What to Expect at the Web 2.0 and Social Media Boot Camp - Morning Session

During this live hands-on session, Impact Communications' team of experts will help you build out your branded Twitter and blog pages, complete with your first videocast, podcast and several foundational entries. This will be a hands-on, roll-up-your-sleeves working session conducted live in Denver.

Logistics:

1. Check in at the FPA main conference registration area by 8:15 a.m. local time. Get your name tag. Find your way to the Web 2.0 and Social Media Boot Camp room.

Colorado Convention Center - Room 403 | 700 14th Street, Denver, CO 80202

2. Arrive in the Boot Camp room between 8:15 - 8:25 a.m. You should bring your own laptop, mouse and all corresponding batteries, cords, etc. We will provide a wi-fi internet connection for each participant. Hook up your equipment. If you need a loaner computer, please let Marie Swift know ASAP by sending an email to her assistant maryellenbanta@impactcommunications.org or by calling the Impact office at (913) 649-5009.

3. You should dress in a professional manner - business casual, at a minimum. We will be filming your first video-cast. You may write your own script and deliver it on your own, in a one-person face-front fashion. Or, you may use a version of the script sent to you with registration confirmation and Andy Millard will briefly interview and interact with you in a two-way dialog. We will provide the video equipment needed. You will need to bring your talking points / script. We will discuss this on our pre-Boot Camp Webinar, providing tips and advice so that you are ready when you arrive.

4. You should arrive with your initial blog and Twitter pages established and ready to load with the podcast and video clip that we will be creating live at the Boot Camp. Remember: we'll be giving you a step-by-step demonstration of how exactly to set up your initial blog and Twitter pages during our pre-bootcamp webinar on 9/29/10. For the live boot camp: Bring your username, password and urls to both your blog and your Twitter accounts. Again: We will discuss this initial set up requirement on our pre-Boot Camp Webinar, providing a virtual tutorial to get you started.

5. You will be shown how to record your first podcast using a telephone (land line that we will provide). You will need to bring your talking points / script. We will discuss this on our pre-Boot Camp Webinar, providing tips and advice so that you are ready when you arrive.

6. At 8:30 a.m., local time, Marie Swift will welcome the group and introduce the coaches who will be assisting her that day.

• Special appearance by advisor/blogger extraordinare Andy Millard - star pupil from the premier Boot Camp session offered by FPA on 2/28/10 in Dallas. How Andy has been using his blog, videos and podcasts in conjunction with his enewsletter to build relationships and buzz. How he applied what he learned from the boot camp he attended. How's he modified and improved his approach since then.
  

• Tips on developing good content and headlines for blogs by professional writer/blogger Tom Nawrocki - founder of Triton Financial Newsletters, former journalist who once wrote for the Rolling Stone (and other more traditional business publications).

• How to communicate well when recording your first video and podcast clips - coaching from professional podcaster Chris Hall - co-creator of www.AdvisorPod.com.
  

After the 1 hour foundational conversation, Marie Swift will break the room up into 3 groups - Red Team, Yellow Team and Blue Team. Each team will have a team captain (a volunteer from the attendee group).

For the next 2 hours, attendees will rotate to 3 planned workstations:

• Podcast recording room (coach: Mary Ellen Banta)
  
• Videocast recording room (coaches: Leslie Swid and Andy Millard)
  
• Content creation and file upload center (coaches: Quinn Law, Chris Hall and Tom Nawrocki)

Anyone who still needs help setting up their Blog and/or Twitter pages will stay in the:

• Brainstorming and foundation coaching room (head coach: Marie Swift)
  

We will come back together as a big group approximately 11:30 pm to share what we learned, insights gleaned, etc. You may wish to show your newly branded blog and Twitter pages to the group. We will have an LCD projector and screen, as well as an internet connection established, at the front of the room so all you will need to do is key in your blog and Twitter URLs.

6. The session ends at 12:00 noon. There will be a one-hour lunch break before the after noon session "Managing and Leveraging Your Social Media Strategy" begins at 1:00.

If you have not yet signed up for the afternoon session, you may do so now or on site. A separate fee will apply. The afternoon session is described below.

PACKING LIST FOR DENVER

Please be sure to bring the following items with you:

1. Laptop, batteries, cords, mouse. We need everyone to be self-reliant with their own computer equipment; however, a few "loaner" laptops will be available for emergency use.

