Learn how one small professional development program has taken advantage of free and low-cost Web 2.0 and text messaging technologies to keep in touch with our core participants, reach out to previously untapped audiences and expand our “viral marketing” efforts.

Abstract

Title: Build your Audience like a Virus
Purpose: We will share several tools and strategies UEN Professional Development has used to increase connection with current participants encouraging them to come back and also refer others. Learn about the real, measurable impact of various approaches as well as our hopes for the future and speculation about less tangible outcomes.
Objectives: See examples of Web 2.0 tools used to raise awareness of and access to services, as well as how these tools are used to model effective technology use. Learn about a couple text-message (SMS) alert systems that are free or affordable for small organizations, and some of the implementation issues to consider for your organization. Share and discuss your group’s needs and ideas for evaluating the effectiveness of different promotional strategies. Consider generational appropriateness of different strategies.
Applications: In this interactive session, participants will be invited to share their ideas for which tools and/or strategies demonstrated would most effectively address their needs. The tools and strategies can be applied for any small program or individual to raise awareness of their services, target next- generation audiences and more.

Presenter

Victoria Rasmussen