!

Posted in "A-Ha!" Events, "A-Ha!" NH, Social Marketing | 3 Comments »

This entry was posted on Friday, June 12th, 2009 at 12:52 am and is filed under "A-Ha!" Events, "A-Ha!" NH, Social Marketing. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.

Hi there,

First, have you seen this week’s Time magazine yet??? Twitter made the cover! There’s a picture of an iPhone, and the message on the screen is a “tweet” from @stevenbjohnson which says:

“I’ve written this week’s TIME cover story about how Twitter is changing the way we live — and showing us the future of innovation. Buy a copy!”

From our point of view, this means next week’s “A-Ha!” NH Social Media Business Summit couldn’t come at a better time. What a great opportunity for 100 of us to gather and talk turkey about these amazing social tools and platforms, and how they can help our business ventures. (Thank you for making it possible, PSNH!)

With that in mind, we’ve had a few questions directed our way, so we thought we’d send answers to all attendees, and share those answers here on our blog, too, just to cover all bases.

Question #1: “Is there a Twitter hashtag (#) for the event?”

A: Why YES, yes there is. It’s #NHSMBS.

For those of you who don’t know what that means yet, using a hashtag (or # sign) in front of a word, phrase, or acronym is sort of a “secret code” in the Twitterverse that makes it easy to find related tweets in one place. So, if you want to let your Followers know you’re going to the Event, or if you want to share tidbits during the Event, you simply add “#NHSMBS” inside your tweets, and Twitter search will “catch” your tweet. This is a great way to be included/seen in the conversation threads during and after the Event.

Question #2: “Can I share the content of the Event with friends, Fans, or Followers?”

A: ABSOLUTELY, YES!

This is a Social Media Summit, which means not only are you allowed to share content, but we strongly encourage you to do so. Post pics to TwitPic and Flickr. Upload videos to YouTube and Facebook. Tweet and retweet with abandon. Blog like a banshee. Tag photos, posts, and videos. Have fun and let ‘er rip!

Truth is, sharing content is part of the charm and power of social media marketing. When you capture and share your experiences with others — in videos, photos, tweets, posts, etc. — you boost the probability of getting more eyeballs to your business, making fresh connections, and giving search engines something to smile about when they come visit.

Question #3: “How advanced will the material be?”

A: Thanks to that little three-minute survey we shot out last week, we have a decent sense of the room and what tools are already in play in the lives of at least 50 of the attendees. We’re happy to report that folks appear to be cruising along, branching out, and OPEN to new ideas, tips, and strategies. So regarding the material, it’s a mix of high-level overview, strategic application, real-world examples, and specific results and success stories designed to educate, inform, and inspire both newbies and devotees alike.

The thing about any kind of social media or online marketing workshop is a lot of the magic and learning comes from the exchange of ideas and sneak peeks into how other people are using and applying the platforms and channels available.

The great news is, we have AMAZING attendees from a wide variety of backgrounds and industries, so cross-pollination of ideas and insights is going to be primo. We also have great confirmed Panelists, including corporate blogging guru Chris Halvorson of Halvorson New Media, and PSNH’s own Senior Corporate News Representative Martin Murray. AND, presenting the “Yes, It CAN Be Measured” session is Frank Mulcahy, New England Regional Sales Manager for Microsoft Advertising. Not to mention what’s sure to be a fab keynote by Stephen Reno, outgoing Chancellor of the University System of New Hampshire.

Wherever you are in your social media journey, you WILL be exposed to new tips, tricks, and techniques to integrate into your own systems, and enhance your own goals and objectives. You’ll also leverage the knowledge of the room, and make connections with like-minded professionals, which is where the big “A-Ha!” usually happens.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Phew! We’re going to stop there and bid you good day for now. Just a reminder, there’s a wait list that’s growing every day (30+ people!), so if for any reason you can’t make the event, please let us know ASAP so you can help out the next person who’s waiting patiently on the sidelines for a spot to open up.

To your continued success,

Lani & Allen Voivod
Co-owners and Content Lovers of Epiphanies, Inc.

P.S. While we are all sooooo lucky to have a whole day to devote to social media and how it can help our businesses, missions, and ventures, it is *just* one day. If you’re starting to get a sense of how valuable social media skills and knowledge are to your professional success, or if you downright KNOW you need to go deeper in order to stay competitive, relevant, and empowered, get in on our 90-Day Social Media Marketing Training Program.

Slated to begin Tuesday, June 23rd and limited to 12 success-minded professionals, the Program is a one-of-a-kind opportunity to learn, leverage, and get the support and guidance you need to not only survive, but THRIVE in the social media realm. Don’t miss out - lock in your spot before someone else does!

Posted in "A-Ha!" NH, Social Marketing | No Comments »

This entry was posted on Tuesday, June 9th, 2009 at 1:32 am and is filed under "A-Ha!" NH, Social Marketing. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.

