What You Should Know Now

NEW COLUMNIST: Constant Contact's e-Marketing Expert Lanelle Henderson to make her debut in our February issue

Lanelle Henderson is a marketing expert and passionate entrepreneur with more than 18 years of experience helping small businesses, nonprofits and associations apply the power of relationship marketing to grow their organization. She has worked with hundreds of Georgia entrepreneurs -- ranging from novice to seasoned marketers - on how to grow their customer or member base through sharp business practices and smart online marketing programs, including email marketing, event marketing and social media marketing. An active member of the Georgia business community, Lanelle is a popular speaker and trainer on marketing and business topics with a special interest in hospitality, community and education, and a focus on empowering women.

The Google+ project: A quick look [VIDEO]

Check out the Webcam and Group Chat options ...

Missed Out? Moving Your Business Forward Conference [Recap]

By Chela Counts

Atlanta Tribune: The Magazine and title sponsors Clayton State University, Georgia Power, IBM, Oasis Outsourcing and Constant Contact were pleased to host part two of the 8^th Annual Moving Your Business Forward Conference on Wednesday, July 28, 2010.

The conference, held at Clayton State University, consisted of three panel discussions and an interactive, working lunch session facilitated by Pamela Adams, Constant Contact’s regional development director for Georgia:  

· How to Know What Technology Will Help You Get Customers

Panelists: Todd Bethel, Kingdom Media Group; Shashi Bellamkonda, Network Solutions; and Jeff Brathwaite, 2 the Next Level Inc.

· How Social Media is Affecting Diversity Initiatives

Panelists: Erica Bracey, Small Business Development Center, Georgia State University; Terri L. Denison, Georgia District Office U.S. Small Business Association; Keya Grant, Spherion Corporation; and David Stiner, IBM

· Online Reputation Management

Panelists: Brent Leary, CRM Essentials; James Andrews, EveryWhere; David Bullock and Adrienne Graham, Empower Me! Corporation

This year’s vendors were Georgia Power, MARTA, All-State, Constant Contact, US Small Business Association and the Charge-N-Go Network.

A Verizon Wireless smart phone and a free infomercial recorded and produced by American Technologies (www.americantechnologies.net) were awarded to drawing winners who were active members of Atlanta Tribune’s A-Suite program.

Special thanks to Clayton State University for providing breakfast, boxed lunches, reception and facility accommodations.

 

  

 
Full pictorial recap in the upcoming September 2010 issue.

Photo Credit: Alex Jones

Meet the Panelists

In case you missed the Moving Your Business Forward Conference at Clayton State University last week, here's a round-up of our expert panelists. Thanks to our sponsors Wells Fargo, All State and Clayton State University.

MODERATOR
Rachael Murphy Humphrey is vice president and co-owner of Mail Centers Plus, an outsource partner for document distribution and mail service operations. Her business ownership experience spans more than 15 years working with her husband Vernon. The operations have earned her valued business awards as well as appearances in The Coca-Cola Company advertisement as a valued business partner. In 1998, she founded Metro Records Management, a Xerox dealer and 100 percent woman-owned firm. Humphrey won the Georgia Women’s Business Council Trailblazer Award in 2008.

SESSION 1:Supplier Diversity: What’s New in This Changing Economy

Derek Cantey is a senior business manager in the Corporate Supplier Diversity Group. He is responsible for supplier diversity strategic planning, diversity sourcing & procurement, education and outreach, and acts as the department’s principal liaison to Wells Fargo Lines of Business and Supply Chain Management. Cantey has been with Wells Fargo for more than 20 years and has held various positions within the sourcing and procurement department -- including heading the development and training of the corporation’s on-line procurement ordering system. He is past chairman of the Carolinas Minority Supplier Development Council.

