Facebook Can Help the Pocketbook

When it comes to social media, the future is now.

Businesses and professionals are using Web-based and mobile technology such as Facebook, Twitter, You Tube and Linkedin to convert communication into revenue. This profitable blending of technology and social interaction to create value will be discussed thoroughly during the Social Media Business Forum presented by The State Journal, Huddleston Bolen LLP and Progressity.

The business casual event takes place from 9 a.m. until 4 p.m. on April 1 at the University of Charleston's Geary Student Union. Online registration is required at www.statejournal.com. Cost is $15 per person, which includes lunch. Conversation about the forum can be followed on Twitter at #StateJournal.

"This program covers a wide range of social media topics," said Christa Hamra, general sales manager of The State Journal. "Beginners will learn what social media is all about. Those who are more familiar with it will learn about the legal aspects and how to use social media more effectively to market themselves and increase business."

Keynote speakers are Karen Saxe and Chris Drinkut, executives with In The Spotlight Marketing Inc. ITS Marketing is a firm with offices in Austin, Texas, and York, Pa. and it is known for blending online and traditional marketing tools.

Saxe is vice president of marketing/branding at ITS with 25 years of experience in branding and grassroots marketing.

Drinkut is the social media strategist at ITS. His background includes emerging technologies, Web analytics and social influence marketing.

They note that 1 billion people use the Internet daily.

"The Internet and other online media have permeated our lives," Hamra said. "As a result, it has also become a key tool in promoting people, companies and causes."

Panelists at the forum include Julie Hewett, owner of JulNet Solutions; Kevin Nelson of Huddleston Bolen; Jeff James of Mythology; Emily Bennington, director of marketing and development for Dixon Hughes; Justin Seibert, president of Direct Online Marketing; and Robert Coffield of Flaherty Sensabaugh Bonsasso PLLC.