There’s just 6 weeks to go now until KMP’s seminar on the topic of Reputation Management takes place in Manchester on the 7th May! But, if you can’t wait until then, don’t worry! In the weeks running up to the seminar, I am going to be profiling the speakers and giving you a sneak preview of what you can expect from each of their presentations. As well as this, I’m going to let you in on a bit of background information about each of the speakers so that you can get to know them a bit before the seminar! First up this week, we have KMP’s very own Managing Director – Jon Keefe! Jon was one of the original founders of KMP in 1991, and has embraced internet technologies since 1995, helping organisations to understand how they can benefit from digital innovation. Jon has steered KMP from its inception in 1991 at the end of the last UK recession, through the Dot com crash to the steady growth and profitability it returns today. This experience overlaid on 13 years digital expertise in the public and private sector means Jon brings extensive knowledge and insight to any organisation and their digital strategy. Jon has also been a long time supporter of Manchester Digital, the trade association for ICT and New Media in the Northwest and an advisor to The Big Chip awards since they were first held in 1997. Jon will be presenting the keynote presentation, entitled “Are you ready to manage your reputation?” Jon will be finding out just how “social media ready” your company is, where he will be discussing the resources and skills available in your company vs what is required.

KMP will be hosting a Blogging for Business workshop, which takes place on Wednesday 11th March at the MDDA in Manchester. Back by popular demand, we are hosting this workshop again for those who were unable to attend previous workshops which were fully booked. Hosted by KMP’s Client Service Manager, Gerry Daring alongside well known Journalist and Blogger, Craig McGinty, this workshop is already looking to be another sell-out. This workshop is a complete guide to blogging, where Gerry and Craig will be discussing the background of blogging, showing you how to get started and set up your own blog, as well as providing ideas and tips on how to engage with the blogging community. This practical and hands-on workshop is ideal for those who have heard about blogging and not sure if it is a good idea for their business, those who have seen business blogs and want to start their own, or even people who may have started their own business blogs, but aren’t sure how best to do it. Only a limited number of places are available, so make sure that you book early to avoid disappointment. Tickets cost £125 + VAT. Book Now!

On Wednesday KMP and How-Do hosted a Social Media Marketing seminar at the MDDA in Manchester. There was a great line up of speakers for the seminar, with Mike Antliff from Huzu and Dominic Sparkes from Tempero presenting for us for the first time, alongside KMP’s Chairman – Bill Daring! It was really exciting to have some new speakers with fresh ideas and opinions speaking at the inblackandwhite seminars. We had a great turnout for the event, with attendees from BJL, Blacks Leisure Group, The Co-operative Group, MoneySupermarket.com, and many more! Bill opened the seminar and with a presentation on “PR 2.0 and the Social Media” where he gave an introduction to social media, whilst discussing the case for social media in PR. Bill’s presentation was formed on the basis that the majority of the UK’s population is now online – blogging, chatting, visiting message boards and exchanging news and views, and the introduction of web 2.0 and the implications of social networks have encouraged a change in marketing methods. Bill also talked about how we can track, manage and respond to brand buzz online. Mike was up next, and he delivered a fantastic presentation which covered everything from the evolution of social media, the rise of the web, some of the most influential landmark sites, and highlights of the social media tools and applications contained within. Last but certainly not least was Dominic, whose presentation was titled “Extend Buzz – spend less – managing online communities to drive success“. Dominic discussed the topic of moderation and community management. To conclude the seminar, the 3 speakers then took part in a Q & A session, which gave the attendees the opportunity to ask any remaining questions they had about social media and the issues covered in the presentations. If you have any feedback or comments about the event, then we’d love to hear from you! Just leave us a comment below!

Ok so there’s not long to go now until KMP’s Social Media Marketing seminar (25th Feb) takes place at the MDDA in Manchester. We’ve got some great speakers for this seminar, with Mike Antliff from Huzu and Dominic Sparkes from Tempero presenting for us for the first time, alongside KMP Chairman – Bill Daring! It’’s really exciting to have some new speakers with fresh ideas and opinions speaking at the inblackandwhite seminars. I’ve had a sneak preview of Dominic’s presentation, and all I can tell you is that it promises to be educational, fun and really interesting! Titled, “Extend Buzz – spend less – managing online communities to drive success” (you see it even rhymes!) Dominic is set to discuss the topic of moderation and community management. Mike has also given me a little insight into his presentation, which looks to be jammed pack with social media goodness! Covering everything from the evolution of social media, the rise of the web, some of the most influential landmark sites, and highlights of the social media tools and applications contained within, it really promised to be value for money! Bill is set to discuss “PR 2.0 and the Social Media” where he will be presenting the case for social media in PR. Most of the UK’s population is now online – blogging, chatting, visiting message boards and exchanging news and views, and the introduction of web 2.0 and the implications of social networks have encouraged a change in marketing methods. Bill will discuss how we can track, manage and respond to brand buzz online. So, if you’ve not got your tickets yet, where have you been? Luckily for you there are still a few tickets available, so book now!

On Wednesday we hosted our second social media workshop at the MDDA in Manchester. This was hosted by KMP’s MD – Jon Keefe, alongside one of our Client Service Managers, Gerry Daring. The workshop was a great success, and had attendees from a wide range of companies including Johnsons Cleaners, Business Link NorthWest, The Beatles Story and Greater Manchester Chamber of Commerce. As part of the workshop, Jon adressed the popular topic of “How to get your Organisation Social Media Ready,” and a video of this section of the workshop can be seen below. http://www.vimeo.com/3378687