Antoine Smith is manager of economic opportunity with the Metropolitan Atlanta Rapid Transit Authority’s Office of Diversity and Equal Opportunity. She is responsible for making certain that firms seeking to be certified as a Disadvantaged Business Enterprise meet the eligibility criteria in accordance with Title 49, Code of Federal Regulations, Parts 23 and 26. In addition, she serves as an advocate of the Authority’s commitment to the utilization of small, socially and economically disadvantaged businesses in contracts and procurements. Smith also assists businesses with technical and management solutions.

Pamela J. Smith is president of Smith Real Estate Services Inc., a full-service real estate consulting firm in Atlanta. The core competencies of the firm include right of way land acquisition services, commercial brokerage, development management and consulting, agency construction management and project management. Smith is a licensed broker in the states of Mississippi, Georgia, Alabama and Florida. She specializes in commercial investment real estate and is a state certified general appraiser. Smith serves on the board of Community Life Concepts, and is a member of the Atlanta Partners for Education board of advisors.

SESSION II: Unlocking Your Company’s Potential by Using Social Media

Brent Leary is co-founder and partner of CRM Essentials LLC, and Atlanta-based customer relationship management advisory firm covering tools and strategies for improving business relationships. His client list includes Microsoft, Intuit, WebEx, Research in Motion and the State of Georgia. Recognized by InsideCRM as one of 2007’s “25 Most Influential Industry Leaders,” he serves on the national board of the CRM Association, and produces and hosts the popular ‘Technology for Business” talk radio podcast.

John Lawson is the founder of business blog ColderICE.com, and is the CEO of online apparel store 3rd Power Outlet. Lawson has continuously adapted to the changing world of e-Commerce since he began selling used IT books online in 2001. He has garnered recognition as an eBay Platinum PowerSeller and Certified eBay Education Specialist. Lawson is known for not only embracing innovations and change, but also for his ability to predict trends whether concerning products, methods or ideas.

[Live Stream] Atlanta Tribune's Moving Your Business Forward Conf. Part 1

Video clips at Ustream Atlanta Tribune's Moving Your Business Forward Conference -- Part 1: Supplier Diversity and Social Media -- is currently underway at Clayton State University.

This Month on AtlantaTribune.com [January]

From live Twitter newsfeeds to full-coverage photo galleries -- our Web site is full of goodies. Here's a brief digest of full-length online features that can be found on atlantatribune.com this month. Find more must-reads here.

THE EDITOR'S VIEW
A Look Back and a Look Ahead
By Katrice L. Mines

If you're like me, you're a little more excited about the upcoming year than normal. Let's face it, 2009 was grueling; and we spent much of it on the edge of seats, so to speak. In our previous Dec./Jan. kick-off issue celebrating President Barack Obama's election, we certified 2009 "The Year of Change." Our epithet couldn't have been more true. Like every other publication in the country, we reported on a variety of time-sensitive and urgent issues — from how to survive a layoff to avoiding economy-driven scams, and even what good has come of the recession. In the midst of our analysis and delivery, we learned as much as we endeavored to deliver. Change is definitely not always bad. Read More

INVESTMENT SMARTS
Returning to the Market — Four Different Approaches for Investors
By Don M. Roman Sr.

Continuing uncertainty about the future direction of the economy and stock market has many investors still on the sidelines. As a result, many may have missed the initial phase of the 2009 recovery. As we approach the new year, it is vital that investors overcome their fears and return to the market. Here are four strategies for consideration. Note the common theme: The key to successful investing is broad asset allocation and professional management. Read More

TECHNOLOGY FOR BUSINESS
Using Social Media to Attract Customers
By Brent Leary

Make sure you read this title carefully before going forward. This is about using social media to attract customers — not attack customers. At first glance you may think I'm trying to be funny, but think about some of your social networking experiences on Facebook, Twitter and other popular sites. How many times have you received a Direct Message on Twitter asking you to "Click here if you want to get 10,000 followers overnight" and the person sending you the tweet has all of 10 followers themselves.

Read More