Oklahoma State University - Robert M. Kerr Food & Agricultural Products Center
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Social Media Training to be held for food businesses
(Stillwater, Okla. – June 30, 2010)
Oklahoma State University’s Robert M. Kerr Food & Agricultural Products Center has joined the world of social networking and is available on Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, and YouTube.
To help food companies better understand social media and how it can benefit businesses, the FAPC is holding a Social Media Training on July 15, 2010, in room 120 of the FAPC.
“Many companies want to be involved in social media networks, but they do not know how to get started or what to do after they have joined,” said Mandy Gross, FAPC manager of communications services and co-chair of the workshop. “This training was designed to give step-by-step instructions and helpful information about using social media, so businesses do not have to stress about participating in these sites.”
Using social media as a means of distribution and interaction is a useful way for companies to market themselves in addition to what they are already doing, Gross said. Companies can reach new audiences through social media outlets; which in turn, can attract new customers.
Statistics from Nielsen Online show that by the end of 2008, social networking had overtaken e-mail in terms of worldwide reach. According to the study, 66.8 percent of Internet users across the globe accessed “member communities,” compared to 65.1 percent for e-mail.
Bill Handy, visiting professor for OSU’s School of Journalism and Broadcasting, will discuss the background of social media and why it is important for businesses.
Participants also will learn how to set up their own Facebook and Twitter pages for their businesses and how to manage their pages once they are created.
“This workshop will teach the basic skills of using Internet marketing through Facebook and Twitter,” said Andrea Graves, FAPC business planning and marketing specialist and co-chair of the workshop. “Food manufacturers will learn how they can use this growing avenue to broaden their marketing efforts.”
Cost for the training is $50 per participant if registered by July 2, 2010. After this date, the registration price is $75.
To register for the training, call Karen Smith, FAPC workshop coordinator, at 405-744-6277, email karenl.smith@okstate.edu or visit www.fapc.biz/socialmediatraining.
The training is limited to the first 25 participants, so register today.
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CONTACT:
Mandy Gross
Robert M. Kerr Food & Agricultural Products Center
142 FAPC
Stillwater, OK 74078
Phone: 405-744-6071
Fax: 405-744-6313
E-Mail: mandy.gross@okstate.edu
Oklahoma State University, U.S. Department of Agriculture, State and Local Governments Cooperating. The Oklahoma Cooperative Extension Service offers its programs to all eligible persons regardless of race, color, national origin, religion, sex, age, disability, or status as a veteran, and is an equal opportunity employer.
