Professional Documents
Culture Documents
Gaining an Edge
With Social Media
The advent of social media has businesses of all sizes and Facebook is the bar for social networking.”
grappling to try and understand and take full advantage Hill speaks throughout the country educating
of the power this new media has. For Lansing-based organizations on how to more effectively utilize the power
marketing firm Edge Partnerships, the social media of social media. He emphasizes a four-step approach to
phenomenon has created opportunities to help clients developing social media as a business tool:
across the country adjust their marketing strategies. 1. Learn to Listen – Linked In, Facebook and Twitter
“We realized in this day and age, social media all have advanced search capabilities that allow you
is critical not only to our success, but to our clients’ to figure out what people are saying about your
success,” said Edge President and CEO Lorri Rishar organization;
Jandron. “Clients were approaching us about how they 2. Research – Start putting numbers behind the
want to be part of the social media world.” medium. Look at companies you do business with
The importance of social media in their clients’ and the profiles of their executives. See what your
marketing programs has grown so much that Edge customers are doing and how they communicate;
Partnerships has a full-time staff person dedicated to 3. Engage – Get your brand into the social media
social media management. Edge employs sophisticated universe and get it to work for you. “People who
tools to manage client’s Facebook, Twitter and Linked In connect to your brand are your organization’s best
pages. ambassadors,” said Hill;
Several Edge clients have enjoyed successful ventures 4. Enable your ambassadors to sell your service. John Hill of the MSU Alumni Association travels the
into social media. The Edge team convinced the University Hand off the messaging to them. For example, country helping MSU alums and other executives under-
of Northern Iowa to reallocate 50 percent of its traditional Hill says a number of companies will distribute a stand how to best leverage social media platforms.
media advertising budget into social media. The result— news release to their employees prior to sending
within four months the University experienced a 20 it to the media. That allows employees to spread Cover photo- Edge Partnerships is helping clients across
percent increase in inquiries and a 17 percent increase a consistent message using their own individual the country expand their social media presence. (l-r)
in admissions. communications platforms. Angela Witwer, Danielle Lenz and Lorri Rishar Jan-
Many companies are finding that social media offers dron.
more flexibility for interactivity and instant feedback from Job seekers are also becoming exposed to social
their customers. As a result, some companies now prefer media tools to help them identify job leads. Capital Area
to drive consumers to their Facebook page instead of their Michigan Works! (CAMW) has been aggressive in tapping what can be listed in a resume.
more static website. into Twitter, Facebook and YouTube to help connect job “Your personal brand is becoming your employment
How does a company seeking to develop a social seekers with employers. currency,” says Hill.
media presence know where to start? “Social media is really about building relationships,” Managed properly, social media can deliver powerful
“Take one thing at a time and do it well,” said Angela said Kate Tykocki, CAMW’s chief communications officer. results. But, organizations need to carefully think through
Witwer, Edge executive vice president & COO. “Whether that helps a person connect with a job, whether their strategy before diving in full force.
It’s important for anyone considering a social media it helps someone standout from the crowd, whether it “If you don’t have time to invest in it, don’t do it,”
presence to understand the various media platforms and helps a business recruit a new employee or whether said Danielle Lenz, public relations and social media
how they best fit your organization. it broadens a business’s reach and helps it develop specialist for Edge.
“Linked In is the corporate office. It’s where business meaningful relationships with its customers, it all boils For a growing number of organizations, social media
takes place among 400,000 corporate executives,” said down to people connecting with people.” is no longer a novelty, but rather an integral component of
John Hill, director of Alumni Career Services for the Hill, who thinks resumes will become obsolete in the their marketing program.
Michigan State University Alumni Association. “Twitter is next five years, says Linked In allows job-seekers to tell a “It’s here,” said Jandron. “Social media has become
the water cooler where office conversations take place, more complete story about themselves that goes beyond a very important part of every day business.”
2010
June Focus 2011
handful of television stations and broadcast radio. Though the influence of those “mainstream” media
remains important today, the proliferation of cable and satellite program offerings and the power of
the Internet, which launched the social media revolution, have changed the way in which we send and
receive information forever.
Consumers have more choices in an increasing fragmented information world, which can make reaching
those consumers with your marketing message a challenge. The interactive nature of social media
Tim Daman platforms also means a business can have more immediate access to and feedback from its customers.
