Connector Training – Course No.1!!

by Sarai Fernandez on April 1st, 2010

Connector has gathered together a diverse group of people keen to learn the basics of social media marketing and how to get the most of it.  Today Connector is running its first training course, called “Introduction to Social Media Marketing” at Cassidy’s Hotel in Dublin 1.

We are looking at the Connector blog,  Conor’s Facebook profile, the Connector Facebook Fan Page, and friends of the Facebook Group; Conor’s LinkedIn profile, where we joined the Connector LinkedIn Group, Connector Twitter and WordPress.

Two of the attendees, Nessa O’Hara and David Curry, were the lucky winners of 2 free seats. Connector is still giving your the opportunity to win 2 free seats in the next 3 courses which are being held in April. To find out more about the contest, click here.

Connector Weekly – 1st Feb 2010

by Sarai Fernandez on February 1st, 2010

This week at Connector … We are about to launch Connector Training Courses, to get more info click here.

Connector @ Events

Last week was great for Connector too! We had the Speed Connector, and we fundraised to support our pal Adrian Garry’s volunteering trip to Haiti. And now we’re looking for Tribes to parcitipate in our next event “Connector Tribal Love” on the 25th Feb at the Science Gallery

Conor was a guest for the Bootcamp at Stillorgan, the show run by the SFA which helps business to become more professional, more productive and more profitable, check their next venues on the website.We are going to the

ESB Des Bishop’s Gig at the Button Factory this Wednesday with 10 winners from Connector.

The second edition of the Dublín Web Summit will be on thursday, and besides high profile speakers, Connector will organise the networking party after the workshops.

Cool things are happening in Dublin the next days: The Irish Film Institute is having a free movies day on January 8th,  the Postgrad Fair on the 16th and the Dublin Central Library will host a  free workshop for jobseekers on the 25th.

Connector Links

Some links we like on the Internet… : Business Chamber, a free tool for local networking; Sagespark, a platform with lots of tools and services for small business; Bump Technologies an application for your mobile to share contact details, and 2night a website and a magazine to help you decide where the fun is going to start.

Social Media

And some news about the Social Media: A special report on Social Networking by The Economist, new data about time spent in social networking sites and a webinar run by the Irish Internet Association.

Have a look at the latest appearances on the media: On Thursday, The Irish Independent published an interview with Conor and The Sunday Times tackled Social Networking with the Conor highlighting the issue. Besides that , Conor wrote his regular column in The Digital Times and we have sent out the January eNews.

Social networking for business

by Izabela Zelazna on December 15th, 2009

Once you think you know all about the social networking sites, sure enough, there will be somebody to prove you wrong.

Not that I would ever make such a bold statement, however I thought that I am quite well informed due to my vivid interest in social networking & media and efforts to continuously learn more and keep finger on the pulse.  Thus, I joined numerous groups on LinkedIn and every few days I receive an e-zine with the overview of the discussions and activities within each group.

This week, I came across very interesting post by Praveen Singh, who gave heads up on the new sites to grow social network. He listed top eight sites, which in his opinion are the best for more specific purposes or narrower audiences. As I have never heard about them before, I decided to share and RT @ … or shall I say “RePost” it for educational purposes of the readers.

APSense is a business social network where people get paid to come together to share their business.

USP: potential revenue stream

Biznik is a community of entrepreneurs and small businesses dedicated to helping each other succeed.

USP: local angle

Entrepreneur Connect is the social network where small-business owners can create a profile, explore the community, share ideas and make connections.

USP: exchange of real advice

FastPitchNetworking is a one-stop shop for a business professional to network and market their business.

USP: e-mail marketing & virtual trade shows

GoBigNetwork is for start up investors.

USP: fund finding

Konnects is the only social media platform designed for local newspapers.

USP: local media support

Marzar helps to connect with business owners and showcase products and services.

USP: marketplace application

Xing, is yet another social platform for enabling a small world network for professionals.

USP: useful especially on German&Spanish markets

Are there any more interesting and worthwhile platforms for professionals looking for networking and business opportunities?

Content is King @ The Guinness Storehouse

by Conor on November 17th, 2009

Today’s ‘Content is King’ conference in the Guinness Storehouse was a great event and thanks to Jack for inviting Connector along.

My question going into today’s talk was whether ‘Content is King’? Content is normally the likes of digital video, virals, games, podcasts, apps and what is consumed online.

I don’t believe that ‘Content is King’ unless there are more members of this Digital & Social Media royal family!  What about Conversation and Connections for starters ?  Content is what people talk about in their conversations.  However without killer creative or a media budget, the content will more than likely be lacking in views, as no one will know about it.  Having a large amount of existing social media connections also helps to spread the word.

So if Content is King, then is Conversation the Queen and Connections the Princes & Princesses ?

Is this the Digital & Social Media Royal Flush?  As it happens, I am working on a new Digital & Social Media eBook & presentation which will give my views on how to play the winning hand in this new marketing casino ;-0  Watch this space.

At the conference today, as well as showcasing some of the best international content examples, we were treated to an interview with local practitioners that included the excellent Sophie Merry, a new friend who has been down to a bunch of Connector events.  She has had over 5 million views of her funky dancing on youtube.

