Don't Forget to Press Flesh

John R. Stokka
CEO DomiKnow, Inc.

Welcome to the new digital age. We can share a picture with the world in seconds with Instagram or Pinterest. The era where we can share every thought, desire, action in seconds through Facebook and Twitter. Yes indeed, we can post, email, tweet, pin, check-in, update, follow, like, and share with relative ease and efficiency, but should we?

I recently "caught" two people in my office going endlessly bantering back and forth with each other about something fairly simple over internal email. Instead of getting up and walking across the room to have a 2 minute conversation, they had exchanged several emails over a couple days about the topic. Not only is it inefficient, it is an environment that can breed contempt, misunderstanding, and a myriad of other issues in an organization that is growing at the pace as quickly as ours.

There is no denying that social media is here to stay. It has changed the way we communicate and the way we do business. It's an extremely effective medium for certain types of messaging. But don't forget to press flesh. That's right, the good old-fashioned face-to-face meeting intro with a handshake. There is no substitute for looking someone in the eye and having a conversation.
The digital world is a wonderful efficient method of communication that should augment, not replace every other activity that we've developed and evolved over thousands of years of human existence.

The best thing about all of this digital communication is how much of the norm it has become. And in nearly every rule, there lies the value of the exception. If you are willing to make the phone call, if you are willing to go and have the one-on-one conversation, if you are willing to write a personal letter and drop it in the mail... Then guess what? As much as social media and digital communication have become the norm, you will stand out in a crowd of tweeters and posters as a true communicator. Those who understand this will have a leg up on everyone else in whatever they endeavor to do.

Website - http://www.domiknow.com

Facebook - http://facebook.com/domiknow

Twitter - @domiknow

LinkedIn - http://www.linkedin.com/company/domiknow

Social Media....Fall in Love & Boost Sales

Raylee Melton
Owner - Moth Media

I believe that a hand shake and a smile will always be necessary. I also believe that social media is a powerful force today.  But how do you do business with Facebook feeds?

Social media is changing everyday! Countless books, podcasts, companies and blogs have announced self-proclaimed titles like “Social Media Guru”.  My point? No one really knows where Social Media is headed.

Here at Moth Media we offer a navigation strategy instead of an all knowing claim: We like to call it Moth Navigation.

Here are a few steps to help get started.

Step 1 Find Someone from your past

How fun is that! Whether you’re a seasoned pro or a newbie with social media, take the time to reconnect with someone. There is a strong sense of comfort knowing that they are doing well.  

Tip:  1 in 5 divorces are linked to Facebook. So, please be careful who you contact.  

Step 2 Automate your campaigns

This is so easy! Sit down once a month and plan out your posts. There are several service providers that will help you automate your page. I like Hootsuite. It provides a huge value as well as a sense of relief that your posts are consistent and manageable.  

Tip:  Be sure to mix in a few live posts from time to time to keep your stats up.

Step 3 Engage

These are your customers, so you must have something to talk about.  How can you help improve their life? What can you tell them to make things easier or better? Always direct your posts towards your ideal client. Keep a focus on that aspect and you will attract the right clients.

Tip: Quality client care is all about added value…show them you care.

Step 4 Create an editorial calendar

When you’re planning out your posts for the month, I recommend the following:
Start with your calendar events

1. Add in quotes
2. Be sure to ask questions
3. Provide “how to” information
4. Sprinkle in a few product spotlights

Tip: It’s the destination, not the plane!  Please, Do NOT spam your followers with product information. Create a conversation…be cool!

Step 5 Have Fun with it

Social Media is about having fun & being social. When you post information that is interesting and informative you’ll see your page come to life.

Before long you’ll not only boost your bottom line but just as importantly, you’ll be falling in love with Social Media and having fun!

Face-to-Face Is Always Best!

