Late Friday afternoon we were thrilled to get the call from Small Business BC to let us know we had made it to the final round for the Small Business BC Successful You Awards. A huge honour for us as Community is at the heart of the work we do at Amuse “we bring people together” is not just a tag line for us, it’s a philosophy and a way of working we hold dear.

The big gala is on Feb 28th and we are thrilled to celebrate with all the other amazing nominees the fabulous work that occurs here in BC by small business owners and their teams. If you’d like to join us please contact Marc Smith @ 604-687-6335 by Feb 2nd as I have a block of tickets available at $49 each a $10 savings from the current price of $59. Let’s celebrate!

How we got here:

Stage #1 – get nominated

Stage #2 – Collect enough votes from the public to be make it to the Top 10

Stage #3 – Fill out the long form application and include 3 letters of support from your peers/community in support of the nomination.

Stage #4 – A panel of judges review the long form applications and score each one. The 5 nominees with the highest scoring applications move on to…

Stage #5 – in front of the panel of judges we make a 5 to 10 minute presentation followed by a Q&A session

Stage #6 – on Feb 28th the award for Best Community Impact is announced!

Amuse Consulting is pleased to announce that it has been chosen as the event planner for two amazing charities providing services to residents of BC.

The Canadian Red Cross Western Zone has asked Amuse Consulting to plan it’s new signature Gala to take place in Oct 2012. The Canadian Red Cross supports our community with Disaster Management support, Migrant & Refugee Services & RespectED: Violence Prevention services just to name a few.

QMUNITY was the 2011 charity of choice for Amuse Consulting and that relationship is continuing into 2012 with Amuse producing a Donor Reception, the International Day Against Homophobia breakfast & the signature event Stack the Rack. A 4th event is also in planning with details soon to follow.

Amuse is please to be working with such amazing organizations and is looking forward to building a stronger community which we can all benefit from.

For more information on these organizations or about Amuse Consulting please don’t hesitate to call us 604-687-6335 email us marc@amuseconsulting.ca or tweet us https://twitter.com/#!/Amuse_events

Nov 4-6, 2011 saw the 7th ever Event Camp hosted in Vancouver at two beautiful venues, the Westin Bayshore & the Vancouver Convention Centre. Over 80 event professionals attended in person from Vancouver, Alberta, Washington, Oregon along with speakers from California, Denver, & Washington DC. We also had over 50 virtual attendees from Sweden, Belgium, Canada, USA & England to name a few. It was for those 50 virtual attendees that I was assigned to the task of Social Media Concierge. Here are my takeaways.

DEF: Social Media Concierge – a person dedicated to monitoring the virtual conversations taking place at a conference/meeting/event & to provide assistance to the virtual attendees as well as being the voice for them at the conference. Being the in room representative for the virtual attendees, asking questions & sharing knowledge. A conduit for the show organizers to gauge real time feedback on the event

Here are my 10 Do’s & Don’ts

Do’s:

1. Make sure the Social Media Concierge really understands the social media channels you are using & actually uses them efficiently for their own business/use.

2.Have dedicated hard line internet access. Wi-Fi is good but occasionally I was bumped off and it took me about 10 mins to re-establish myself which meant I was losing some potentially valuable engagement

3. Make sure your laptop or desktop is up to date and fast! if you are going to be multitasking on it all day the last thing you need is for technology to slow down. Invest in the best you can afford.

“What I adore about hybrid events is the networking that can happen between people on-site and people online. Event Camp Vancouver was a stellar example of the kind of community that can be created when you have active and visible stewards at the social media helm. With a dedicated concierge, someone who’s sole role is to bring the voice of the online community into the face to face event, not only do the remote attendees feel more engaged and valued, but the overall quality of the learning is enhanced by the dynamic exchange between online and onsite delegates.” – Erica St. Angel, VP Marketing, Sonic Foundry

4. Two screens are better than 1. When multitasking between Tweetchat , the Twitter List I was building & the other programs 2 screens would have made it much easier & efficient.

5. Provide the Social Media Concierge with the Key Points from each presenter in advance so that they don’t get missed. Having these in advance would have allowed me to pre type some tweets to coincide with the on stage presentations

6. Have a pre event meeting with the Event Producer/Show Manager & the Host/MC/Moderator. This ensures that all parties are clear on the roles & the Social Media Concierge adds to the event and is not a distraction

7. Treat the Social Media Concierge just like a presenter or co host. To be truly effective a Social Media Concierge is the voice of the Virtual Attendees as well as those in the room that don’t want to stand up. I thought Glenn Thayer & myself made a great team.

