10 TIPS TO CREATING AN AWESOME SOCIAL MEDIA CAMPAIGN.

1. Have Realistic Goals. What do you want to achieve? How are you going to do it?

2. Know Who Your Target Market Is. Who is your customer? What do they like? What do they dislike?

3. Know Where Your Target Market Is. Is your customer on Instagram? Facebook? Don't create a   social account because you think you have to. If it doesn't make sense for your business- don't make an account.

4. Decide On Your Brand Voice + Stick to It. Is the voice of your business funny? Serious? Sarcastic? Don't confuse your audience by changing your voice. Pick one and stick with it.

5. Create + Share Relevant Content. Distinguish your business as an expert by creating and sharing content relevant to your audience.

6. Use Visually Appealing Graphics. Never use blurry or grainy pictures. Always cite photos that aren't yours. Here are some awesome resources for free pictures.

7. Engage, Don't Sell. Don't make everything you do about sales. Interact With Your Followers.   

8. Stand Out. What makes your business different from your competition? Show your followers.

9. Stay Consistent. Post regularly. Brands who do not maintain a consistent presence on their media channels struggle to create and build communities around their brand. 

10. Schedule It, Give It Away Or Reconsider. Can't post regularly? Schedule future posts with programs like Hootsuite. No time to schedule, it may be time to think about hiring help or reconsidering your presence on social media.

What are some of your tips to creating an awesome social media campaign? Comment below to share. 

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HOW TO MAKE YOUR BUSINESS STAND OUT

Let's get real. The business world is super competitive. Businesses are clawing for the attention of potential customers while trying to retain their current clients. Regardless of your industry or company size, I'm sure, right now you can think of about 5 competitors (maybe more), who offer the same services or products as you. Why should someone choose your business over another? In your industry, are you standing out or are you no different than your competitors?

Here are a few ways to stand out from the crowd and distinguish your business from your competition:

The Cool Factor. What's your company's cool factor? Are you an ice cream shop that makes handmade ice cream and cones or a fitness studio that focuses on uplifting clients, both emotionally and spiritually while giving a great workout? Tell us! If there's something unique about your company, a cool factor, share it with your audience. Make it apart of your company story!

Be Creative In Your Social Marketing. Social media is an amazing tool for helping businesses stand out however, business can fall short when they fail to be creative. When it comes to promoting your business on social platforms think outside the box. Green Leaf Juicing Company is an excellent example of creative social marketing. Green Leaf Juicing co uses their Instagram and Facebook accounts to promote their product in a creative and interesting way. They've also found a way to promote their cool factor (that their product is made with organic ingredients.) Awesome!

Take It Back....Old School. Everyone likes to feel appreciated and special. These days, with the expansion of technology, the art of personalized messages are quickly disappearing. Instead of sending a client a thank you email, send them a handwritten thank you note. Instead of sending a "checking up on you" email to previous client, send them a card. Personalized, handwritten note/cards are a great way to stand out and to show your potential and current clients that they are important.

What’s your best business advice for standing out of the crowd? Share with us in the comments!

WHAT TO WEAR TO THE SEMPDX ROOFTOP MIXER + 5 TIPS TO GETTING THE MOST OUT OF NETWORKING

A few months ago I attended #PDXChat, a quarterly event series put on by the Social Media Club PDX. I had such a great time learning and meeting my peers in the marketing community that ever since then, I’ve been on the lookout for local PR and marketing events to attend. So, when I heard about the SEMpdx Rooftop Networking Party I just had to get tickets! Good people, cool drinks and a rooftop? Definitely sounds like my kind of party!

With a background in fashion, naturally my first thought after purchasing tickets was, what am I going to wear?

Floral and leaf print patterns are right on trend this summer. This TOPSHOP crop overlay dress is the perfect way to stay cool, cute and professional during an evening of networking. 

Wedges are definitely my go to shoe when I know I'm going to be standing for a long time. It's hard to make genuine conversation and build relationships when your feet hurt...trust me. Ha! 

A light, neutral lip is great for adding a little color without going overboard and simple accessories nicely complement the busy print of the dress.

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So now that you've picked out your outfit and you're looking fab, here are 5 tips to help you get the most out of networking:

Have a killer Elevator Pitch. An elevator pitch is a brief, yet precise introduction of who you are and what you do. A creative and informative elevator pitch is a great way to open the door for people to want to know more about you. 

Go with the flow. It's okay to memorize your elevator pitch and to practice conversating but don't get so stuck in playing it by the book that you sound rehearsed. You don't want to seem robotic or calculated. Relax and go with the flow. 

Show genuine interest. Don't focus the conversation all about you, or make finding people who can help you your main goal. Find value in other people. Listen to what they say and ask questions. "Networking is not about collecting contacts, it's about planting relationships." Unknown. 

Ditch your nervousness at the door. This is the absolute number one, most important piece of networking advice I could ever give you. Don't miss out on an opportunity. Leave your nerves at the door and remember that everyone is in the same boat.

Follow up. Stay connected to the new people you met by following up within 24 hours with an email, an invitation to get coffee or even a tweet. This is essential to keeping the relationship fresh.

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Do you have any networking tips? Share them below. Will you be attending the SEMpdx Rooftop Networking Party? Make sure you say hi!