As a marketer by trade, I have seen – no make that “experienced” the power of networking many times over.   And although social media has and will continue to play an important role in our integrated marketing efforts,  in my opinion, it will never take the place of face-to-face networking.  Why is that?  Simple.  When you are engaging someone new via social media, be it Facebook, twitter, texting, etc.  hard as you try, you are unable to convey your emotions, your facial expressions, your voice tone, your body language.   In a face-to-face meeting, all these things work together to deliver your personal brand – helping to make you, well…unforgettable!

If you have been spending too much time behind your desk staring at your computer, now is the time to get out and meet some real people.  But before you do, here are a few tips that will assure your success.

1.    Remember your networking goal.  If you are out to bring in a new client or land a new job, chances are you will return from the networking event sorely disappointed.   A realistic networking goal is to meet and make one or two new friends.  New clients and job offers rarely come your way without first having a relationship and this takes time.

2.    The best way to share information about yourself is actually to ask other people about themselves.  It’s true.  When you ask a new acquaintance to share information about themselves and show a genuine interest in what they do, chances are they will reciprocate and ask you to talk about yourself too.

3.    Be a good listener.  This is key in engaging other people.  When they begin talking, zero in on what they are saying and try to ask a follow-up question or comment on their response.  Remember, the most  important networking question you could ever ask someone is….”If I were to refer a prospective client (or customer) to you, how would you describe this person?”  This will definitely get their attention and show your interest.

4.    Don’t leave home without them….business cards that is.  Make sure you have an ample supply and are ready to give your card to someone at the appropriate time.   While you don’t want to scatter them across the room, like falling confetti at a celebration, you do want to make sure you have a clean, crisp business card that represents you well.   In accepting a business card from another person, make sure you look at it, taking a few minutes to comment on it, before putting it in your pocket.  If possible, jotting down a note or two on the card, will help you remember that person, once you return to the office.

5.    And speaking of returning to the office…that is when the follow-up should take place.  Take time to write a personal note or email.  Maybe make a “friend” request on Facebook or follow that person on Twitter.   Whatever you do, make sure you reach out and touch that person again to further your relationship.   Follow-up is key to networking success. Without it, you merely become a collector of business cards.

While networking can and should include social media, to begin new relationships and strengthen current relationships, there is simply no substitute for connecting in person.

Rose Breuss, Director of Marketing

rbreuss@mhcspa.com

515-288-3279

McGowen Hurst Clark and Smith, P.C.

Certified Public Accountants and Business Advisors

www.mhcscpa.com

 

***McGowen Hurst Clark & Smith, P.C. is the May 3rd After-Hours event sponsor.  Come out to Saints Pub + Patio for some casual networking!***

April 5th Luncheon Featured Non-Profit: Beacon of Life Residential Center for Women

I’m looking forward to seeing you all next week! I’m the Executive Director of the Beacon of Life, a transitional housing unit for women in crisis located in the Sherman Hill area. We are the only structured women’s shelter in Central Iowa.

The Beacon of Life is a long-term transitional facility where up to 34 women receive support in getting their lives on the right path. We have a four phase program including in-house programing. Programming consists of financial literacy, budgeting, healthy relationships, parenting, victim impact, employment readiness, job coaching, empowerment, seeking safety, and also in-house 12 step meetings.

Residents pay reasonable rent, complete household chores, assist with meals, maintain curfews, and often participate in community service. We also have a Graduate program called, Stepping Stones, for the residents who finish our program successfully. Funding comes through grants, corporate and private donations, and fundraising efforts.

Our resale shop – FOUND TREASURES – is located at 132 5th Street in Valley Junction. The proceeds from the shop help provide shelter, food and education for Beacon of Life residents. Store hours and donations information can be found at  www.beaconoflifedm.org.

Our next fundraiser, a Quiz Bowl, will be held on Friday May 4^th at the Events Center West starting at 5:15. The Quiz Bowl is a team trivia event that consists of nine rounds with nine questions. There are prizes for 1^st, 2^nd, and 3^rd places as well as for team spirit, best decorated table and best team name. Registration is now open! So get your team of eight together today! It’s $160 per table or $20 a person.