8. Understand the Social Media Concierge can in real time be the feedback gauge of the event. He/she can tell you exactly how the attendees are reacting to the venue/programming & speakers. Allow for real time communication with the Event Planner so that adjustments can be made to enhance the attendee experience.

“In the case of EventCamp Vancouver the social media concierge had a dual role. The designated role was to monitor the Twitter stream for the virtual audience primarily and to share what they had to say with those in the room who may not be following along Twitter. (especially as we did not have a feed running at the front of the room) The secondary role that some would say was of the most value was when we had small group sessions that included technology and people could ask their own specific questions to improve their knowledge of social media. Both invaluable. “ – Tahira Endean, Director, Team Creative & Production Cantrav Services Inc.

Don’ts:

1. Don’t run the show & be the Social Media Concierge at the same time, each is a full time job.

2. Don’t volunteer to be the Social Media Concierge if you were planning to be an attendee as well, you will miss some of the networking & learning opportunities. Better to have clear focus for either role – attendee or Social Media Concierge.

But not my friend Marc. And that’s why I was so delighted to hear that he’s a nominee for the Successful You Awards in the first-ever category of Best Community Impact. The Ninth Annual Awards, to be held on February 28, 2012, will recognize the best of the best of small businesses in BC.

Recently, I chatted with Marc on the nomination, his passion for community, and what he hopes to achieve in pursuing this recognition.

On the nomination

“I was actually approached by several people to enter Amuse Consulting  because of all my pro bono work, especially with the recent success of the Stack the Rack fundraiser for QMUNITY, and the feedback from board members and others on the impact on the organization from both a growth and sustainability perspective. With just two and a half months lead time, we raised $21,500 in tough economic climate. The right cause, and having the right people in the room shows it can be done.”

On his personal philosophy

“Growing up in the small town of Terrace, I learned how to be a service-oriented relationship builder and apply it to every job I’ve had. I’ve always been a big believer in synergy and and leveraging relationships. Seven years at Capers taught me how to connect charitable giving with day-to-day operations.

It was a great platform from which to launch Amuse in 2005. Part of my DNA was that I would naturally be working for corporations and for charities. and blend the two whenever possible. My experience taught me that it’s not just about raising money or selling a ticket, but using every event as a tool to develop broader, richer and deeper relationships between businesses, charities, donors and sponsors.

For example, the longest-running client event is the Fernandez Earle Scholarship Foundation, which gives four-year scholarships to young people from Haida Gwai. The Foundation’s work has resulted in a dramatic increase in literacy and graduation rates. That’s brought a lot of hope to a region where there wasn’t much hope. Whether or not it’s a non-profit or corporation, it doesn’t matter. At the end of the day, it’s all about making both better and healthier. It’s my personal commitment. My address book is open. I help all I can.”

On social media

“I’ve been using social marketing before social media tools became popular, and I embraced them as a natural extension of what I do. After all, when it comes right down to it, all social media is just talking, and when it’s used properly, it’s very effective for building relationships. I love Twitter, because it helps me hone my messages, and because it’s like one big cocktail party – and I love cocktail parties!”

On achievements

“I’d say that my achievements over the past year have been two-fold. From a financial and organizational perspective, would be my work with Qmunity, helping them build their own community of connections, donors, sponsors they didn’t have before, taking them not one step up the ladder, but several levels up.

For me personally, it’s the fact that I’m being asked to mentor people who I consider to be brilliant in their own right. People are looking for guidance and I give advice in plain language, with my no-nonsense, no-BS approach. I’m swimming in a pool full of smart fascinating people and I never imagined that seven years ago.”

(I asked young entrepreneur and social media specialist Jason Baker for some thoughts on Marc’s mentorship, and he offered this perspective:

“After knowing Marc for nearly two years, he has become more than just a really good friend. Marc has become not just a professional mentor, but a life mentor. Marc has become that go-to person for me when I begin to over-analyze, over-think, or become lost on my path in life or my career. In the little time I’ve known him, he’s challenged me to become a better person, better professional, and provided valuable life plans on how to grow forward. Marc’s friendship, time, and kindness to take time out of his life and business to help me and the community has been invaluable on so many levels. He really has changed and improved the lives of many people in the community because he honestly cares about helping people. Without Marc’s generosity and heart, I’m not sure where myself and others would be right now.”)

On recognition

“At the end of the day, I don’t want to be recognized for the sake of being recognized, but for making a difference and for making people’s lives and the businesses I serve better. That fires me up every day. If this award helps me work with more businesses and non-profits who want to do better and be better, then I’ll have achieved my goal. The more I do, the more I can do. That’s what makes me excited.”

Check out the Amuse Consulting nomination here http://www.successfulyou.ca/nominee/best-community/83

Check out the First Annual Stack the Rack! An event I’m proud have created and produced. It’s on track to be an amazing night and success.