2. Your customized scripts / talking points for both your audio recording and your video recording. You should have received two base scripts - one for the audio and one for the video - to edit and "make your own" (earlier this week, from Danielle Hall at FPA). If you did not get your base scripts, contact MaryEllenBanta@Impact Communications.org. If you don't have time to customize them before you arrive in Denver, don't worry, we will have hard copies at the boot camp and you can do quick edits there.

3. Ideas for your first "foundational entries" for your newly established blog and Twitter page. You can also just "get into the spirit" and create them in the moment while in the Content Creation Room in Denver. Professional bloggers Chris Hall and Tom Nawrocki will be on hand to help you with any mental blocks. Professional web master Quinn Law will be there to help you with any technical / upload and posting issues.

4. URLs, passwords and usernames for (a) your blog account (b) your Twitter account. You will need to get into both your blog and your Twitter accounts to post content.

5. Wear camera-ready attire. We will be filming you.

6. Smiling face, alert mind, energy!

Don't worry if you don't have everything "perfect" before arriving in Denver. Just be sure you have your basic blog and Twitter accounts established. Your head coach, Marie Swift, will be on hand in the Foundation Room to help you finish up that process if you have not had time to get through that entire set up process.

The goal of the boot camp is to show you how easy it is to create and upload content to your blog. We will also help you do your first couple of Tweets to draw traffic to your blog and/or website (or to other important articles).

If you need to hold back a little bit due to needing compliance approval first before going "live" with any audios, videos, text, etc., no worries. You can use this as a practice session - and, who knows, compliance may approve your content "as is" once they see it.

Here's contact info for my team:

• (913) 649-5009 - Impact Communications Main Office (will route calls to me or the team)
  
• info@impactcommunications.org - (staff will respond and/or forward notes to me)
• (303) 618-2755 - Coach Mary Ellen Banta's cell phone
• (303) 503-1157 - Coach Leslie Swid's cell phone
  

My team and I will be on the ground, in Denver, as of October 8th.

See you there! We are going to have a lot of fun creating and adding content to your newly established blog and Twitter pages.

Warm regards,

Marie Swift
President and CEO
Impact Communications, Inc.

FPA Denver 2010 Updates

With only a few short weeks away, it's time to prepare yourself for everything FPA Denver 2010 has to offer so you can make the most out of your trip. Take a look at some of the great activities and resources available to you at FPA Denver 2010:

8:30 a.m. to noon on Saturday, October 9
Web 2.0 and Social Media Boot Camp 2010
Head Coach: Marie Swift

During this live hands-on session, Impact Communications' team of experts will help you build out your branded Twitter and blog pages, complete with your first videocast, podcast and several foundational entries. This will be a hands-on, roll-up-your-sleeves working session conducted live in Denver. Special appearance by advisor/blogger extraordinare Andy Millard. Also learn from multi-media expert Chris Hall and professional writer/blogger Tom Nawrocki.

1:00 p.m. - 3:00 p.m. on Saturday, October 9
Managing and Leveraging Your Social Media Strategy
Led by: Marie Swift and Friends

This advanced class will focus on online cross-linking and leveraging strategies that will really boost your online presence. Led by Impact Communications' president and CEO Marie Swift and multimedia expert Chris Hall from Securities America, you will go more in-depth into how to use social media to your advantage. Special appearance by advisor/advanced LinkedIn user Chip Workman. Also learn from professional writer/blogger Tom Nawrocki, founder of Triton Financial Newsletter service. Peter Baird and John Birrenkott from WealthBook will tell you how to set up a private social media site for your clients and/or your business.

Keep reading to learn more! Scroll down now...

Don't Miss the Fall 2010 Web 2.0 and Social Media Boot Camp Series!

Back by popular demand!

A new and improved Web 2.0 and Social Media series powered by FPA and Impact Communications!


Save $50 off full meeting registration by using code: ICFPA10

Are you interested in using the latest Web 2.0 technology to drive traffic to your website? This five-part program uses both webinars and on-site training to help you understand the many things you can be doing now to build relationships with your clients and market your business.

The Web 2.0 and Social Media Boot Camp (offered in two parts in Denver on October 9, 2010), and supplemented by three related webinars, will help you harness the power of the World Wide Web through blogs, podcasts, videocasts, community forums, multimedia presentations, webinars, etc., that serve as a comprehensive expression of your brand and offering. A professional coaching team, lead by industry communications consultant Marie Swift, will show you exactly what to do to use social media and Web 2.0 to your advantage.