              

Get the most up-to-date information on the Quiz Bowl and all things Beacon-related by "liking" or "following" us on our social networking pages: 

Facebook

Twitter

   
I look forward to seeing all of you next week to share our mission at the Beacon!  Be sure to RSVP by clicking here!

Keshia Meissner, Director

Beacon of Life Residential Center for Women

BeaconDirector@qwestoffice.net

(515) 244-4713 ext. 202

New View partners with Des Moines Young Variety

New View Event – Benefitting Young Variety
Thursday, October 6^th

Cabaret West Glen
5-8pm

Young Variety is thrilled to partner with New View for this great event!

Not only because we really like the people.....but even more, we like what they stand for.  It’s a natural fit for us, as both groups are made up of motivated young professionals who are philanthropic-minded.  We’re all working to better the lives of community members and children in Iowa, and we have fun doing it!

It’s a true win-win.

From all of us at YV, we appreciate the opportunity to be a part of this event, and look forward to working hand-in-hand with New View members to raise big bucks for Iowa’s children in need. We hope anyone and everyone can join us on Thursday, October 6th for cocktails, raffle items, and more!

Learn More About Des Moines Young Variety. (LINK: www.yviowa.org)

Susan R. Hatten
Young Variety President, 2011/2012Senior Business Development Executive
Sigler Companies | Innova :: Sigler :: Signify
A Global Approach to Marketing Communicationssusan.hatten@sigler.com

Passive-aggressive behavior in the Workplace

Have you been to the website, passiveaggressivenotes.com? 

If you haven’t, you need to click that link ASAP!

A common issue in the workplace is dealing with passive-aggressive co-workers, subordinates or supervisors.  While that website definitely pokes some fun (which I truly appreciate) at the issue, it is serious enough to cause career train wrecks if you let it.

I won’t pretend I haven’t participated in my share of passive-aggressive behavior in life, which includes work; however, I recognized it and challenged myself to knock it off.  And you know what?  Things at work got better!  I think most of us can be found guilty of doing it at one point or another, what’s important is realizing it before your career suffers because of it…whether you’re the culprit or someone else in your workplace is.

Sometimes, when you work at a desk for 8 hours a day and often with stressful circumstances, it’s hard to get perspective inside your cubicle.  I’ve found that walking the hallways or going outside for a minute always helps.  It can be really vital to your work to make yourself check out for a minute…or 10. 

I found the blog post from Iowa State University Human Resources (link below) pretty helpful as well…it points out how you recognize the behavior and then how to deal with it if you’re a co-worker or supervisor of a passive-aggressive person.

Working with Passive Aggressive Behavior When Developing Trusting Relationships

I challenge you to read it, identify it in your workplace, and then work toward breaking those bad behaviors before they break you … and/or your career.

Lindsey Mathews
New View Board Member & Outreach Committee Chair
Project Delivery Coordinator
Shive-Hattery Inc



Do desk jobs equal weight gain?

Remember freshman year of college and the freshman-15?  We have a joke around my office about gaining 15 pounds after starting work here.  It’s a disastrous (yet delicious) combination of sitting at your desk the majority of the day and the enormous amounts of food we have catered on a regular basis.

I definitely wasn’t above it over 3 ½ years ago when I started and I gained immediately.  I don’t have a huge sweet tooth, but brownies will be death of me.  (I suppose there are worse ways to go).  Then, 2 years ago, I got myself in check and lost the 20 pounds I’d gained.  Annnnd now those pounds are back…and then some.

I’m not one to work out.  I’ve always been better at managing what I eat more so than making time to work out.  It’s definitely something I’d like to get a handle on now, though.  I hear it only gets harder as you get older to shed pounds and get in shape.

Personally, for now, I just want my pants to fit better.  Is that so much to ask!?

Whatever you’re desk-job situation may be, I found the following articles on how to avoid the desk-job weight gain.  As young professionals, we should watch out for this now!

How to Avoid On-The-Job Weight Gain

Is Work Making You Fat?