Amuse Consulting + Vancity present the 1st annual STACK the RACK benefit for QMUNITY in partnership with Marquis Wine Cellars & ensemble Restaurant & Bar on Monday, October 3, 2011 (6:30 p.m. – 9:30 p.m.).

This isn’t your Mother’s wine tasting event. Gather with other food and wine aficionados at the esteemed ensemble restaurant at 850 Thurlow Street and sample food sensations created by Top Chef Canada winner Chef Dale MacKay paired with the exquisite wines selected by Marquis Wine Cellars. Sure to be holiday entertaining successes!

STACK the RACK is your opportunity to try some new and exciting wines while stocking your wine rack for the upcoming Thanksgiving & holiday seasons. Take care of all your wine needs in one night for the whole season. Did I mention Marquis Wine Cellars delivers?

Only 70 tickets are left for this exquisite evening at $125 each (before Sept. 21st, then the price goes up to $165).  Your ticket includes:

• An exclusive gift bag stuffed with treats from Masc & featuring a $50 gift certificate to Marquis Wine Cellars (gift certificate can be used at STACK the RACK or at the Marquis store on Davie Street)
• $75 charitable tax receipt from QMUNITY
• 13 amazing auction packages & experiences that you won’t find anywhere else
• unique Food & Wine pairings throughout the evening
• Meet some of the most fabulous people in town

Thanks to all of our amazing sponsors who helped make tonight happen:

Presenting Sponsors:

Gold Sponsors:

Hosts:

Gift Bags:

Media:

When I founded Amuse Consulting in 2004 I knew I could create outstanding events for my clients. What I didn’t realize was how much else I had to know how to do and do well. How do I create a Facebook Fan Page that engages? How do I find time for Twitter? What is a marketing plan? Do I need to worry about Google+? If you are experiencing that pain & marketing yourself & your business is a daunting task, this is a must attend event for you.

I’ve put together some of Vancouver’s leading experts to share their secrets with you. Best of all they all understand the limited time and resources available to business owners like you. Everyone will get something out of this day. The speakers are committed to providing you with inspiration, executable strategies and tools for you to start using first thing Monday morning.

Are ready to take your business marketing to the next level? Sign up now! Tickets are limited and the early bird price of $199 + HST is only good until September 16th.
Here’s your speakers and check out the schedule & topics they will cover below.

Here’s an overview of the day:

• 8:30am registration begins
• 9:00am George Moen Keynote presentation “Businesses today need affordable, traditional & new media solutions to take the friction out of the sales process”
• 9:30am  Derek McCallum “How to maximize your marketing efforts. Key questions to ask about your business to better understand your product offerings & your key target audience”
• 10:30am coffee break
• 10:45am  Matt Astifan “The Social Science of Facebook Marketing”
• 11:45am Lunch and networking
• 12:45pm Kemp Edmonds “Hootsuite & how you can use Twitter to develop key sales connections & business intelligence on your industry & clients”
• 1:45pm  Donna Willon “LinkedIn, the largest Business to Business online networking platform & the power of your profile”
• 2:45pm coffee break
• 3:00pm Bonnie Sainsbury “Google + what is it & how can you utilize the power of Google to propel my business in rankings and search”
• 4:00pm – 5:00pm All the presenters will be back for a Q&A panel session from the audience

In a competitive business environment we are all only as good as the team we hire & collaborate with. I’ve worked with webnames.ca for over two years and they are the back bone of my digital marketing strategy (otherwise known as my website). If you’d like to work with the best click here for special rates available to “friends of Amuse”.

Amuse Consulting special rates via webnames.ca

Here are the 6 reasons I choose webnames.ca to be my web hosting + supplier

1. Customer service is outstanding. Any question, problem or challenge I’ve had has been answered timely and correctly.
2. The servers are based in Canada which makes me feel confident that my information is not accessible buy other entities as well as other nations laws.
3. webnames.ca has supported many initiatives and charities I believe in and support myself. Canary Derby, Five Hole For Food, just to name a few.
4. webnames.ca has stepped up and sponsored many events that promote and support small business owners, including but not limited to President Cybele Negris sitting on the Small Business BC Boardof directors.
5. I know for a fact that webnames.ca supports diversity and inclusiveness in its workforce and promotes based on talent not gender or other factors.
6. And last but not least I have not seen any webnames.ca employee make a YouTube video of themselves shooting an elephant in Africa like the CEO of GODADDY has done.