President and CEO
Lansing Regional
The complexities of the rapidly evolving new media world have generated a great deal of interest among
Chamber of Commerce executives throughout business. The Chamber has sought to assist our members in developing an
effective social media presence through our business education series, including a presentation last year
by John Hill, a renowned social media expert from Michigan State University. The growing importance
The new media world
of social media in the business community is also why we chose to dedicate this month’s cover story in
represents a different way
FOCUS to that topic.
of thinking and doing
business. Like any new In the past couple of years, the Lansing Regional Chamber has enhanced our own marketing strategy
business trend, the secret is to and developed a much stronger presence in this platform. Under the leadership of our marketing and
understand and embrace it, communications manager, Aubrey Zimmerman, the Chamber communicates aggressively through our
and ultimately to develop and Facebook, Twitter and Linked In pages. We are also very proud of our new website, www.lansingchamber.
manage an effective strategy org, which features much richer and deeper content delivered in a multi-media format.
to leverage the power of new
media in ways that helps your The new media world represents a different way of thinking and doing business. Like any new business
business succeed. trend, the secret is to understand and embrace it, and ultimately to develop and manage an effective
strategy to leverage the power of new media in ways that helps your business succeed.
2
C a l e n d a r
J u ne July
Wednesday, June 1 Tuesday, July 12
Delta Government Relations Committee, Member Mixer, 5 - 7 p.m., Rizzi Designs, 1141 N.
8 – 9 a.m. Lexington Lansing Hotel, 925 S. Creyts Rd., Pine St., Lansing, MI 48906. $10 member, $30 non-
Lansing, MI 48917. The Delta Government Relations member. Includes hors d’oeuvres.
Committee meets the first Wednesday of each month
Government Relations Committees are in recess
to provide a forum for business leaders to discuss
July and August; meetings will resume in Sep-
important issues affecting Delta Township. To ensure tember.
adequate seating, please RSVP to Jason Green at
jgreen@lansingchamber.org.
Thursday, June 2
Chamber 360, 8 – 9:30 a.m., Lansing Regional
Chamber
Chamber of Commerce Insurance Capital Board
Room, 500 E. Michigan Ave., Ste. 200, Lansing, MI
48912. New, veteran and prospective members are
Milestones
encouraged to attend Chamber 360 to learn about We’d like to offer a special salute
the full range of Chamber benefits and how to
maximize your investment. Meet our staff and find
to these great organizations that
out how we are working for you through business reached milestone anniversaries
growth and advocacy initiatives, exclusive member as Chamber members this month.
benefit programs, member exposure, networking Wednesday, June 15 Thank you for your continued sup-
and educational event opportunities. This is a FREE East Lansing / Meridian Government port through the years!
event, but space is limited. To register for this event Relations Committee, 8 – 9 a.m. Walnut Hills
please visit www.lansingchamber.org. Country Club, 2874 Lake Lansing Rd., East Lansing,
MI 48823. The East Lansing / Meridian Government WLNS-TV 6........................................35 years
Wednesday, June 15 Relations Committee meets the third Wednesday of Traverse City Leasing, Inc..................35 years
Grub Crawl, 5 - 8 p.m., Eastwood Towne Center, each month to provide a forum for business leaders The Peanut Shop...............................35 years
3003 Preyde Blvd., Lansing, MI 48912. Enjoy food to discuss important issues affecting East Lansing/
samplings from select restaurants located in Eastwood Foster, Swift, Collins &
Meridian Township. To ensure adequate seating, Smith, P.C...................................35 years
Towne Centre. Participating restaurants include: Bra- please RSVP to Jason Green at jgreen@lansingcham-
vo! Cucina Italiana, Chapbook Cafe, Inside Schuler ber.org. Option 1 Credit Union.......................25 years
Books & Music, Chester’s Nuts, Claddagh Irish Pub, Radisson Hotel Lansing.....................25 years
Johnny Rockets, Maggie Moo’s Ice Cream and Treat-
Health Management
ery, McAlister’s Deli, Max & Erma’s, Mitchell’s Fish
Associates, Inc............................20 years
Market, P.F. Chang’s China Bistro, Panchero’s Mexi-
can Grill. Tickets: Pre-sale: $20 per person, $35 per Not a member and Tire Factory, Inc. ............................... 5 years
couple; Night of: $25 person; $40 per couple. For Cardiovascular Specialists, P.C............ 5 years
more information on sponsorship call Sarah Lackey
interested in
Liquid Web, Inc.................................. 5 years
at 853-6457 and to purchase tickets visit www.lan- becoming one? The Moulton Team ............................ 5 years
singchamber.org.
