It was at my previous employment at the University of Lethbridge where I learned, well…. almost everything I do. My primary role was advertising services and hosting events. There, I learned the ins and outs of event planning: advertising, marketing, press releases, and communicating with media, technical and personal riders, AGLC liquor regulations, security, etc.
It’s quite easy to advertise to an enclosed community. I spent a lot of time doing dread posters runs that would take me up and down the halls of the U of L. Other promotional opportunities where available of course, but at that time social media was unheard of. Facebook didn’t even exist (gasp)!
It was midway during my employment at the U of L when Mark Zuckerberg, a student at Harvard University, developed what is now known as Facebook. He created Facebook as a means for university students to connect with their peers on campus. He launched his program in February of 2004. Its popularity skyrocketed, reaching most university students in the US and Canada by the end of summer.
My student colleagues were all in fuss over this revolutionary way to connect with peers. To be honest, I thought it was lame. I created an account and watched students tell each other when they were going to class, when they were going to lunch, when they were going to the bathroom (really!). What was the point? I just didn’t get it! It wasn’t until I witnessed a buzz generated by one of our event postings that I started to clued in. The real time stats were astounding! I could see who and how many people looked at our advertisement and whether the event piqued their interest. So much more effective than a poster on a wall!
TIP: Don’t underestimate the power of Social Media. In today’s world, social media is an essential advertising tool.
Need help with your social media accounts? Let me help you! Contact me today colleenvrva@gmail.com or visit VRVA.ca!