Jeff Quipp describes some of the most popular sites for social media, currently.

"You can't ignore Social Media"

Search Engine People's Jeff Quipp tells Board members the keys to success in online marketing

Jeff Quipp

The Ajax-Pickering Board of Trade brought its second Lunch & Learn of 2010 to the Pickering Public Library on Feb. 4, where Jeff Quipp of Search Engine People made social media make more sense for a packed house of Board members.

A wonderful lunch for the event was generously provided by Board member Pelican Catering of Oshawa.

The Pickering Public Library was a comfortable host for what was a fully-booked event.

Participants learned the 6 key steps businesses need to follow to stay on top of the ever-increasing Social Media scene. 1. Listen and Learn - learn how to listen in, and see what is being said about your company/ products and even competitors

2. Interpret and Identify - learn how to utilize what you've heard through the 'Listen and Learn' exercise, to identify issues or opportunities with your own performance, or capitalize on the issues of competitors

3. Strategize and Solve - learn to devise solutions to the problems and opportunities identified in the 'Interpret and Identify' phase

4. Test and Learn - launch the solutions devised in the 'Strategies and Solve' phase on a limited scale, and continually test and monitor progress against objectives. Refine where necessary.

5. Engage - learn how to identify who your brand advocates are, and how you can activate them to help you achieve objectives

6. Nurture Your Fan Base - learn to continually attract and add advocates to your fan base

The Board of Trade's next Lunch & Learn is Thursday, March 4 at Chartwell Select Pickering City Centre. The IESO and Veridian will discuss tips on energy conservation, incentive programs and more energy education. Visit the Board's Upcoming Events section regularly where we will post registration details for this free event for 'members only'.