Please contact the WorkSquared..................................... 5 years
Lansing Regional The Back Room.................................. 5 years
Event Cost is complimentary Stephenson Tree Surgeon & Co........... 5 years
for these enhanced membership Chamber of Commerce
The Sterling Group –
levels: at 517-487-6340 or 2900 Place Apartments................ 5 years
Bronze Gold visit our website Clara’s Restaurant, Inc........................ 5 years
Compuware Corporation.................... 5 years
Silver Platinum www.lansingchamber.org
3
Lansing Regional
2010
June Focus 2011
Chamber of Commerce
2011 Board of
Directors
Officers
August
4
June Focus 2011
Greater Lansing Progress Joining Making a
Together for a Stronger Region Business Case
When it comes to moving our community in the talk, work, advocate build momentum and drive move-
right direction, we all come with different ideas and
perspectives about what progress looks like. For some,
progress is about economic growth. For others, prog-
ment toward a better region,” said Kristin Beltzer, LRCC
senior vice president of Government Relations & Public
Affairs.
for Workplace
ress means safe neighborhoods, good government or
quality of life.
Greater Lansing Progress has established a web-
site and a strong social media presence in order to Diversity
The Lansing Regional Chamber of Commerce engage community members in an ongoing, interac-
(LRCC) is proud to join in Greater Lansing Progress, tive conversation about steps we need to take to build
a broad-based coalition of organizations that want to a stronger community. You are encouraged to visit
unite the community behind a single vision of prog- www.greaterlansingprogress.com and join the conver-
ress. sation. Watch for more details about Greater Lansing
“Greater Lansing Progress is designed to be an Progress in the coming weeks, including the July issue
inclusive organization in which business and com- of FOCUS magazine.
munity leaders, along with residents, join together, to
The business case for managing
human differences in the 21st cen-
Chamber Weighs in on Lansing tury economy will be the focus of
the 2011 Employer Conference on
6
June Focus 2011
Get Ready to Tee It Up at the Pledge to
Lansing Open Keep Learning
Mark your calendars (or record it in your a day on the course, or entertain important clients or
smart phone), for one of the summer’s most out- potential customers.
standing golf events. The 2011 Lansing Open is Register today for the Lansing Open at www.lan- Keep Learning…Our Future Depends on It!
set for Tuesday, August 16 at Eagle Eye Golf Club. singchamber.org. Individual members can play for an is a coalition of businesses, government, media
Following a shotgun start at 10 a.m., a full day of early bird rate of $175, foursomes are $700 until June and educators that recognize the need to put a
fun, including games on the course, lunch, din- 17. Non-members and those that register after the early high value on education in our community –
ner, awards and prizes is planned. bird deadline are welcome to play for $195, foursomes and our state – if we are going to succeed.
The Lansing Open is more than just another are $750. Organizations interested in sponsoring the Keep Learning was founded after the
golf outing. It is a terrific opportunity to enjoy a Lansing Open should contact Sarah Lackey at 517-853- release of some startling statistics that jeopar-
relaxing day of golf and take advantage of impor- 6457 or slackey@lansingchamber.org. dize the future of Mid-Michigan; just 50 percent
tant networking opportunities. Treat your staff to of Michigan parents agree that everyone should
have a college education and only 27 percent
said education was essential for success.
Michigan ranks 34th nationally in adults
with a bachelor’s degree or higher – 22 percent.
Comparatively, Mid-Michigan sits at 29 percent,
but falls short when compared to other thriving,
vibrant cities like Madison, Wis. (41 percent);
Austin, Texas (40 percent); and Ann Arbor (48
percent).
7
June Focus 2011
Karl L. Gotting Kenneth W. Beall Charles Rice, M.D. Matthew Yeomans, M.D.
The Public Relations Society Loomis, Ewert, Parsley, Lansing Ophthalmology’s
of America’s Central Michigan Davis & Gotting, P.C., is Board of Directors has elected
Chapter recently named Lorri pleased to announce Karl L. the 2011 Executive Committee;
Jandron of Edge Partner- Gotting (Real Estate law), Charles Rice, M.D. will serve
ships its 2011 PACE Maker of Kenneth W. Beall (Real as secretary and Matthew
the year for her distinguished Estate law) and Catherine A. Yeomans, M.D. will serve as
career in public relations. Jacobs (Estate Planning and treasurer. Thomas Moore,
Probate law) recently received M.D. will continue his two
the prestigious peer reviewed year term as president of the
Catherine A. Jacobs designation, 2011 Super Law- Thomas Moore, M.D. practice.