About webnames.ca

webnames.ca Inc. is Canada’s original .CA registrar and operates 100% from within Canada. A spin-off from the internet pioneers who founded the .CA domain in 1987, Webnames is a leading internet solutions company. Some of Webnames.ca’s services include hosting, a full range of domain names, domain management and reseller services, search engine optimization, WordPress website design and more. webnames.ca is committed to being an “ally on the Web” to all its customers, supporting them with industry leading systems and customer service.

As a leader in the Internet Services industry, webnames.ca is proud to partner with Amuse Consulting to offer great prices on internet services. For more information, contact Marc at Amuse Consulting or click on the links below.

Domain Name Registration- Your domain name is a key to your business, brand or initiative. Exclusively available to Amuse Consulting customers and clients, Webnames is offering up to 60% OFF on domain name registrations. Choose from .CA, .COM, .ORG and so many more. Learn more

Web Hosting- Host your website with Canada’s original .CA registrar at a great price. Enjoy tons of great features like WordPress, Business Email, $75 Google Adwords credit and much more at 10% less. Your domain name is included saving you even more! Learn more

Business Email- Ensure you are marketing your business or initiative each time you hit SEND. Enjoy 40% OFF on Premium Business Email and get youname@yourorganization.ca today! Learn more

Come on you know you have a million of them. Every day I field an endless stream of questions from businesses and organizations that need & want help to make their event that little bit extra special. So I’m asking you what are your burning questions?

Marc Smit

Q&A

Put your question or challenge into the comments box and I’ll compile the list. I’m creating a Tips Tuesday Blog where I will tackle one question each Tuesday and give you the inside scoop from an event professionals perspective. You never know your question and my answer may be featured.

So for the past few months I’ve been on the hunt to find a company that could help my clients raise even more money through their online marketing efforts. I found the perfect fit in my good friend Beverley Pomeroy’s company Global Currents. Beverley most recently won a YWCA Women of Distinction 2011 award. Check them out and hopefully they can help you reach your goals.

Here’s the official “release” from the Global Currents team and more details about what they offer.

Global Currents & Amuse Consulting, “We bring people [and fund raisers] together“

Global Currents is the leader in providing online fund raising solutions for charitable communities. Our innovative platforms allow non-profits to quickly get set up with solutions customized to their cause. We’re pleased to partner with Amuse Consulting to offer both our fully customizable Pipeline API and our Pier to Peer products to clients with a cause. Contact Amuse today to find out more information, or, see the links below.

Pipeline API: The Pipeline API allows you to seamlessly integrate donation processing on your non-profits website. Stylize the form exactly the way you would like it, collect donations in Honour or in Memory, create campaigns and leverage your brand in the social media world. This product is an excellent way to get into the game of online fundraising with a completely brandable, fully customized solution. Click HERE for more details and contact us today to get signed up.

Pier to Peer: As a non-profit, you can only leverage your donor database so far. By mobilizing your fans, supporters and donors to fund raise on your behalf, you gain access to a whole new funding base willing to support your cause. Our system allows you to get a fully brandable website, customized to your cause, for supporters to create campaigns, link it with their social media and ask their friends and family to support the causes that matter to them. Whether you are having a walk-a-thon or want your donors to sponsor a child to go to camp, this fully custom, incredibly robust web system can do it for you. Click HERE for more details and contact us today to sign up.

For a complete overview of Global Currents products, services and who we are visit our website at: www.globalcurrents.org or call 604.648.9428 today.

Well, I’ll share ALL my social networking secrets with you on Wednesday November 17.

I’m giving a practical, hands on (and that means bring your laptop) 1.5 hour session that will walk you along, step by step, from concept to real tweeting. I will demystify Twitter and Facebook and show you how, as a successful entrepreneur, I’ve actually used social media to triple my network, enhance my public profile, and secure better clients. This seminar is ideal for Business Owners & Professionals that would appreciate a hands on, knowledge packed session on how to effectively use Twitter, Facebook and Linkedin for their business.

To fit into your schedule & familiarity with Social Media you can choose from one of two classes.

Breakfast Session for those with no previous Social Media experience– 7:00 am to 9:00 am with registration and light networking at 7 am. Free coffee and Wi-Fi will be available for all attendees. Session starts precisely at 7:30am (don’t be late).

Lunch Session for those with basic Social Media experience – 12:00pm to 2:00 pm with registration and light networking at 12 noon. Free coffee and Wi-Fi will be available for all attendees. Please feel free to brown bag your lunch. Session starts precisely at 12:309m (don’t be late).

Marc Smith is the owner of Amuse consulting Inc, A boutique event planning company based in Vancouver that specializes in creating client and staff engagement events. Clients include RBC, VanCity, and A Loving Spoonful to name a few.

Please see the web site for more info on Marc & Amuse Consulting. www.amuseconsulting.ca