In recognition of the growing importance of social media marketing to the success of businesses large and small, the NH Division of Economic Development, in coordination with social marketing and success strategies firm Epiphanies, Inc., Public Service of New Hampshire (PSNH), and the “Stay, Work & Play” initiative, will host the first annual “A-Ha!” NH Social Media Business Summit at PSNH, 780 North Commercial Street, Manchester, on Monday, June 15th from 9:00 a.m.-3:30 p.m.

The event, which is sponsored by PSNH and geared towards entrepreneurs, marketing professionals, business owners, and companies of all sizes and industries, is designed to support the Division’s broader mission: To retain and help expand existing New Hampshire businesses, and to attract new companies to the income-tax-free state.

“Social marketing isn’t just a buzzword or a fad. It’s the way that more and more savvy business professionals are choosing to communicate,” says Steve Boucher, Communications & Legislative Director for the NH Division of Economic Development. “If you’ve never tweeted or posted a photo of your new product on your Facebook account, you’re missing a valuable, low cost marketing opportunity.”

Sessions for the event include:

« Beyond the Hype: A No-nonsense Introduction to Social Media’s Real Power and Promise for NH Businesses (Especially in This Untamed Economic Environment)

« 7 Powerful Ways to Use Social Media Right Now to Boost Visibility, Cultivate Relationships, Outshine Competitors, and Get Results

« Yes, It Can Be Measured! How to Tell If Your Social Marketing Efforts Are Delivering Results

« Social Marketing Success Stories: Panel Discussion with Q & A

Workshop sessions will be presented/moderated by Lani & Allen Voivod, co-owners of Epiphanies, Inc., whom Boucher calls the Division’s “social marketing gurus,” with other featured speakers to be announced. Outgoing University System of New Hampshire Chancellor Stephen Reno will deliver opening remarks, and there will be a facilitated networking lunch as well.

As a special gift to New Hampshire’s business community, admission is free. However, there are only 100 slots available, so early registration is strongly suggested. To register, go to www.AhaNH.com. For more information, call Epiphanies, Inc. at (603) 524-5248.

About Public Service of New Hampshire
PSNH is New Hampshire’s largest electric utility, generating and distributing clean electricity for more than 490,000 homes and businesses in an environmentally friendly manner. Each year, PSNH supports dozens of forest protection, energy conservation, and environmental organizations through both financial contributions and generous employee volunteerism. PSNH is proud of its commitment to the environment and willingness to create innovative solutions to environmental issues. To learn more, visit http://www.PSNH.com.

About the NH Division of Economic Development
The New Hampshire Division of Economic Development, comprised of the New Hampshire Business Resource Center and the International Trade Resource Center, offer resources to enhance the economic activities of the state through business attraction outreach, in-state business expansion efforts, and facilitation of government and international sales. To find out more about why New Hampshire’s low business tax burden and sales and income-tax free tradition makes it the “Most Livable State” in the nation, visit http://www.NHEconomy.com, or check out their new “No Bull” Business Blog at http://blog.NHEconomy.com.

About Epiphanies, Inc.
Lani & Allen Voivod, the Content Lovers of Epiphanies, Inc., help imperfect-preneurs, multi-million-dollar businesses, and mission-driven organizations learn and use social marketing and success strategies to boost visibility, community, competitive edge, and profits. Get their FREE 19-page Special Report, “37 Easy Ways to Boost Biz Visibility, Revenue, & Results With Twitter,” at www.EpiphaniesInc.com/twitter.

###

Posted in "A-Ha!" Events, "A-Ha!" NH, Press 'n Such, Social Marketing | 1 Comment »

This entry was posted on Friday, May 22nd, 2009 at 1:05 am and is filed under "A-Ha!" Events, "A-Ha!" NH, Press 'n Such, Social Marketing. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.

As we’ve been presenting social media marketing programs this year in teleclasses, workshops, seminars, and so forth, one of the common themes in asking for training help is to make things simple…non-techie…to handhold and provide lots of support. That kind of social media marketing training hasn’t been available in NH as far as we know, but it’s what we keep hearing from program attendees that they want.

So we created it. Here’s the scoop:

Epiphanies, Inc.’s 90-Day Social Media Marketing Training Program is designed to help NH entrepreneurs, passionate professionals, thought leaders, and key members of mission-driven teams determined to boost visibility, gain competitive edge, build community, drive leads, and connect with Fans and Followers, as well as potential clients, customers, and strategic partners for their businesses or organizations and on behalf of the people they serve.

The information and format will be customized to suit the needs of the participants. Plan on 60-90 minutes of “formal” content and training during our live Mastermind Meetings (How to best use Facebook, LinkedIn, Twitter, YouTube, blogging, RSS feeds, social bookmarking, etc. are among some of the most popular topics requested.)

Then, during the second half of our live meetings, the focus will be on facilitating strategic hot seats, brainstorming, planning, and deciding on which ACTION STEPS to take to best serve your business goals.

The group teleconferences (which will be recorded for your convenience) will assure accountability while fielding questions, sharing best practices, staying connected and on track, and discussing other specific ideas that come up.

