Pam Perry featured in the Michigan Chronicle about Social Media
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business
THE MICHIGAN CHRONICLE
April 20-26, 2011
Page D-7
MOVING UP
Small business attraction, retention manager hired by Midtown Detroit
Urban planner and economic development specialist Scott Benson has moved to Midtown Detroit, Inc. to head up their new small business recruitment and attraction efforts for Detroit’s Midtown and Historic New Center. This new initiative, which is supported by The DTE Energy Foundation, will provide technical assistance to start-up and existing businesses within Midtown and New Center in the Scott Benson form of financial packaging, marketing support, business plan development, facade grants, promoting DTE and DEGC’s energy optimization programs and assisting business owners in navigating the City of Detroit licensing and permitting process. Benson previously headed the real estate and community economic development activities for Warren/Conner Development Coalition. He also has municipal planning experience in numerous southeastern Michigan municipalities as a senior urban planner with McKenna Associates of Northville, Michigan. He serves or has served on boards for the International Institute of Metropolitan Detroit, Urban Land Institute’s Detroit Program Committee, City of Detroit’s Brownfield Redevelopment Authority Community Advisory Committee, Community Legal Resources, Shorebank Enterprise – Loan Committee. “We are pleased to have Scott join our business attraction team,” said Susan Mosey, president, Midtown Detroit, Inc. “He has great experience and connections with area businesses, financial institutions, foundations and public sector leaders that will serve Midtown Detroit, Inc. well. The national media has started to pay attention to the opportunities for office, retail businesses, entrepreneurs and companies in creative industries. It’s great to have someone with Scott’s experience ready to assist and promote the opportunities for small businesses in the Midtown and Historic New Center.”
Social Media Starter Plan
By Pam Perry
People are getting so frustrated with social media. Some think it’s the “magic bullet” and others think it’s a “bunch of hype” and a waste of time. And there are a ton of folk who “just don’t get it.” Well, it’s really just a new marketing method. But people are overwhelmed and are running all over the place without a plan. Well, here’s a Simple Social Media Starter Plan that you can do about 15 to 30 minutes a day and start to get more traffic and learn how to build your “tribe.” Web 2.0 is about two-way Pam c o m m u n i c a t i o n . Perry And it all starts with a blog — the original 2.0 vehicle on the Internet. (See www. blogger.com if you want to set up one for yourself really quick, easy and free.) Here’s the plan for those just starting out in social media: 1. Visit blogs that are in your area of interest or expertise. See my blog roll on www.MinistryMarketingSolutionsBlog.com. You will find that blogs are interesting and have great content. Learn from them! 2. Read blog posts, take notes, write comments, post comments. Posting comments gives you a virtual footprint. Makes you visible. Helps you stand out in the digital world. 3. Visit Youtube.com. Watch the How-To videos, make comments, subscribe, share on Facebook and Twitter by hitting the “share” buttons right there. (See my youtube channel at www.youtube.com/socialmediapamperry.) 4. Visit Facebook pages of the blogs you’re reading/following, send friend requests. Add a personal note to why you want to connect with them. 99% of all blog are connected to a Facebook page. 5. Visit your favorite Blog’s Facebook Like pages (formerly called Fan Pages), like and comment on their page (not profile page, but their company Like/Fan page). Look and see what other people “like” the same page and connect with them through Facebook also. 6. Visit Twitter account of the blogs you read. Most blogs also have Twitter accounts. Hit the “follow” button and you’ll start to follow them and get their info. Then retweet to your followers. This adds value to you. 7. Visit the Blog’s LinkedIn page and connect with them (read their links and info there too). Join interest groups in Linkedin by searching in the search button. Works just like Google. 8. Read their Ezine articles (see http://www. ezinearticles.com) if they have them or listen to their blogtalk show (www.Blogtalkradio. com/ministrymarketingsolutions) and share the info to your social networks via facebook or twitter. If you’re reading a good blog, they should have all this on their blog for you to access — if not, Google the blog owner’s name and see what comes up. Social media is about marketing and spreading your message. It’s about connections. To make it all worthwhile, you have to engage. Jump in and get a feel for it. If you do the above consistently, you’ll develop quality relationships and it will increase your value and your brand equity in the marketplace — and eventually your bottom line. Pam Perry, PR coach & Social Media Strategist
www.PamPerryPR.com http://about.me/pamperry [email protected] Youtube: www.youtube.com/pamperry1 Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/pamperry Facebook: www.facebook.com/pamperryfanpage Linkedin: http://www.linkedin.com/in/pamperryprcoach Podcasts: http://blogtalkradio.com/ministrymarketingsolutions
MEDC taps ProQuest executive to lead workforce development efforts
Michigan Economic Development Corporation president and CEO Michael A. Finney recently named former ProQuest executive Elliot Forsyth the organization’s new vice president-chief operating officer, talent enhancement. Forsyth is charged with driving operational efficiency and effectiveness in the state’s workforce development and adult education programs. Forsyth joined ProQuest in 2002. As senior vice president of Human Resources and Business Services, he was responsible for creating best practices in global human resources, procurement, facilities, internal communications and continuous improvement. Forsyth also served as acting vice president for Content Operations.
