I went to Bash studios for the first time to talk about building the site. I met up with Marcus, Jamie and Jason.
We talked about how we could use social media to promote the businesses within the group – the studios, the online shop and telecoms. We talked about how we could engage with the local community much more than we do now and how to make Bash an even more exciting and engaging place to be. There are over 70+ bands that uses the facilities here and there are some really creative and talented people.
We talked about content – one of the most important elements in social media. Without something interesting nobody is going to engage.
So to kick the process off we put in place the Consoltis framework site onto our managed server and started to put in place the Bashgroup branding and added some initial posts. We have also put in the direct links to the Bashgroup websites (studios, online shop, telecoms) and to twitter, youtube and facebook accounts.
Framework functionality includes design controls, user authentication, RSS feeds, blogging, CRM, subscription services, in-built SEO, database management, remote support, online content management system. The development platform is neatComponents.
The snapshot below was taken from the site as at 10th March 2010
This is the start of a new journey with Bash Group. A media organisation based at Bash Studios in Harrogate. We are work together to build up the Bash Group brand and online presence using a variety of social media techniques. It's going to be fantastic - the people involved are just great and its going to be a success.
The normal business thing to do is write up a case study after the after event and say how great everything is and then get a great quote from the business owner. I thought we would do this one differently and if I am totally honest, I have no idea how this is going to work out in practice because we are going to share the journey with you including the ups and downs.
Besides an opportunity to actually show and evidence the journey, we want to get over the mixed messages and hype about social media. I think many people are not quite sure what to do right now. I believe there are three camps clearly cut into believers; non-believers; no-idea.
So for me, it’s about skipping over the buzz words, demonstrating what can be done and also putting everything into a practical perspective. It’s also about being totally honest with your customers and yourself about what is possible within your own budget and available time.
So this blog is going to show the journey of building the online presence for the Bash Group. The blogs will show the real word strategy discussions, ideas for marketing, social media techniques, discussions on site optimisation (SEO), successes and failures.
It should be fun and rewarding for everyone involved. We will see of course if you are in the non-believer or no-idea category my hope is there is something in these blogs that might inspire you.
We've added a Tags feature to the site so that our blogs are easier to navigate. I think once you have decided to increase the content on the site and make it more dynamic, the next probem is being able to find relevant information quickly and easily.
Please let is know if you think this is better.
ps. we've also changed the homepage so that our favourite and latest blogs can feature on the homepage.
These are some of my favourite books that helped me and could help you with online social media. I found these books useful in providing tips on better engagement with your customers/audience online and help you think about building a stronger online presence .. ultimately then leading to better opportunities and business.
The book list is made of up a blend of techniques and ideas for addressing social media plus the all important traditional management and personal skills.
If you read any newspaper or blogs we are sure you have noticed that social media has hit the headlines. I am sure you have then has started asking yourself questions such as:
What is the difference between Facebook and Linkedin?
Where should I focus my efforts online for maximum return?
Should I be Twittering and what do I have to say?
What is a blog and should I have one?
It feels overwhelming but important. So how do you wade through all the information and start making decisions about how you get started?
In this online seminar we will show you how to take easy steps to building your presence online.
What will be covered in the seminar?
What the main social media sites and tools are for business leaders
How to set up an effective presence online
How to grow your credibility on these sites and become an expert
How to use these sites to drive additional visitors (and potential customers to your website)
Why an online seminar?
We are all busy people and travelling to event takes time out all of our diaries. Using DimDim you can
Participate in the online seminar
Listen to the speakers
Ask questions
Pretty much like you are actually there.....whilst still in the office.
After the seminar all participators will be sent 2 white papers on building your credibility online and how to build your credibility on Linkedin
What equipment will I need?
As long as you have speakers you can participate in the seminar. You will ask questions by typing them real time, so the speaker can see them on screen.
Presenters
Charlotte and Andrew are collaborating together for this webinar bringing together many years of combined business, marketing and technology expertise of how to use the internet successfully.
Charlotte Britton
Charlotte has worked in the online marketing arena for over 10 years now. She started in the E-Commerce team at ASDA and subsequently moved over to an online marketing agency called Stickyeyes. Over the past 5 years she has been a Director at Pollenation, an open source software consultancy. Charlotte is the Chairman of the Yorkshire and Humber Institute of Directors Young Directors Forum. Linked in profile
Andrew Chapman
Andrew has worked in technology for over 15 years having worked in support services for Mowlem Plc, Marks and Spencer's and Enterprise. He ran a technology division Mowlem Acqumen for 5 years delivering a wide range of information systems using internet based technologies.
More recently he has been working on a wide range of business consultancy, e-learning and e-commerce projects for a range of customers. Linked in profile
The YDF presents 'Just Lunch' - a monthly lunchtime event to meet and network with fellow members and guests over a two course lunch.
Martin Dean, Deputy Director of the Leeds Initiative will be joining us for lunch. The Leeds Initiative is the city’s local strategic partnership which encourages the public, private, community, voluntary and faith sectors to work together to overcome problems for the benefit for all citizens both now and in the future. Martin is keen to get IOD members’ input into the economic and skills development for the city
Cost: Members £23.40 and Non-Members £28.94
To Book: Either book online at IoD.com or call Suzanne Foxely on 0113 243 0152
As part of my work with the IOD I was invited to a consultation meeting along with many other business representatives last week with Leeds City Council. My involvement was to represent the small business perspective.
The consultation process and report is being prepared to outline the City's Agenda for improved Economic Performance with the aim of being published shortly after the Election in May/June 2010. Further details are on the Leeds City Council website
It was a very interesting meeting to understand what the new strategy is for Leeds Economic development and the considerations and input that is being received across the Leeds community since it was last updated in 1999.
Key questions were considered with the main one being how does Leeds continue to become a destination of choice in the North over the next 10 years or so and what do people need to proposer.
The focus is to build on the strengths and opportunities whilst tackle areas of under-performance. There is a theme being developed of Great place, skilled people and competitive business.
A key statement is to continue to encourage Leeds as a city of enterprise developing skills, infrastructure and helping businesses to start up and grow
There are many factors that have already been discussed and considered during the consultation period and people gave their view at the meeting.
I did raise a specific issue about the changing landscape and future needs
" .. more and more people are stepping away from the corporate life and building businesses. Technology has changed and enabled many things including the ability to collaborate across boundaries and allow many people to do more for less due to skill set convergence. I think together with Leeds as a great place, entrepreneurs look for core like minded people to collaborate with directly and networks to develop work opportunities. Besides this people also collaborate beyond 'the place' to where it makes economic sense and this can be overseas. The place therefore has to be appealing and flexible enough for both the work/life balance to keep people here and keep the positive spirit that Leeds has definitely generated over the last 15 years "
I think it has been interesting process to reflect on the place where I live and the benefits that Leeds brings to work and life. Most important of all its the people that you interactive with that make you realise that Leeds is a place where you can prosper.
If you do have any views I would would be very pleased to hear about them and help do my bit for Leeds development.
I am not sure if you have come across Simons Cat. It is a brilliant example of viral marketing and a very good example of a successful online presence.
Yes, I guess you need to appreciate cats but the concept and animation is simply superb.
Its also absolutely great fun even if you don't like cats - the website gets 60,000 hits a day too.
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