As Will MacInnes said it is ‘the best time in the world to be the underdog’.  You can follow the rest of the Twitter chat on the hashtag #cik which summarises some of the key learnings via @niamhsmith, @darraghdoyle & @krishnade.

Here is a video interview I made with Kodak’s Philip Scott who is … wait for it … Kodak’s Marketing Director Digital Capture & Devices and Vice President of Consumer Digital Group.  Phew !  He must have to work pretty hard to justify all that ink printed on his business cards !

Connector Launches Event

by Conor on November 11th, 2009

Connector is looking for 10 new businesses to step forward and tell us their story at a great new Connector Event on the 26th November 2009.  We are also accepting newish businesses who have a new web site, web or mobile app or video to show off.  Maybe you have a new fashion design ?  Maybe a new killer home made chocolate bar ?  You tell us what you been up to and we will help you spread the word !

Does this sound like you or a friend of yours ?  If so please register your interest with Event Elephant – The final list of presenters will be unveiled on the 19th November.  Good luck !

#Media140 Connections

by Conor on October 24th, 2009

I did not realise that Monday the 26th is a bank holiday in Ireland and I booked into a Twitter type ‘real time media conference in London, called Media 140 (with reference to Twitter’s 140 character limit). It aims to cover everything a brand needs to know about twitter & ‘real-time social media’.

I will use the time to catch up with some old friends and colleagues and report back some learnings from the conference.  The one day conference will explore the impacts of real-time social media on agencies, marketers and brands.  The hashtag for the conference is #Media140 & I hope some of Ireland’s social media heads follow the day online.

As they say – “If brands are your business, Media140 is a conference you can’t afford to miss.  Are your brands social? Are they staying ahead of competitors in the social media space? If you answered ‘no’ or ‘um, not sure…’ to either of those questions, you need to come to Media140 in London, on the 26th October 2009.”

Twestival & connector on RTE News

by Conor on September 15th, 2009

I was at the Dublin Twestival on Thursday night in Krystle Nightclub which was a fundraiser for Barnados.  As you may know I use Twitter under the profile  connector_ie & it was good to meet some old friends and make some new ones.

I did not stay too late but seemed much quieter than the last event – the highlight was a performance by Karl Spain.

I was interviewed by RTE news while there and some of my comments are included in the video below – thanks to Gene Murphy for proposing me for interview on RTE Network 2 News @ 11pm.  Apologies for the poor quality of the video and the original is here on RTE.ie

Connections @ Saba Restaurant

by Jamie Richardson on August 21st, 2009

It may be difficult to think of a better way to celebrate my last couple night in Dublin than a fantastic meal at Saba. This Thai & Vietnamese restaurant’s food was just as lively and vivacious as its atmosphere.

Located on Clarendon Street, just off of St. Stephen’s Green, Saba’s popularity was clear from the start by the array of people situated in both the bar and restaurant section. Rob Cumiskey from Venntertainment joined Caoimhe, Conor and I for our meal. Rob’s also blogged about our evening at Saba, check it out >here>>

With great appetizer (from squid to chicken wings), promptly followed by our delicious meals with excellent wine, and topped off with ice cream and a brownie for dessert, the night was definitely a treat. There was a great menu with a wide variety of items to choose from.

The lights were low, but the decor on was lovely, and I especially enjoyed the popping-pink accents throughout the restaurant.

On the whole, the food, service, and character at Saba provided an extraordinary evening and I would say is definitely worth checking out for yourself!

A special thanks to Heidi O’Sullivan from WHPR for the great recommendation!

Connector Intern Andrew's Farewell

by Jamie Richardson on August 19th, 2009

Summer is nearly over, and that could only mean that Andrew and I will part ways with Connector …at least in the geographical sense.

In fact, Andrew has already departed! Last week was the end of his internship program, so we celebrated his farewell last Thursday evening. We started the night out at O’Donoghues and later met up with BalconyTV’s Tom, Stephen & their intern Jess for a wonderful farewell meal at Hugo’s.

The night was great fun, and we got to enjoy live music from Tom who was performing at Hugo’s. Incredible music Tom, great job!

There was definitely a “Connector” theme to the night, with Andrew’s gift of Connector-colored cufflinks from Conor, as well as a wine bottle that looks oddly familiar …

What a great summer it’s been and we’re undoubtedly sad to see Andrew go! I’ve got a couple days left before I’m heading back across the Atlantic as well . . .

Connect @ the Speed Connector Event !

by Jamie Richardson on August 18th, 2009

What’s one way to guarantee at least 20 connections in one night? Speed Connector, of course!

This Friday is August’s Connector Event, Speed Connector. Inspired by the concept of Speed Dating, Speed Connector is a fast and easy way to make a multitude of connections!

Connector No.13 – August 21 @ 7pm – late, Krystle, Harcourt Street, Dublin 2.

This event is being held at Krystle nightclub and includes free sponsored drinks from Jameson.

To RSVP to the event on Facebook, go >here>>

Come join us for Speed Connector, and we hope to see you there!