• How Craig came up with the idea of Craigslist.Org
• Craig’s journey in starting Craigslist as a business
• How Craig sucked as a manager and his challenges in creating Craigslist
• How Craigslist.Org makes money
• His ‘relationship’ with President Obama
• Craig’s Social Media Experiment
• His Attempts at Comedy
• Next Step for Craigslist.Org
• Why does he do customer service?
• His passion of Customer Service, Public Service and Governance
• His view on Twitter

1. Get a free 1 Gigabyte  of online storage to share, access and manage your files from Box.net
2. Get faster internet service from Comcast Business Class
3. Get a 60 day free trial of email marketing from Constant Contact
4. Post your next project on Elance
5. Crfeate your free website from Yola
6. Create your free blog from WordPress
7. Update your Linkedin profile and Facebook Business Page
8. Win a free barcoding suite from Wasp Barcode Technologies  ($349 value). 
9. Schedule your next financial check up and review with Wells Fargo and Heritage Bank

Meet Sue Kwon, Emmy Award Winning Journalist of CBS 5, ConsumerWatch reporter for CBS 5 Eyewitness News and host of Bay Sunday.

A couple months, we had the great pleasure to meet with Sue Kwon, Emmy Award Winning Journalist, ConsumerWatch reporter for CBS 5 Eyewitness News and host of Bay Sunday. Prior to coming to CBS 5, she served as the high-tech reporter for KRON. Sue covers emerging technology, Silicon Valley companies, stock market developments, and economic trends.

Sue is a Bay Area native and an active member of the Asian American Journalists Association. She has won three AAJA National Awards for News Reporting. The National Federation of Press Women honored Sue with First Place Reporting Awards in 2002-2005. She has also received a 2007 Emmy Award, 2005 Emmy Award, 2004 Peninsula Press Club Award, International Communicator Crystal Awards of Excellence, and recognition as an Association of Women Journalists Vivian Castelberry Finalist.

Sue knows what Local TV News Media is looking for.  She shared some of her insight in pitching local TV News Media and get your business ready.

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With the media landscape changing, businesses need to approach the media differently. The media industry has new tools, outlets, restrictions, and needs. Companies that understand it all, will be best prepared to spread their message.

Here are a few tips when it comes to broadcast news coverage. Keep in mind that our material is produced for the newscasts as well as our website. The material is also shared with affiliate stations around the country. We use Twitter and mobile applications as well. Local TV news is a lot more far-reaching. So, a positive appearance can go a long way. At the same time, a mistake or bad appearance can be hard to fix!

1) The Pitch:

Answer the question “What makes my company or product relevant?” Structure your pitch or message based on current trends or a hot topic. You will be more likely to get a bite from reporters looking for a business to “hook” or “peg” to a larger issue.

For example, you know the Obama Health Care plan is a hot topic and covered on many news outlets. If your business is creating software that could contribute to streamlining health care costs, structure your press release to reflect how the company addresses the bigger issue.

2)The Art of Pitching:

• Identify and speak to your audience.
• Decide what’s best for your purposes – tv, magazine, print, internet, blog?
• Don’t be a spammer. Select specific beat reporters who might cover your particular industry.
• Don’t call during deadline hours, i.e. right before the 5p news.
• If your pitch is regarding an event, send it about a week before. Then follow up 2 or 3 days before the event as well as day-of.
• Always give a thoughtful pitch, not a high-pressure hard-sell.
• The more one-on-one relationships you can build with reporters, the better response you’ll get.
• Don’t bother sending cutesy gifts or expensive vnr’s (video news releases). We can’t really do anything with them.

3)Be Camera Ready: :

• Make sure the person who will be interviewed on-camera is clear on what the story is going to be about.
• Have them practice speaking in full sentences. Don’t be too rehearsed, but be focused on the topic.
• Narrow stripes or stark white look bad on camera.
• If your company looks like a generic workerbee office, get portable signage made that can be brought into a conference room or set up at a cubicle desk. Otherwise, let people and things be “natural.”
• Have a list of local customers ready that the reporter can include in the story. (No relatives or paid spokespeople.)

To meet Sue Kwon in person, come and join us at BizTechDay 2009 on October 22-23.

Meet Ramon Ray, Editor & Technology Evangelist, Smallbiztechnology.com

A few weeks ago, I had the great pleasure to meet with Ramon Ray, Editor & Technology Evangelist, Smallbiztechnology.com and also author of Technology Solutions for Growing Businesses (Amacom).

Ramon has been on the Big Idea Show with Donny Deutsch and been quoted on the New York Times, San Francisco Chronicle, Entrepreneur Magazine, Inc. Magazine, WCBS Radio, Crains New York, National Federal of Independent Business, Small Business Advocate Radio Show, Wells Fargo Small Business Roundup, Tech Talk with Craig Peterson and Smart Money.