 

Element 1: Introductory Webinar (9/01/10) 2:00 p.m. - 3:00 p.m. EDT

During this optional introductory webinar, marketing expert Marie Swift and multi-media expert Chris Hall will provide an overview of the various social media tools, such as LinkedIn, Facebook, Twitter, Blogs, Groupsite and Ning. In addition, Michelle Jacko, Esq., a securities attorney and industry compliance expert, will provide insights about what you can and can't do as an RIA and/or Registered Representative. This webinar is appropriate for those who are just getting their feet wet in the world of social media.

Cost for Element 1: $25 (FPA Members) or $35 (Non-members)
Advance Registration and payment for Element 1 is required. Please click here to register.

 

Element 2 - Pre-Boot Camp Webinar (9/29/10) 2:00 p.m. - 3:00 p.m. EDT

Registrants for the Web 2.0 and Social Media Boot Camp pre-conference (see Element 3, below) are strongly encouraged to attend this session that will build on the optional introductory webinar (see Element 1, above). Marketing pro Marie Swift and award-winning graphic designer Christy Barron will tell you everything you need to do to get ready for your live Boot Camp experience in Denver. They will give you a virtual tutorial, showing you how to set up your own branded blog and Twitter pages. They will give you important homework assignments and encourage you to be ready for the live Denver Boot Camp session on Sunday, October 9 from 8:30 a.m. to noon MDT.

Participation in Element 2 is included with your registration for Element 3. You can register for Element 3 with your Denver 2010 conference registration, please click here to access.

 

Element 3 - Web 2.0 and Social Media Boot Camp (10/09/10) 8:30 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. MDT

During this live hands-on session, Impact Communications' team of experts will help you build out your branded Twitter and a branded blog pages, complete with your first videocast, podcast and several foundational entries. This will be a hands-on, roll-up-your-sleeves working session conducted live in Denver from 8:30 a.m. to noon on Saturday, October 9, 2010. You will be provided with a cable internet connection; attendees are asked to bring their own laptop, batteries, cords and mouse. Impact's professional team of graphic designers, copywriters, film producers and web wizards will be on hand to assist you every step of the way. Walk away with a firm foundation for your professional online presence and business-related social media strategy.

<<< ... Special Guest Appearance and insights from "the Star Pupil" from the 2010 Spring class, advisor Andy Millard.

Cost for Element 3 (includes registration to attend Elements 2, 3 & 5): FPA Members: $300 / Non-members: $350

Advance Registration and payment for Element 3 is required. Register with your Denver 2010 conference registration! Click for access.

 

 

 

Element 4 - Managing and Leveraging Your Social Media Strategy (10/09/10) 1:00 p.m. - 3:00 p.m. MDT

This advanced class will focus on online cross-linking and leveraging strategies that will really boost your online presence. Led by Impact Communications' president and CEO Marie Swift, you will: gain an understanding of the advanced features of LinkedIn; dissect a news release so that it not only has power but search-engine-friendly keywords in place; see how embedding deep links and graphics into news releases can boost search engine results; watch as the instructor loads the news release along with a podcast and other digital assets onto a newswire service; discuss the differences between professional newswire services and low-end (or free) newswire services; learn cross-linking strategies (e.g., between Twitter, blogs, website and newswire pages); discuss how to gather and use intelligence from the web; learn how to use RSS feeds and Reader systems plus monitor your online reputation in real time; get a list of resources for building websites, blogs, group sites and super profile pages. Got a problem with your blog/website or a question about how to do something online? Bring your laptop (and all related cords, mouse, etc.) and the coaches who will be on hand will try to help you fix the problem or enhance your pages while you're there together.

<<< --- Special Guest Appearance and insights from advanced LinkedIn user/blogger, advisor Chip Workman.

Cost for Element 4 (includes registration to attend Elements 4 & 5): Full Rates (August 28 - October 9, 2010): FPA Members: $145 / Non-members: $180

Advance Registration and payment for Element 4 is required. You can register with your Denver 2010 conference registration, please click here to access.

Element 5 - Post-Conference Webinar (11/11/10) 2:00 - 3:00 p.m. EDT

A follow up webinar will be offered to all attendees of the live training sessions (Elements 3 & 4, as described above) to ensure that you have the help you need to leverage these new tools and build your online presence. Marie Swift and select coaches will answer your remaining questions, take a look at your evolving web presence, comment on things you are doing wrong/right, etc.