Elliot Forsyth
UPSIDE
POWERUP
Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan introduces analytic tools
One year after the enactment of the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act, businesses that cover their employees’ health needs are looking at how to comply with the law’s new requirements with minimal disruption to their business momentum. Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan today announced new capabilities to help employers make informed business decisions, remain compliant with the law and continue to offer effective, quality coverage that supports their employees and business objectives. As Michigan’s largest and most trusted insurer, the Blues are developing a set of customer-configurable health care reform analytics to help employers assess the economic impact of health care reform on their organizations and formulate benefit strategies going into 2014 and beyond. With specific analytics-based guidance from the Blues, employers can weigh whether they want to maintain the health coverage they currently offer, adjust to a lower-cost benefit strategy or switch to a new benefit program design or funding model. The new analytic tools complement GlidePathSM, BCBSM’s new defined contribution benefit solution that is designed to help employers adapt to the new law while giving them a benefit option that allows them to accurately predict their benefit costs and reduce their administrative burden. GlidePath will be offered as a limited release in the second half of 2011, with expanded rollout to the market planned in 2012. “As employers plan for the future, they turn to trusted partners to help them navigate change successfully,” said Ken Dallafior, BCBSM’s senior vice president of Group Sales and Corporate Marketing. “We know employers are counting on Blue Cross to lead the way as a trusted, expert resource on health reform. Our new analytic capabilities will provide information, decision support tools and consultative expertise to assist employers as they navigate the complexities of health reform. “And as decisions are made, Blue Cross will offer employers tailored solutions to help make their strategy a reality, including consumerfriendly tools to guide and empower employees as they take more ownership over their health care,” Dallafior said. A goal of health care reform is to make insurance coverage more affordable for consumers. Employers are looking for help designing
The Detroit Economic Club celebrates 75 years of historic speakers, captivating speeches
The Detroit Economic Club opened a new exhibit, “Detroit Economic Club: 75 Years of Remarkable Speakers and Compelling Conversations,” on Saturday, April 16 at the Detroit Historical Museum. This exhibit in the Museum’s Community Gallery celebrates the history of the Detroit Economic Club, the city of Detroit and American business overall. The Detroit Economic Club, once known as the Economic Club of Detroit, was established in 1934 during the Great Depression by Allen Crow. Crow, a determined and forward-thinking business leader known for his devotion to the community, wanted the organization to be larger, permanent and more effective to help lead the way out of the Depression. He brought together 47 of Detroit’s business and industrial leaders for regular forum meetings, and the Detroit Economic Club was born. The organization has seen many “firsts” while hosting prominent CEOs, thinkers and government officials including Catherine Curtis, the first female speaker; Martha Griffiths, the first female member and first female board member; and Lester Blackwell Granger, the first African American speaker. Today, the organization has 3,000 members and more than 100 sponsors. This exhibit features photo-
Ken Dallafior
coverage programs to keep their costs in check and make sure their employees have the coverage they need, while at the same time avoiding employer penalties specified within reform. One example of the new law’s requirements is a key reform provision requiring employers to offer minimum essential health coverage and meet affordability guidelines for employees starting in 2014. Beginning later this year, Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan will introduce the first of many analytic tools to help employers assess the financial impact of certain requirements based on their unique workforce demographics and projected plan costs. These analytics will help employers establish a starting point for future benefit design decisions and enable them to consider a variety of options that can deliver greater sustainability, affordability and transparency in health care. “Our goal is to provide the tools and information employers need to address increasing costs, manage risks and preserve choice. Our new analytic tools and GlidePath reinforce the value we offer business decision makers, especially as they adjust their benefit programs to comply with health care reform,” added Dallafior.