Diet Solutions:  Desk Job

5 Ways to Prevent Weight Gain at Work

Lindsey Mathews
New View Board Member & Outreach Committee Chair
Project Delivery Coordinator
Shive-Hattery Inc.



Does Your Company Take Part in Social Networking?

It seems as though nearly every company out there either pioneered the usage of social networking for their business or is getting their proverbial toes wet (finally!).

I was recently asked to participate on a social networking TASK FORCE at work.  I capitalized TASK FORCE because it makes it sound much cooler.  It’s a FORCE!  We should probably work on saving the planet via amazing element-related rings once we’re done figuring out this whole social networking thing.

Since taking part in this TASK FORCE, I’ve become really interested in researching the topic.   Can you think of any industry that can’t use social networking to advance themselves in one way or another?  Can you?  No, seriously…can you?  I’m thinking really hard here and I’ve got nothing…and my hard-thinking face is not pretty, so I’m going to knock that off.  It’s why I gave up on being a Philosophy major in college.  Sorry, Dr. Pauley.  (If you know who Dr. Pauley is, you get eleventy-billion amazing points in my currently non-existent book).

Side-Bar – I’m considering auto-biography book titles, because it’s never too early to start...Right now I’m leaning toward “Trial & Error: The Lindsey Mathews Story.”  But I’m open to suggestions.  Feel free to comment.

Okay – back to professional social networking! 

I was recently sent the article below specific to using social networking in the architectural & engineering industry.  Those are hard to come by, so I found it particularly helpful in my TASK FORCE duties.  I thought I’d share it, because even though it is specific to my industry, it has some great universal information and tips for being professional while using social networks.

***FREE TIP FROM ME (Not the article): Don’t post photos of yourself doing regrettable things at regrettable places and then making them public.  It’s tacky. ***

You’re welcome.

http://xldp.com/dprcg/socialnetworking.html

Lindsey Mathews
New View Board Member & Outreach Committee Chair
Project Delivery Coordinator
Shive-Hattery Inc.

What are you doing this weekend?

Wondering what’s up this weekend? 

No giant art festival or cultural festival, but still plenty to do if you can stand being in this wonderful (note: sarcasm) July weather.  I do not enjoy sweating without moving, so I’ll be checking out indoor activities!

Today: 

1.  Check out Friday’s at the Fountain out at West Glen.  Toaster will be playing, and I’ve seen them before.  It’s definitely a good show – a great band to listen to while sipping your favorite summer beverage.

2.  Go see a movie!  I’ve heard amazing things about Horrible Bosses.  Can you go wrong with Jason Bateman, Jason Sudeikis, and Charlie Day? (It’s Always Sunny… fans, get excited!) I haven’t seen it yet, but I definitely plan to this weekend if at all possible.

Also – I went and saw the latest Harry Potter movie last weekend…at the IMAX.  Get there early so you can get good seats.  We got there right on time and were forced to watch the movie with our heads turned straight up – my neck hurt, but it was totally worth it.  I’m not the fan who stands in line at midnight to see it, but shelling out a few extra bucks to see it at the IMAX is a definite must-do!

Tomorrow: 

1.  West Glen Farmers Market!  9am-1pm.  It’s going to be hot, so go early.  Where else will you be able to buy 3 for $1 cucumbers?!?! 

2.   If you feel like getting all hopped up and jittery about your Saturday, you could stop by Mars Café for a coffee tasting.  Personally, I’m more of a wine taster, but whatever floats your boat!

3.  Iowa Barnstormers game.  It looks like they’re playing the Georgia Force.  Force versus Barnstormers.  I feel like making a lame tornado joke…but I won’t.

4.  Shakesperience Fest 2011.  I don’t know exactly what it is, but it ends in “Fest.”    Never underestimate a good “fest.”  Begins at 6pm at Simon Estes Amphitheatre.

5.  If you enjoy a good jam band, Mooseknuckle will be playing at Star Bar on Ingersoll!

6.  If you’re thinking of going out to eat, here are some of my picks:

·         Samurai – sushi always sounds good to me.

·         Felix & Oscar’s for the pizza, duh.

