Early morning thoughts about social media marketing, PR and strong coffee…

I started this day like I start most, at my desk with a strong cup of coffee beside me, reading the most recent blog posts relating to social media marketing and PR. Mark Aaron Murnahan writes about the dilemma that social media poses for business: weighing the cost of participating versus the risk associated with not embracing social media marketing. Murnahan concludes that leaving it up to your competition will be the greater cost: missed opportunities. He makes his case well and it’s a good post for anyone in business contemplating involvement in social media.

The buzz about social media marketing is certainly growing louder these days.

In our area, we just held our second Toledo Tweetup, a networking event for users of the popular microblogging site, Twitter. The Tweetup gives you a chance to meet face-to-face with the people you communicate with on Twitter. Organized by Damian Rintelmann of Hart Associates, the event drew Twitterers from many different industries. I enjoyed the networking and got a sense of the real talent available locally. Important to know, as I start to put together project teams for new business I am working on. I may need help from some of the people I have just met.

Several of us are also working on presentations for the upcoming inaugural Social Media Breakfast Toledo, which is scheduled for April 3rd from 7:30-9:30 AM. The Social Media Breakfast series originated in Boston in 2007 and has spread to more than a dozen cities in the US. Social Media Breakfast Toledo offers participants a chance to network and to share information about the rapidly evolving idea of social media. Toledo’s first event will be held at the Elks Lodge 53 on Holland-Sylvania Rd. Michael Temple, of Temple Development Company will serve as moderator. Panelists, Dave Rigotti, of Freezing Hot, Damian Rintelmann, Victoria Kamm, of BizTube 24/7, and I will answer questions from attendees.

Patrick Giammarco, of PWG Marketing, is responsible for doing the legwork to bring the event to Toledo. and put together the planning committee. Each of the committee members has particular expertise in, and passion for, social media. Most of us are using social media marketing with our clients and in our own businesses. Members of the Social Media Breakfast Toledo’s planning committee include:

• Patrick Giammarco, PWG Marketing
• Mike Driehorst, Public Relations Consultant
• Kevin Cesarz, CZ Speak Social Media
• Janeile Cudjoe, McGowen Properties
• Julie Cantu, 360° Graphics
• Tim Langhorst, Lauerer Markin Group/Thread
• Steve Robison, West Printing Company
• Michael Temple, Temple Development Company
• Damian Rintelmann, Hart Inc.
• Allen Mireles, Allen Mireles Marketing PR
• Victoria Kamm, BizTube 24/7 and IdentityCred

What are you doing with social media now? Do you have any questions? Why not join us on the 3rd? Register online here. Hope to see you next week at the inaugural Social Media Breakfast Toledo!