Beth Chappell, president and CEO, Detroit Economic Club.
graphs and artifacts, as well as audio and video of the speakers the Club has hosted. Visitors see the original bell used to bring the meetings to order, ledgers from the days of Allen Crow, the roster of the original members and much more. Additionally, the Club’s 75th Anniversary commemorative book, “They Said It Here” is available for purchase at the museum for $35. The book features photos and narratives of the most significant moments of the club’s history, mirroring local and national trends through the years. The Detroit Historical Museum, located at 5401 Woodward Ave. (northwest corner of Kirby) in Detroit’s Cultural Center area, is open to the public Wednesday through
Allen Crow, Detroit Economic Club founder.
Friday from 9:30 a.m. to 3 p.m., Saturday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Sunday from noon to 5 p.m. On Mondays and Tuesdays, the museum is not open to the public but available for group tours by calling (313) 833-7979. Adult admission is $6. Seniors (60+), college students with valid college ID, and youth ages 5-18 pay $4. Admission for children ages four and the famous “Streets of Old Detroit,” “Frontiers to Factories,” “The Motor City” and “The Glancy Trains.” New exhibits include “Fabulous 5,” “Detroit’s Award Winners,” “New to the Collection” and the Detroit Artists Showcase featuring Janet Anderson. For more information, visit www.detroithistorical.org or call (313) 833-1805.
The things we do for
www.53.com
Business
THE MICHIGAN CHRONICLE
April 20-26, 2011
Page D-7
MOVING UP
Small business attraction, retention manager hired by Midtown Detroit
Urban planner and economic development specialist Scott Benson has moved to Midtown Detroit, Inc. to head up their new small business recruitment and attraction efforts for Detroit’s Midtown and Historic New Center. This new initiative, which is supported by The DTE Energy Foundation, will provide technical assistance to start-up and existing businesses within Midtown and New Center in the Scott Benson form of financial packaging, marketing support, business plan development, facade grants, promoting DTE and DEGC’s energy optimization programs and assisting business owners in navigating the City of Detroit licensing and permitting process. Benson previously headed the real estate and community economic development activities for Warren/Conner Development Coalition. He also has municipal planning experience in numerous southeastern Michigan municipalities as a senior urban planner with McKenna Associates of Northville, Michigan. He serves or has served on boards for the International Institute of Metropolitan Detroit, Urban Land Institute’s Detroit Program Committee, City of Detroit’s Brownfield Redevelopment Authority Community Advisory Committee, Community Legal Resources, Shorebank Enterprise – Loan Committee. “We are pleased to have Scott join our business attraction team,” said Susan Mosey, president, Midtown Detroit, Inc. “He has great experience and connections with area businesses, financial institutions, foundations and public sector leaders that will serve Midtown Detroit, Inc. well. The national media has started to pay attention to the opportunities for office, retail businesses, entrepreneurs and companies in creative industries. It’s great to have someone with Scott’s experience ready to assist and promote the opportunities for small businesses in the Midtown and Historic New Center.”