Lansing Christian School yer, by Super Lawyers magazine.
has added Patti Jacobson C2AE, a full-service archi-
to the main office as its new Byron P. Gallagher, Jr., an attorney with the Gallagh- tectural, engineering, and
admissions director. er Law Firm, was re-appointed Ingham County Public planning design firm is pleased
Administrator by Michigan Attorney General Bill Schuette to announce the recent hire of
and Michigan State Public Administrator Rebecca Mason Tobi Lyon, CAE, CFRE.
Visconti.
8
Doctor’s Approach Medspa William Guerre of W.D. Guerre & Associates achieved
9
June Focus 2011
7-Eleven #104, Since 2009 Kincaid Henry Building Group, Inc., Since 2007
A-1 Mechanical Michigan, LLC, Since 2005 LEAP, Inc. (Lansing Economic Area Partnership),
Advanced Management, Inc., Since 2007 Since 2007
Alliance Obstetrics & Gynecology, Since 2010 Liquid Web, Inc., Since 2006
Applied Imaging, Since 2005 Manpower, Since 1963
Art Craft Display, Inc., Since 1963 Meridian Entertainment Group, Since 1994
ASAP Printing, Since 1994 Mitchell’s Fish Market - Cameron Mitchell
Restaurants, Since 2003
Big Brothers Big Sisters, Since 1992
Peanut Shop, (The), Since 1976
Big John Steak & Onion, Since 2007
Prosthetic Center, Inc., Since 1990
BMC-Business Machines Company, Since 1996
Radisson Hotel Lansing, Since 1986
Brogan, Reed, Van Gorder & Associates/
Ohio National Financial, Since 1990 Rum Runners Dueling Piano Bar & Dance Club,
Since 2002
Cardiovascular Specialists, P.C., Since 2006
SES Environmental, Since 2009
Clara’s Restaurant, Inc., Since 2006
Spartan Electric Services, Since 2008
Compuware Corporation, Since 2006
Stephenson Tree Surgeon & Co., Since 2006
Darling Builder’s Supply Co., Since 1954
Sweetie-licious Bakery Cafe’, Since 2009
Dawson Tree Care Inc., Since 2008
The Back Room, Since 2006
Delta Flowers, Since 2010
The Markerboard People Inc., Since 2004
Executive Committee, (The), Since 2009
The Moulton Team, Since 2006
Fahey Schultz Burzych Rhodes, PLC, Since 2008
The Robert Fell Company, Since 2009
FedEx Ground, Since 2008
The Sterling Group - 2900 Place Apartments,
Foster, Swift, Collins & Smith, P.C., Since 1976 Since 2006
Fowlerville Ford, Inc., Since 2007 Tico Duckett Distributing, Since 1999
Gillespie Company, LLC, Since 2009 Tire Factory Inc., Since 2006
Greater Lansing Business Monthly (The), Traverse City Leasing, Inc., Since 1976
Since 1987
Tri-County Regional Planning Commission,
GTECH Corporation, Since 1988 Since 1980
Haslett Public Schools, Since 2009 Trinity African Methodist Episcopal Church,
Health Management Associates, Inc., Since 1991 Since 1992
Impression 5 Science Center, Since 2005 Troppo, Since 2008
Ingham Regional Assisted Living, Since 2004 Wal-Mart Super Center, Since 2004
Interstate Batteries, Since 2004 Walnut Hills Country Club, Since 1994
James W. Butler, III, Since 2008 Web Ascender, Since 2007
Jersey Giant Subs, Since 2010 Wharton Center for Performing Arts, Since 1987
Jersey Giant Subs!, Since 2010 Williams Auto World, Since 1958
Kent Record Management, Inc., Since 1999 WLNS TV 6, Since 1976
KI Technology Group, Since 2002 WorkSquared, Since 2006
10
June Focus 2011
Chamber Team Supports
National Women Build Week
An impressive team of Chamber staff members and ded-
icated volunteers participated recently in National Women
Build Week, an initiative of Habitat for Humanity’s Women
Build program. Women volunteers boost Habitat’s capacity
to build more houses and serve more families. The fourth
annual event challenged women of Greater Lansing to devote
April 30 to the effort of eliminating poverty housing. More
than 1,800 Women Build houses have been built nationwide
since the program began in 1998.