NEWS RELEASE

Social Networking Topic at Venture Center Classes

The Merrick County Venture Center was the setting for afternoon and early evening workshops on Social Networking. “Social Networking for Business” was the topic of a 12:00-1:30 class. Social networking on the Internet is using social media applications such as Facebook, Twitter and LinkedIn to promote or bring awareness to your business.

“Your business may not have a web site or use social media to advertise, but people are already talking about your business on the Internet” stated Casey Griffith, a web site marketer that presented at the noon class. She reviewed the history and uses of social media and provided an overview of business applications to the 13 local business representatives attending the class. Lynn Manhart, Central City librarian shared her experiences and suggestions on using social media. Social media applications can be used to listen to consumers and vendors as well as promoting goods or services.

Some successful uses of social media include H & R Block’s Facebook page where people can ask tax questions, Coca-Cola’s blog on Coke collectables and other Coke related products. Best Western uses a blog to share travel experiences across the USA. Hewlett Packard “tweets” on Twitter to conduct scavenger hunts at conventions. Class participants included Dee & Gary Berry, Michelle Carroll, Pat Carlson, Dean Hartwig, Tracy Hefner, David Lee, Lynn Manhart, Miles McGinnis, Dan Monaghan, Nick & Kristen Ryan & Trent Wagner.

Afternoon and evening classes on “Social Networking for Fun” were also conducted. Lynn Manhart and Michelle Carroll assisted afternoon class participants while Casey Griffith reviewed specific capabilities and applications on Facebook and Twitter. Security and privacy issues were covered as well as adjusting access settings and hiding undesired comments or postings. Participants in the two classes were: Suzanne Brunken, Teri Beck, Roxanne Brandes, Pat Carlson, Michelle Carroll, Kathleen & Chuck Griffith, David Lee, Miles McGinnis, Ralph, Katie & Suzanne Supernaw & Kim Wagner.