Digital media is like a large tree. The many branches represent the many outlets that one can use to get their business name out into cyberspace. And like a tree, digital media is growing and new applications are sprouting up all over. You have Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, Google+, Tumblr, Linkedin, and so many more options to choose from. And I'm going to out on a limb and say that if you are a business owner, you have more than likely felt a little overwhelmed by the amount of choices and avenues you can take.
Which one is right for your business? What social network will best represent what you have worked so hard to build? On top of that, what should you do to get the most from it?
Luckily there are people out there that have the answers to those important questions. One person in particular, Chris Mahlmann, the Publisher and CEO of Ideas in Motion Media, is quite savvy with digital media. He has spent countless hours researching trends, experimenting and testing different digital means, and gaining valuable knowledge on the future of advertising. Since Ideas in Motion Media is the mother company to the online-based websites PortageLife, ValpoLife, LaPorteCoutyLife, and NWIndianaLife (and future Life sites), it only makes sense that Chris and his team of Lifers would know a thing or two about digital media.
So at the Portage Chamber of Commerce's January Luncheon, Chris presented to the crowd of Chamber members that filled the Woodland Park Community Center.
"Chamber meetings are a great opportunity to get our business community together in a relaxed atmosphere. We get lunch and a great guest speaker and the opportunity to network with other businesses," Terry Hufford, Executive Director of the Portage Chamber of Commerce said. "And our guest speaker, Chris Mahlmann, is beneficial not only to this luncheon, but to the community. When Chris and I met the first time he was just getting started so we offered him an in-kind membership. Later on he told me that we helped him so much that he wanted to be a paying member and now he and his company hold a gold sponsorship with us. Chris does an outstanding job and when he sends his message out people will realize that this is something good and he is a great ambassador for our Chamber."
Chris touched on various topics like what digital media was, how it was beneficial to businesses, tips on staying ahead of the competition, and how one can successfully navigate his or her way through it all to successfully showcase their business. He even had everyone stand, and as an example of how easy it was to utilize social networking, he asked everyone to pick up the Ideas in Motion Media share cards that were situated at each of the members' place settings, and hand it to the person standing next to them.
"When you go to a lunch like this you usually sit with some people that you know and one or two that you don't. You might say hello to them, you might see their name tag, you might introduce yourself and get their card, but ultimately like the coffee shop, cafeteria, business networking event, or chamber luncheon, the same thing happens everyday in a digital world in the same exact manner. People get introduced to you, they see you, they see your brand, they connect to you, they see something that you are communicating about and that helps you spread your story," Chris explained to everyone. "It may not be the normal pattern for everyone, but it's the way things are going and it is a different way that what you are traditionally use to communicating."
After he finished speaking, quite a few members came to Chris to talk to him further about the presentation and ask questions. One member, Mandy Chalk, who is the Associate Director of Career Services for Ivy Tech in Michigan City and Valparaiso, was very excited about what she learned from Chris's presentation.
"I thought that Chris's presentation was very good. It was clear and to the point," Mandy stated. "During the presentation he talked about tips to stay ahead of the competition. I thought the one about liking your competitors' pages to learn from them and keep up with trends was a good idea."
That tip was one of many that Chris gave to the Chamber members to keep and use on their social networks. But that is really only the tip of the iceberg. If you want to find out more about how to really get into and maximize your presence with digital media, come to our next Social Media Boot Camp on February 6, 2014!
A big thanks goes out to the Portage Chamber of Commerce for having Chris and his team present at their luncheon and Topperz for doing a most excellent job of catering the event! You all know how to make your members feel welcome!
{portage}Click here to see more photos from the event!{/portage}{nwindiana}Click here to see more photos from the event!{/nwindiana}