We know you are overwhelmed with information about how you can and should use new-media marketing tools like social media. I’ve talked to many of you who want to use new technology, get set up with it and then life takes over and you can’t keep up with it. You know you need to do it and you even want to do it, but it feels like you just don’t have the time. Well, we have designed a special retreat for you and your employees: The K-State Center for Rural Enterprise Engagement New-Media Marketing Bootcamp (February 8-9, 2017 in Overland Park, Kansas). Not only will we train your staff, we’ll also give you that precious time to plan, practice and implement what you will learn at the conference.
We have content perfect for novice and advanced users. More information can be found here: ruralengagement.org/bootcamp or just look above to the header on this website for links to session descriptions, schedule, travel information and more.
Our Keynote Speaker is Nicole Leinbach Reyhle, founder of Retail Minded, a source for retail news, education and support for independent businesses. Not only has Nicole worked for a variety of respected retailers such as Nordstrom, Adidas America, Sears Corporation and Franco Sarto Footwear, she has also taught college-level courses on marketing, written a textbook and is a spokeswoman for American Express’s Small Business Saturday program. Most recently in our industry, she has published articles in Lawn and Garden Retailer Magazine. At the New-Media Marketing Bootcamp, Nicole will be presenting our lunch keynote on Wednesday and a special concurrent session on Thursday, Red Carpet Customer Service. Nicole comes highly recommended–you are sure to be inspired!
General sessions at the Bootcamp include:
- The Right Approach to Social Media
- Facebook Audience Engagement
- Where Should You Be? Considering Secondary Platforms for Your Audience–Instagram, Pinterest, Twitter, Snapchat
- Revitalizing Email Marketing
- Putting It All Together
Concurrent, hands-on sessions include:
- Claiming and Building the Online Hub of Your Business: Basic DIY Website Platforms OR Easy Video Tools
- Facebook Deeper Dive: Analyzing Performance of Your Page OR Learn to Love Your Photos: Clever Phone Photo Tips to Help You Stand Out
- Integrating Facebook Ads into Your Marketing Plan OR Simple Graphic Tools to Make Your Content Shine
- Am I Ready for E-Commerce? OR Red Carpet Customer Service
For those of you interested in touring some local small businesses while you’re in town for the Bootcamp, we have a special treat lined up. There will be a limited number of seats available for tours and special marketing chats with Family Tree Nursery and The Roasterie.
Registration, hotel and travel information can be found here: https://ruralengagement.org/bootcamp/. Early Bird registration will be $199 ($159 for From the Land of Kansas members). After Early Bird ends February 13, registration will cost $279 ($239 for From the Land of Kansas members). Stay tuned for deadlines and registration launch.
I think it’s safe to say that there is something here for everyone. While we’ve designed content with the retail garden center in mind, what you will learn will be applicable to any small agribusiness. I encourage you to look at your schedule and your budget and think about whether you can afford NOT to move forward with implementing a new-media marketing plan. We’ll help you be ready for 2017!