Participation in Element 5 is included with your registration for either Element 3 or Element 4. You can register for Element 5 with your Denver 2010 conference registration, please click here to access.

Save $50 off full meeting registration by using code: ICFPA10
 

Read Great an article about the 2010 Spring Boot Camp by Davis Janowski of Investment News:

http://www.investmentnews.com/article/20100307/REG/303079970






Would you like to be able to add blog posts, audios and videos quickly and easily to your online presence? Attend the 2010 Fall Web 2.0 and Social Media Boot Camp and walk away with professionally branded blog and Twitter pages, complete with your first podcast, video and text comments!

Save $50 off full meeting registration by using code: ICFPA10

You can register with your Denver 2010 conference registration, please click here to access.






Read read this account of the 2010 Spring Boot Camp written by Christina Nelson, Associate Editor, Financial Planning Association Practice Management Center: Social Media Boot Camp to the Rescue!

Building a Strong Online Presence - Share Your Tips and Advice Here!

Over the many years that I've been coaching financial advisors on Marketing Communications strategies, we've continually discussed how building a strong online presence is essential.

10-12 years ago, websites were just "coming of age" and advisors were asking "Do I really need to have a website? None of my clients are online." Today we know that not only do you need to have a website but it must be A GOOD website. People will look you up online and if they see a poor website (or no website), chances are they will move on to another option. Bottom line: you have to have a good website today to be considered a serious business.

Today, with the advent of LinkedIn, Naymz, Ning, Groupsite, Facebook, My Space, Intranets, Wikis, blogs, Twitter (which is essentially "micro-blogging), You Tube, EONs, and thousands of other social media sites ... coupled with the ability to cross-link to "traditional media mentions" such as WSJ, Kiplingers, local newspaper and magazine mentions, TV clips, etc. and audios, videos and/or multi-media presentations you produce on your own ... it's a wild, wide world of possibilities. I hear this common objection from advisors all the time: "Do I really need to do all this stuff? None of my clients are on XYZ (fill in the blank with Twitter, for instance). I predict that in 2-3 years, we will look back and see that participating on several social media sites - in addition to maintaining and populating a good website and blog - and in addition to having numerous "traditional media hits" - will be required to be seen as a viable resource.

Moral of the story: You owe it to yourself to understand your options today and to get ahead of the curve by embracing several online tactics now.

What happens when people "google" (or "bing") you? What do they see? Online reputation management and presence is important. You want scads of cool stuff to show up on the first google / bing page - articles you've had published, quotes in publications, a blog, your Twitter feeds, your LinkedIn page, your profile on FPA's site (or NAPFA, Garrett Network, Paladin Registry, WiserAdvisor, NAIFA, etc.), a You Tube video channel, a book you contributed to or wrote, online news releases, etc.

Here's one other "must": REGISTER YOUR BUSINESS WITH GOOGLE LOCAL AT http://www.google.com/local/add. You want to make sure that if anyone searches for you online, your name comes up!

Using the right keywords and meta tags (and copy in your web content) is also important.

I could go on and on ... but let's see what you all have to say. Everyone please chime in with your best tips and advice by posting your comments on this blog site.

Not only will be learn new ways to improve our online presences, but I'll be sharing some of our collective wisdom at Web 2.0 and Social Media Boot Camp that I'm doing for FPA as a pre-conference offering (right before FPA's national conference in Denver) on Saturday, October 9, 2010.

If any of you want to attend that boot camp session, it will run from 8:30 am - noon (the 3.5 hour long session will include setting up professionally branded blog and twitter pages and populating your blog with both a podcast and a video clip / interview that we'll record there on site, as well as core content). We'll have a lunch break from noon - 1:00. Then I'll be leading an advanced cross-linking and online reputation management class from 1:00-3:00. The main conference kicks off that evening.

Just watch the FPA Bulletins if you want to consider joining me for the Social Media Boot Camp.

Meanwhile, please share your tips and advice on building a strong online presence here.

Thanks,
Marie Swift
Marketing Communications and PR Coach

Is Social Media a Fad? A Little Friendly Persuasion!

Listen to this: Building Relationships with Web 2.0 and Social Media

Vince Esposito of AdvisorConnect and Marie Swift of Impact Communications talk about ways financial advisors can use Web 2.0 and Social Media to market their services and build relationships.

Audio here:
http://www.audioacrobat.com/sa/WZT0dCrT

Slide show here:
http://www.slideshare.net/bgeyser/marie-swift-social-media