Agencies United, a group that brings together professionals from non-profit organizations in Will County, held a networking workshop at Joliet Area Hospice on Monday, May 16th. Executive directors, marketing specialists, and other staff members came together to learn and share ideas about how to successfully integrate social media into their marketing strategies and network more effectively.

Juli Barcelona, President and Digital Strategist of Barcelona Creative Group (BCG), was the event’s featured speaker. She presented a “Social Media 101,” aspiring to enhance attendees’ understanding of the differences between various social media sites and how to utilize them to build word-of-mouth, increase fundraising, and create awareness for their cause. Mark Wilson, Senior Account Manager for Dale Carnegie Training, also presented a program on how to network more effectively.

“Even though social media marketing was a major part of the workshop, it was great to be able to listen to Mark from Dale Carnegie. I completed the Dale Carnegie training program over 6 years ago and I remember having to go through those networking exercises. It has played a big part in what I am able to do today from speaking events to better networking.” – Juli Barcleona

BCG, located in Palos Heights, is beginning their 22nd year in business. As a one-stop marketing communications resource, they facilitate and conduct brand research, develop the strategic plan and create all materials and campaigns to support brand development, creating a more cohesive program for their clients.

As local experts in integrated marketing and using social media effectively, BCG makes an effort to share their knowledge and expertise with other businesses. In her presentation, Juli Barcelona explained how branding has changed, making your company website and/or blog one of your most valuable investments. Social media has shifted the way people discover, read and share news, information and content. Businesses that embrace these tools have the ability to build relationships and engage in meaningful conversations with customers as well as other businesses.

“Online tools are great ways to jump start word-of mouth about your company’s products and services with little or no cost of entry. It is imperative that digital and traditional media efforts are integrated. You must reinforce what you do both online and off. At BCG, we are helping clients integrate their marketing strategies to build their brands and grow their business, and achieve measurable results,” states Juli.

As with other forms of media, there are rules and best practices for the use of social media.

Juli explains, with social media, “You can’t just say it; you have to get others to say it.” For social media efforts to be successful, you must facilitate discussion between customers and other businesses, rather than just provide them with information. It is important to listen to your clients and prospects and understand what they need and want from you and your business.

The use of social media can also benefit your website by enhancing search engine optimization. Google will pick up and display tweets, Facebook pages, YouTube videos, blog entries and LinkedIn profiles in search results. There are tools available for managing your reputation and tracking competition. Barcelona creates “Competitive Intelligence,” a report they provide to clients providing online intelligence of their media and the competition.
Local non-profits who participated in this event shared that they have already had some great successes using Facebook to expand their reach. One in particular has generated donations from Europe through family members here by adding a “Donate” button to their Facebook page.

Members of more than 15 non-profit agencies located in Will County attended the event, including Advocate Family Care Network, Joliet Area Community Hospice, Girl Scouts of Greater Chicago & NW Indiana, Camp Fire USA, Illinois Prairie Council, and Sertoma Speech & Hearing Center.

If you have questions about social media marketing or want to learn more about Barcelona Creative Group’s integrated approach, please visit www.barcelonacreative.com or contact Juli Barcelona by email at juli@barcelonacreative.com, or phone at (708) 448-8077.