Social Media Starter Plan
By Pam Perry
People are getting so frustrated with social media. Some think it’s the “magic bullet” and others think it’s a “bunch of hype” and a waste of time. And there are a ton of folk who “just don’t get it.” Well, it’s really just a new marketing method. But people are overwhelmed and are running all over the place without a plan. Well, here’s a Simple Social Media Starter Plan that you can do about 15 to 30 minutes a day and start to get more traffic and learn how to build your “tribe.” Web 2.0 is about two-way Pam c o m m u n i c a t i o n . Perry And it all starts with a blog — the original 2.0 vehicle on the Internet. (See www. blogger.com if you want to set up one for yourself really quick, easy and free.) Here’s the plan for those just starting out in social media: 1. Visit blogs that are in your area of interest or expertise. See my blog roll on www.MinistryMarketingSolutionsBlog.com. You will find that blogs are interesting and have great content. Learn from them! 2. Read blog posts, take notes, write comments, post comments. Posting comments gives you a virtual footprint. Makes you visible. Helps you stand out in the digital world. 3. Visit Youtube.com. Watch the How-To videos, make comments, subscribe, share on Facebook and Twitter by hitting the “share” buttons right there. (See my youtube channel at www.youtube.com/socialmediapamperry.) 4. Visit Facebook pages of the blogs you’re reading/following, send friend requests. Add a personal note to why you want to connect with them. 99% of all blog are connected to a Facebook page. 5. Visit your favorite Blog’s Facebook Like pages (formerly called Fan Pages), like and comment on their page (not profile page, but their company Like/Fan page). Look and see what other people “like” the same page and connect with them through Facebook also. 6. Visit Twitter account of the blogs you read. Most blogs also have Twitter accounts. Hit the “follow” button and you’ll start to follow them and get their info. Then retweet to your followers. This adds value to you. 7. Visit the Blog’s LinkedIn page and connect with them (read their links and info there too). Join interest groups in Linkedin by searching in the search button. Works just like Google. 8. Read their Ezine articles (see http://www. ezinearticles.com) if they have them or listen to their blogtalk show (www.Blogtalkradio. com/ministrymarketingsolutions) and share the info to your social networks via facebook or twitter. If you’re reading a good blog, they should have all this on their blog for you to access — if not, Google the blog owner’s name and see what comes up. Social media is about marketing and spreading your message. It’s about connections. To make it all worthwhile, you have to engage. Jump in and get a feel for it. If you do the above consistently, you’ll develop quality relationships and it will increase your value and your brand equity in the marketplace — and eventually your bottom line. Pam Perry, PR coach & Social Media Strategist
www.PamPerryPR.com http://about.me/pamperry [email protected] Youtube: www.youtube.com/pamperry1 Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/pamperry Facebook: www.facebook.com/pamperryfanpage Linkedin: http://www.linkedin.com/in/pamperryprcoach Podcasts: http://blogtalkradio.com/ministrymarketingsolutions
MEDC taps ProQuest executive to lead workforce development efforts
Michigan Economic Development Corporation president and CEO Michael A. Finney recently named former ProQuest executive Elliot Forsyth the organization’s new vice president-chief operating officer, talent enhancement. Forsyth is charged with driving operational efficiency and effectiveness in the state’s workforce development and adult education programs. Forsyth joined ProQuest in 2002. As senior vice president of Human Resources and Business Services, he was responsible for creating best practices in global human resources, procurement, facilities, internal communications and continuous improvement. Forsyth also served as acting vice president for Content Operations.
