SMBMSP 28 - Small Business Get Social

We've talked about social media with many organizations, from non-profits to journalists to healthcare and sports.  One of many things we haven't looked at is how small businesses are using social media.

This month we'll be outdoors at Deluxe Corp in Shoreview talking with five small business people about their approach to social media.  Each small business is unique and so are their needs.  Another interesting thing this month is that each of these business people have elected to DIY their social media strategy and solution.

So come and learn some of the challenges, tips and tricks that work for these successful small businesses and share some new ideas and tactics with them as well!

Don't forget we're outside under the "big top" for this event, so rain or shine, we'll have a good time!

Moderator: Jason DeRusha (@derushaj)

Award-winning journalist & social media innovator from WCCO Television.  Jason is well-known to the social media community here in Minneapolis & St. Paul, and is no stranger to SMBMSP.  He's attended many events, and has taken several suggestions for his "Good Question" segment at WCCO.  You can learn more about Jason DeRusha on his bio page over at WCCO.

Panelists:

Dan Marshall (@peapodsnatural)

Dan Marshall is co-owner with his wife Millie Adelsheim of Peapods Natural Toys & Baby Care in St. Paul.  Peapods offers wood toys, baby slings, cloth diapers, kids' music and clothes with an emphasis on environmentally friendly and locally-made goods. Dan is also the founder and vice president of the Handmade Toy Alliance, a national trade group advocating for small batch children's product manufacturers, and a former board member of the Metro Independent Business Alliance (MetroIBA). Peapods can be found at www.peapods.com, facebook.com/peapods, and twitter.com/peapodsnatural.

Aimee Pelletier (@darnknitanyway)

Aimee is the owner of Darn Knit Anyway (what a great name!), a yarn and fabric shop on Main Street in historic Stillwater, MN.  Customers have a great selection of knitting supplies and handmade gifts and crafts, or simply hang out in the Darn Knit Anyway kitting lounge to work on projects with friends.  Amiee is a member of Minnesota Women in Networking (WIN) and is the treasurer of the Mainstreet Stillwater Independent Business Alliance.  Darn Knit Anyway can be found at www.darnknitanyway.com, facebook.com/darnknitanyway, and twitter.com/darnknitanyway.

Naomi Williamson (@sanctuaryrest)

After practicing law for two years, Naomi discovered she really preferred business and embarked on a 20 year career with Honeywell and a number of other firms.  Following the dream of owning a restaurant in downtown Minneapolis with her husband, Naomi created a Sanctuary the Restaurant in Minneapolis.  A place where friends, old & new, could gather over dinner and relax.  Since 2007, Naomi has discovered how social media can play a part in telling the story of their restaurant.  Sanctuary can be found at www.sanctuaryminneapolis.com, facebook (trust us, long URL), and twitter.com/sanctuaryrest.

Julie Warner (@warnersstellian)

Julie is the marketing assistant of Warner's Stellian, Minnesota's top independent appliance retailer.  Julie has 'cut her teeth" in the family business, from answering phones in 2002 to assisting in customer service in local stores.  After a stint in online journalism, Julie returned to Warner's Stellian to handle content marketing and social media engagement.  Warner's Stellian can be found at www. warnersstellian.com, facebook.com/warnersstellian, and twitter.com/warnersstellian.

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