·         Plaza Mexico on 86^th in Johnston – sort of a drive and hidden behind a Kum & Go…but you’re missing out if you write it off because of that.  Great food and good drinks and fast service!

·         Trostel’s Dish – Yum.  Enough said.

What are some of your favorite local restaurants?   I love to try new places, so suggestions are welcome!

Sunday:

1.  You should definitely check out Final Mix playing at the Jordan Creek Town Center Amphitheater. 

It will be a great way to rest a bit before beginning another work-week!

Lindsey Mathews
New View Board Member & Outreach Committee Chair
Project Delivery Coordinator
Shive-Hattery Inc.

The only networking tip you really need...

I know this a lofty statement, but I really believe it.  It relates back to any and every tip you’ve ever read, heard or practiced:

***BE MEMORABLE***

If I could emphasize that more, I would (but I’m limited in print). It stifles me.

Honestly, I feel being memorable is more a piece of life advice than specific to networking (But let’s make this work for the blog, eh?) (I’m not Canadian whatsoever, but my old roommate swears I had the accent sometimes).

Many articles and professionals talk about the importance of having a great handshake.  I don’t really have one of those – I won’t go into the analysis I’ve done on my own handshake, but let’s just say it’s not great.  However, you can bounce back from a less than impressive handshake.

Of course the first step is to go to networking events.  That’s a given.  But say it’s an event with a speaker and/or presentation and not a lot of actual networking.  In that case, think of questions during the presentation.  I’ve never been to a presentation that didn’t end with the speaker asking if there are any questions.  Be one of those people who gets involved and wants to know more (or the only one – that sort of depends on how awesome the audience is).  Asking a question, even if you might not think it’s a great question, is making yourself stick out.  Don’t just go to the events, really participate during them.

If you’re not really the public speaking type and can’t fathom raising your hand and asking a question in front of a room of other audience members, then maybe seek out one of the presenters before she/he leaves.  Practice your handshake first, then introduce yourself –– and then ask your question.   In fact, that speaker may remember you even more since you took the time to come up to him/her after the presentation.

If even that is too much, or the opportunity just didn’t arise to walk up to the presenter…then do some stalking.  Yep, stalking.  Nothing dangerous or illegal, don’t get too nutty.  I mean stalking in the least inappropriate way. (Don’t use me as an excuse for harassment).  I’m just encouraging you to find out who organized the event or go home and Google the speaker. 

Thanks to Google, you can pretty much find anyone’s email address.  So shoot the speaker an email with a nice comment about their performance and your question.  It’s definitely a start and maybe it can help motivate you to raise your hand next time.  People generally love feedback – especially when it’s positive or inquisitive.

If the event is casual networking, don’t be afraid to just hop into a conversation.  Chances are the people chatting are there for the same reason you are and would have no problem including you.   Be excited or show some passion about something:  ideally your work, but anything will do for a start.  That’s what will truly make you memorable.  Get in on the conversation and then really contribute to it.  Don’t be the weird wo/man who stood quietly (read: creepy!) outside of a circle of people the whole night.  It will make you memorable, but for all of the wrong reasons.

Moral of the story:  Be memorable (but not creepy)

Lindsey Mathews
New View Board Member & Outreach Committee Chair
Project Delivery Coordinator
Shive-Hattery Inc.

Iowa's "brain drain"

With all of the great awards and recognition Des Moines has been receiving lately (see below), I’m still nervous.  I’m nervous about our “Brain Drain” issue.   I’m nervous because it’s imperative to the future of Iowa that we get our wonderful educations (ranked highly!) here and then stay here to use them. 

I know how our winters are freezing and how our summers can be unbearably hot and humid at times, but Iowa is actually really great. We have amazing local business owners who provide affordable products and services and wonderful organizations that organize events as big as the Art Festival and the Italian Heritage festival.

 I realize bigger cities may offer more to do and/or a more diverse environment to do those things in, but if we keep leaving Iowa,  the issue will never get addressed. 

