Jenn Tran: June 2009 Archives

Seems like cool events usually happen on the same night... If blogging and journalism is more your thing, the Online News Association will be hosting a *free* seminar tomorrow (06/18/09) night at the LA Times building. Topics of conversation will include the popularity and the "revolution" of high iPhone usage and how to leverage the technology when it comes to reporting. Thanks to my buddy, Martin Bosworth of ConsumerAffairs.com for the heads up!

Registration closes tomorrow - so sign up ASAP if you'd like to go. 

Of course it you'd like some 101 on Twitter and Facebook, I'll be seeing you tomorrow night at Provecho!

If you're in Los Angeles on Thursday I'd like to cordially invite you to a short presentation I'm giving (sponsored by Staples) to the gracious people at Conexion and the Latina Business Association L.A. It's $10 at the door and will be held at Provecho in Downtown L.A. I'll be speaking about my two favorite topics: Twitter and Facebook and how it relates to *you* in the professional world!

Here's the flyer.

Hope to see you there!

For all the twitter addicts out there (like me): we just launched a job feed that will tweet all Aquent Featured Jobs as they are posted to the site! Enjoy!

http://www.twitter.com/aquentjobs

Click here if you would like to follow Aquent.

LA's interactive team recently had their inaugural first shindig for the Los Angeles Web Design and Development Group Meetup. It was awesome (we were even rated 4/5 stars on meetup.com)! The purpose of the group was to facilitate a networking event for registered and non-registered talent within the interactive space. This also gave us a chance to get more face time with current talent to catch up with what's going on in their world. We met some really stellar folks and I can't wait for the next one! With that in mind, for those of you who are new to the idea of going to professional networking events, even if they are held in a casual setting (ex: ours was at Busby's East)... here are a few things that you should keep in mind:

1) Don't forget your business cards! (You'd be surprised how many did.)
2) Don't forget to ask for their card (not everyone offers theirs up - or remembers too).
3) Small notebook + pen - say someone else forgot their card and you want to take down their information (see also: point four). A small notepad is also great for taking down notes when someone passes you some exciting information to look up when you get home. People also tend to be very drawn and appreciative by someone who actually *listens* to what they're talking about... it will make you stand out to the person you just met (in a good way).
4) Don't forget your phone - it's a good gesture to develop a stronger relationship to show that you are entering someone's information in your phone. It shows that you are committed to following up on future conversations or possible ventures.
5) What's your social network of choice? Most people are on LinkedIn, Facebook and Twitter. Don't just ask if they are on these sites, ask which one they find themselves on the most... that way you know what to expect or how best to reach them through these channels.
6) Once the event is over, make sure that you connect to the people you meet on these networks right away, that way you are fresh in their mind.

Although these tips may seem intuitive to you, it may help to have them jotted down just in case. That way you are always prepared and know you are making the most out of these professional networking events!

IMAGE BY by Steven Parker

I recently had the exciting opportunity to speak at a Media Leaders networking event on one of my favorite forms of social networking: twitter. A lot of people have requested a copy of my notes so I am posting them here for your enjoyment:
 
I. GROW THAT NETWORK

A. Seek out like-minded influencers to follow then tag your account under similar categories. Here are popular twitter directories (a great start).
http://wefollow.com
http://twitterholic.com
http://twello.com
http://twibes.com

B. Immediately interact with influencers by @ing them. (Comment, ask them questions... get involved!) Don't @ for the sake of it - start an intelligent exchange. Also, use hashtags # when tweeting about big topics, so people can find you.

C. Get integrated! Have a blog? Facebook page? E-newsletter? Business card/email signature? Promote your twitter account on these to gain followers from your other social networks!

II. GET YOUR RE-TWEET ON!

A. Have good content (valuable, relevant, entertaining, newsworthy) for your network. This could be anything. But, make sure it's RELEVANT to the group you want to attract.

B. Have a short, enticing description to get people to click on link (use a url shortener to make your tweet easier to be RT'd: http://tinyurl.com http://is.gd http://bit.ly are some good ones). Don't just say "check this out" - it may annoy people. Try using description of your reaction: "WOW! Inspiration to run more: http://bit.ly/aZdms"

C. Once you get RT'd retweet yourself via follower to show your tweeple that others are excited about your stuff. Example:

anotorias THX! RT @aquenteer Nice! RT @anotorias WOW! Inspiration to run more: http://bit.ly/aZdms

III. DON'T BE A TWITBOT!

A. Even if your twitter account is a corporate account don't just spew out information (unless you're the sigalert).

B. Mix it up. Add interesting/funny anecdotes. I like to make commentary and updates on our snackfood.

C. Know your identity! Be consistent about your image. Twitter is a place to share ideas. Don't be afraid to fail (there are always more followers to gain).

That's it. Now you're ready to go! If you have any questions please feel free to follow me @aquenteer (work) or @anotorias (personal) and ask questions!

PHOTOGRAPH BY MALLIX