Elliot Forsyth
UPSIDE
POWERUP
Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan introduces analytic tools
One year after the enactment of the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act, businesses that cover their employees’ health needs are looking at how to comply with the law’s new requirements with minimal disruption to their business momentum. Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan today announced new capabilities to help employers make informed business decisions, remain compliant with the law and continue to offer effective, quality coverage that supports their employees and business objectives. As Michigan’s largest and most trusted insurer, the Blues are developing a set of customer-configurable health care reform analytics to help employers assess the economic impact of health care reform on their organizations and formulate benefit strategies going into 2014 and beyond. With specific analytics-based guidance from the Blues, employers can weigh whether they want to maintain the health coverage they currently offer, adjust to a lower-cost benefit strategy or switch to a new benefit program design or funding model. The new analytic tools complement GlidePathSM, BCBSM’s new defined contribution benefit solution that is designed to help employers adapt to the new law while giving them a benefit option that allows them to accurately predict their benefit costs and reduce their administrative burden. GlidePath will be offered as a limited release in the second half of 2011, with expanded rollout to the market planned in 2012. “As employers plan for the future, they turn to trusted partners to help them navigate change successfully,” said Ken Dallafior, BCBSM’s senior vice president of Group Sales and Corporate Marketing. “We know employers are counting on Blue Cross to lead the way as a trusted, expert resource on health reform. Our new analytic capabilities will provide information, decision support tools and consultative expertise to assist employers as they navigate the complexities of health reform. “And as decisions are made, Blue Cross will offer employers tailored solutions to help make their strategy a reality, including consumerfriendly tools to guide and empower employees as they take more ownership over their health care,” Dallafior said. A goal of health care reform is to make insurance coverage more affordable for consumers. Employers are looking for help designing
The Detroit Economic Club celebrates 75 years of historic speakers, captivating speeches
The Detroit Economic Club opened a new exhibit, “Detroit Economic Club: 75 Years of Remarkable Speakers and Compelling Conversations,” on Saturday, April 16 at the Detroit Historical Museum. This exhibit in the Museum’s Community Gallery celebrates the history of the Detroit Economic Club, the city of Detroit and American business overall. The Detroit Economic Club, once known as the Economic Club of Detroit, was established in 1934 during the Great Depression by Allen Crow. Crow, a determined and forward-thinking business leader known for his devotion to the community, wanted the organization to be larger, permanent and more effective to help lead the way out of the Depression. He brought together 47 of Detroit’s business and industrial leaders for regular forum meetings, and the Detroit Economic Club was born. The organization has seen many “firsts” while hosting prominent CEOs, thinkers and government officials including Catherine Curtis, the first female speaker; Martha Griffiths, the first female member and first female board member; and Lester Blackwell Granger, the first African American speaker. Today, the organization has 3,000 members and more than 100 sponsors. This exhibit features photo-
Ken Dallafior
coverage programs to keep their costs in check and make sure their employees have the coverage they need, while at the same time avoiding employer penalties specified within reform. One example of the new law’s requirements is a key reform provision requiring employers to offer minimum essential health coverage and meet affordability guidelines for employees starting in 2014. Beginning later this year, Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan will introduce the first of many analytic tools to help employers assess the financial impact of certain requirements based on their unique workforce demographics and projected plan costs. These analytics will help employers establish a starting point for future benefit design decisions and enable them to consider a variety of options that can deliver greater sustainability, affordability and transparency in health care. “Our goal is to provide the tools and information employers need to address increasing costs, manage risks and preserve choice. Our new analytic tools and GlidePath reinforce the value we offer business decision makers, especially as they adjust their benefit programs to comply with health care reform,” added Dallafior.
Beth Chappell, president and CEO, Detroit Economic Club.
graphs and artifacts, as well as audio and video of the speakers the Club has hosted. Visitors see the original bell used to bring the meetings to order, ledgers from the days of Allen Crow, the roster of the original members and much more. Additionally, the Club’s 75th Anniversary commemorative book, “They Said It Here” is available for purchase at the museum for $35. The book features photos and narratives of the most significant moments of the club’s history, mirroring local and national trends through the years. The Detroit Historical Museum, located at 5401 Woodward Ave. (northwest corner of Kirby) in Detroit’s Cultural Center area, is open to the public Wednesday through
Allen Crow, Detroit Economic Club founder.
Friday from 9:30 a.m. to 3 p.m., Saturday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Sunday from noon to 5 p.m. On Mondays and Tuesdays, the museum is not open to the public but available for group tours by calling (313) 833-7979. Adult admission is $6. Seniors (60+), college students with valid college ID, and youth ages 5-18 pay $4. Admission for children ages four and the famous “Streets of Old Detroit,” “Frontiers to Factories,” “The Motor City” and “The Glancy Trains.” New exhibits include “Fabulous 5,” “Detroit’s Award Winners,” “New to the Collection” and the Detroit Artists Showcase featuring Janet Anderson. For more information, visit www.detroithistorical.org or call (313) 833-1805.
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