We’re more than capable young professionals and we need to stick around to make sure Iowa’s cities grow, and not just in size/population.  We need cultural growth.  We need economic growth.  We need entertainment-based growth. 

In Iowa, our cost of living is amazing!  While it may not always feel like it, our residents actually have more disposable income than those in many other states.  So let’s get out there and spend it on our local businesses in order to stimulate this necessary growth! 

The more we get out and enjoy our communities, the more others from out of the state or the country will want to as well.

I don’t mean to be on such a soap box, but this is absolutely something I’m passionate about.  I think if you are too, or even if you’re just a little interested, then reach out.  New View has three committees waiting for you to join.  It’s a great way to get involved in your community and promote it!  It can be the stepping stone to achieving the cultural, economic and entertainment-based growth Iowa needs so badly.  Iowa is kind of a big deal and more people should know it!

A little bragging from Business Record:

“Cities with the Highest Real Incomes”

Ranked # 1 - US News and World Report, June 2011

“Strongest Metropolitan Areas for Economic Strength”

Ranked # 6 - Des Moines-West Des Moines - POLICOM , May 2011

“Best Cities for Small Business in the Midwest”

Ranked # 2 - The Business Journals, April 2011

“One of the Coolest Places to Live in America”

Ranked # 18 - Men’s Journal, March 2011

 “Top US Fairs and Festivals” Des Moines Art Festival

Ranked # 7 - American Style Magazine, February 2011

“Best Cities for the Next Decade”

Ranked # 7 - Kiplinger’s,May 2010

“Best Place for Business and Careers”

Ranked # 1 - Forbes, April 2010

“Best Mid-Sized Cities for Jobs”

Ranked in Top Ten - Des Moines/ West Des Moines - Forbes, April 2010

 “Most Secure City in the US with population 500,000 or More”

Ranked # 2 - Farmers Insurance, February 2011

“Most Social Networked Community in the US”

Ranked in top 50% - Men’s Health Magazine, March 2011

“Healthiest and Safest Metro in the Nation”

Ranked #3 - Des Moines/West Des Moines - Denver Business Journal, 2010

”Most Livable Bargain Market”

Ranked # 1 for Real Estate - MSN.com

“Where Americans are Getting Richer”

Ranked # 5 - Forbes, November 2010

“America’s Top 10 Cities to Move To”

Ranked # 6 - Des Moines/West Des Moines - BestPlaces.net, October 2010

“Where to Live & Play Now” Top Place to Go Green”

Ranked # 1 - National Geographic

“Best Places to Launch a Small Business”

Ranked in the Top Ten - CNNMoney.com

“Happiest State in the U.S.”

 Ranked # 2 - MainStreet.com 2010

“Top Places to Find Your Starter Home”

Ranked in Top Ten - Yahoo!, September 2010

“ Hot spots for Young Professionals to Live and Work in the U.S.”

Ranks # 12 - Next Generation Consulting, 2009/2010

“Ten Most Peaceful States in the U.S.”

Ranked # 6 - Iowa - The Institute for Economics and Peace, April 2011

What is New View? Let me explain...

I hope that most of you have now heard of New View, West Des Moines' young professionals group. Over the last year and a half we have been working to provide young professionals in and around West Des Moines with opportunities for professional development, networking and outreach.

I will give you a little background for those of you who are thinking, “I had no idea West Des Moines had a young professionals group!”
In January 2010 (what now seems like so long ago), a committee was started to explore the idea of a young professionals group in West Des Moines. The group held nine events last year and came into 2011 with a mission statement, a highly motivated group of people, and huge dreams for the next twelve months. We have formed committees including an outreach committee that would love to talk to the YPs in your office about getting involved, a communications committee that excels in social media, and an events committee that has planned six successful events this year.

We plan on having one event per month this year.  Our next gathering is at Saints on Thursday, July 7th from 5-7 pm.
I would like to thank everyone involved with New View over the past two years for their time, energy and efforts in getting us where we are today. I would also like to put a challenge out there for you. For those of you who are still sitting there thinking, “I had no idea West Des Moines had a young professionals group”, I challenge you to get involved!