Since our top goals are to facilitate your social media marketing experience, customize strategies, and track RESULTS, participants receive 1) a simple Kick Start Guide, 2) an Intake Survey, and 3) a Planning Cheat Sheet before our first meeting, so we all make sure we get right to the business of advancing your goals.

By saying “Yes!” to this Program, you’ll receive:

• 3 live, 3-hour Group Mastermind Meetings at our Laconia office
  Tuesdays, 6/23, 7/28, 8/25, 10am-1pm (lunch provided)
• 3 Monthly Group teleconferences (time tbd)
• 2  1-on-1 Strategy Sessions by phone or at our Laconia office, you can use anytime in ‘09

Your investment:

• OPTION #1 (3-Pay Option): $447 per month for 3 months, or
• OPTION #2 (Pay in Full w/ Discount): Just $997 if paid in full by Thursday June 18th, 2009 (a 25% savings)

Whichever option you choose, please take action by Thursday, June 18th, 2009. We know this is comparatively short notice, and thank you in advance for your understanding. We have a full schedule of events and client projects during the next few weeks, and need to know participants are committed to the Program so we can plan accordingly.

Again, it’s first come, first served, so don’t put it off. You’ll save a whole lot of time, effort, and money for you, your biz, and/or your organization by drastically shortening your learning curve with this carefully-crafted, support-driven opportunity.

To reserve your seat in this one-of-a-kind Program, choose the option above that works for you, and by all means shoot us an email that says: “Great news! I’ve taken action to fast-track my social marketing success!”

Posted in "A-Ha!" NH, Fun With Marketing, Masterminding, Social Marketing | 1 Comment »

This entry was posted on Monday, May 18th, 2009 at 2:39 pm and is filed under "A-Ha!" NH, Fun With Marketing, Masterminding, Social Marketing. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.

Never heard of a Social Media Breakfast? That’s okay, you probably will soon - they’re on their way to a town near you. (Here’s the list of where they are already, and how you can bring one to your town.)

Here’s the deal, taken straight from their website:

The Social Media Breakfast was founded by Bryan Person in August 2007 as an event where social media experts and newbies alike come together to eat, meet, share, and learn. Marketers, PR pros, entrepreneurs, bloggers, podcasters, new-media fanatics, and online social networkers are all welcome to attend.

The breakfast series began in Boston and has now spread to more than a dozen cities throughout the United States and around the world.

Pretty cool, eh? Well, I’m going to the New Hampshire chapter’s next one this Friday, and considering my recent “Got an emergency? Tweet about it!” post, I think I’m gonna have a good time there. Here are the details, along with a link for our New Hampshire peeps to sign up for the event.

Theme for the second Social Media Breakfast: Government 2.0 (how utilities, organizations for the environment, and more work with and from municipalities and other entities using social media to achieve goals)

The second Social Media Breakfast NH (hashtag #smbnh) will be all about topics related to Government 2.0. In this struggling economy and shifting paradigm we need to be working together to be more successful and better weather the storm. We should be pulling in all aspects of technology, new media, old media and social media to succeed. This  meeting will help us lay the foundation for a richer, better education, tech and new media community in NH.

In addition to myself, who will be your host and MC for the morning, you will have three speakers giving three brief presentations on topics relating to the theme for the morning.

‘Electric Tweets’ - Why @psnh followers increased 1,700% in one week Public Service of New Hampshire’s Martin Murray will discuss the electric utility’s use of Twitter and other social media.

Boston Police Department is sending John Daley to discuss their web outreach efforts via Twitter and other media.

Now or Never Media’s Bill Curuway and his partners in clean air initiatives will discuss how they use social media to get the word out and reach out to municipalities for change.

Let’s make the new SMBNH crackle with energy and success! See you there!

Hey, for $7, you can’t go wrong. Check it out, and if you read this and go there, be sure to say “Hi!”

Posted in "A-Ha!" NH | 1 Comment »

This entry was posted on Thursday, March 26th, 2009 at 12:10 pm and is filed under "A-Ha!" NH. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.

We’ve mentioned once or twice that we’ve been members of MicroCredit-NH since 2006, and how much the organization has helped us on our journey as small-biz owners in our big little state. Well, they just recently released a video through their parent organization’s YouTube Channel that features a number of members talking about the concrete benefits and results they’ve experienced in the program.

They’ve just re-structured their services in a new and exciting way for 2009, so have a look at the video, then check out their site to learn more. (Hey - I’m even on their homepage! I’m the guy in the red shirt in the “What’s New” section - that photo’s from a breakout session I led at their 2008 Entrepreneurial Exchange. I didn’t even know they’d put that up there until today…)

(And see if you can spot Lani - she’s in a blink-and-you’ll-miss-it shot at the very beginning, when the word “Networking” appears onscreen.)

Posted in "A-Ha!" NH, Microenterprises R Us | No Comments »

This entry was posted on Thursday, February 26th, 2009 at 1:58 pm and is filed under "A-Ha!" NH, Microenterprises R Us. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.