Whether it's passing the word on to some young professionals in your office, emailing Casady at the chamber to get on our events list, or letting me know that you're interested in getting more involved, we would love to hear from you!

You can also learn more on our web site, http://www.wdmnewview.org/.

Plan to stop by the patio at Saints, 265 50th Street, on Thursday night from 5-7 pm to see what we're all about!

Erica Andersen
Chair, New View
Business Relationship Officer, Veridian Credit Union
(515) 289-5511
EricaAA@veridiancu.org



How do you Tweet? Things I learned from 'Tweet N Eat'

So, I’m not in sales.  But I went to the West Des Moines Chamber’s ‘Tweet N Eat’ lunch and learn, because my personal Twitter account is…well, sad.

I forget about my account for weeks at a time.  When I do tweet, the entertainment level is mediocre at best.  That is, unless I’m retweeting something.  Nine times out of ten, it’s about stellar things New View is doing (Hint, hint!). 

Yesterday’s panel of professionals whom use Twitter for business were really helpful.  Not only did I learn how to tweet a bit more strategically, I learned I can branch out from my often-used hash tags.  That’s about as advanced as I’ve gotten in the year (or more) I’ve been on Twitter.

Whether for business or professional use, here’s what I learned:

1. Encourage a call to action! – This tip rang out most to me.  Twitter can’t and won’t do anything for you if you don’t motivate your followers to do something, right?  Whether you encourage followers to visit your business or simply reply back to your post with an answer to your question, you need to encourage action.  Be interactive on Twitter, not just active.

2. Give out your username or “handle” as often as you can.  – I have noticed more and more business cards are including Facebook and/or Twitter icons – but rarely do I actually see their specific username (How can I follow you, if I don’t know your username?).   Sure, I could go home or get out my phone and search for your name or company name.  But let’s face it, Millennials, we’re lazy.  We want it and we want it now. 

3.  “If you follow me—I’ll follow you. – There’s more to this.  You can simply request to “follow” someone and hope they will “follow” you back.  But no one in business will ever tell you they got somewhere because of hope.  Sorry, the truth hurts (Wanting and hoping better breed some motivation to take some action otherwise your dreams are going down like my 5^th grade “Invention Convention” attempt.  I called it “The Reminder Machine,” but it didn’t actually require anything you’d think a “machine” would.  It was basically some fabric and post-its.  But I digress…). Do everything you can to ensure those you “follow” will reciprocate.

4. When someone takes the time to give you/your business a shout out on Twitter, you should reply! – It’s polite and no matter what people say (including me), we Millennials really do enjoy and appreciate manners.

5. How you use your Twitter account needs to be based on your industry type and customer demographic. – A marketing consultant will not use Twitter for their business in quite the same way a restaurant owner will.   The marketing consultant may post links to interesting or insightful business articles that they feel their existing or potential clients would find useful.  The restaurant owner may post Saturday’s food and drink specials, in order to draw a bigger crowd that night.

The tips I learned from the panel were endless.   While I can’t possibly share them all, I do want to share a few last things:

·         No matter what type of business you use your Twitter account for, balance in your tweets, some should be links to business articles and some should be more personal.
·         Ensure some of your  tweets link to articles and business related material

·         In an increasingly tech-savvy world, it’s very important to find new ways to create connections with your patrons

Question:  Do you tweet?  If so – do you have any great tips to share?

Panelists from the ‘Tweet N Eat’ lunch and learn:

Phil James, Good Milkshake LLC -- @goodmilkshake

Katie Bradshaw, Jasper Winery --@jasperwinery

Jeff Garrison, EOS -- @jcgarrison

Jeremiah Terhark, DSM Daily -- @dsmdaily

Josh Poindexter, DSM Daily  -- @dsmdaily

Moderator:  Danny Beyer -- @DannyBeyerIA

Lindsey Mathews
New View Board Member & Outreach Committee Chair
Project Delivery Coordinator
Shive-Hattery Inc.