Ramon is truly the master in attracting media coverage for small business. He’s shared some of his insight in attracting media cover in this article.

This exposure is great publicity for your business and compliments other paid or unpaid (such as search engine referrals to your web site) that you are also engaged in.
Word of mouth is the way that most smaller businesses get new customers, but word of mouth is slow. Advertising is a powerful way to generate sales, but costs money, which you might not have.

Implementing a plan for media coverage, costs nothing, but your time and focus.

Why else would you want media coverage? Build credibility. Be recognized as a though leader. Generate visibility for your brand.

Here are the Seven Steps to Generating Media Coverage:

1) Have a Plan
Would we even think of driving 500 miles to Aunt Martha’s or flying thousands of miles to Europe without a plan? Would we think of constructing a new building or hiring new staff – without a plan? No. The way to improve the results of a media coverage campaign is with a plan. Map out, on paper (not in your head) how you will go about generating media coverage.

2) Follow Your Customers
You can be covered in every major newspaper in the planet, but if your target audience (for example your customers) are not reading that newspaper, you’re wasting your time. It is important to ensure you know what your customers are reading, watching and listening to and then strategically generating media coverage in these outlets.

3) Know the media
Would you buy a car without some idea of what car you are buying? Would you propose marriage to someone you didn’t know? (If you said yes to either question, this advice will be useless to you!  )
Attempting to contact a media outlet, maybe a TV channel without due diligence of their coverage interests, their audience, the best way to be in touch with them and other information, is a waste of time. Before calling the local newspaper or ringing the phone of your local radio station, take some time to find out more about them.

4) Know the editor or producer
Knowing how the media company works is only one part of the equation, it’s also important, as best as possible to know the editor or producer of the media outlet you are targeting. This person often assigns stories, points free lance writers to sources (like yourself) and can be hugely influential in determining the success or failure of your media campaign.

5) Know the journalist
You might think I’m being nit-picky here, but trust me, knowing the producer or editor is only 1/ 3 of the “knowing” equation. The actual journalist, reporter, or writer or puts the story together is also an important person to know. At a very large paper, you probably can’t know every report, but you can at least attempt to get to know one or two reporters, for example. Especially the reporter who covers your industry. Inviting a journalist to lunch or coffee to share your insight, is a good thing and can deepen the relationships. You want to be a RESOURCE to them.

6) Timing
Timing is important with everything in life – isn’t it? Maybe you were late to catch a train one day and the girl you helped with directions is now your future wife. Some media outlets, especially print media have hard deadlines. Trying to reach a reporter during this time is no good. Maybe you’re in the financial industry and the stock market fell considerably. Don’t try to pitch a financial reporter on your company’s new growth strategy. Their interest is going to be the main news of the day – falling stock prices. Make sure you are aware of how your pitch fits in to the timing of the day and overall. Another example, maybe it’s August or September and the news outlet you’re calling upon is busy covering upcoming holiday sales. It might not be the right time to pester them about your new SUMMER grass cutting gadget.
But I don’t have any news

Maybe you think you are in a “boring business” and can think of nothing news worthy? Here’s a few ideas to think about:

Statistics are like candy to journalists. Does your business or your industry have any juicy (and factual) trends, numbers, industry observations or analytics you can share.

Commentary – Maybe you don’t have fresh news to share, but if you are an expert you can share your expertise and insight as part of an overall story on a news item of the day

Charity work – Maybe your company, you personally or your staff has been involved with a particular charity in some meaningful way. Depending on how it’s pitched, this could get you a front page business story in your local paper or at least a mention on the radio.

7) Events – Have you organized an event that has something special about it. Maybe by the huge number of people attending, it indicated lots of community interest. Maybe the event was “different” – like a special event for all your left handed customers or something.

There’s many things you, your company and your employees are doing that could be useful for generating media coverage.

Last but NOT LEAST, don’t forget about your customers. Maybe your product is the most boring product on the earth. However, your CUSTOMERS might be using the product in cool ways. Or maybe your customers are interesting and you can showcase them and get a mention of your product at the same time.

To meet Ramon Ray in person, come and join us at BizTechDay 2009 on October 22-23.

Here is the scoop…

On September 24th, Thursday 6:15 p.m. – 10:00 p.m. at the Action Theatre – Metreon 2nd Floor 101 4th St San Francisco, CA.

Will meet our top 5 voted social entrepreneur contestants and decide who will win the Big Success Social Business Pitch and get a 5 minute exclusive interview on CBS 5!

The Big Success Social Business Pitch Contest is like American Idol, except the contestants are entrepreneurs and instead of singing; they will be pitching their social businesses. Last year, we had over 150 entrepreneurs enter with over 3000 online votes tallied. One of our finalists, due to the exposure, tripled her annual revenue within 3 months!

P.S. The quarterly winners will be invited compete for a 30 minute exclusive on CBS and a trip to Miami at BizTechDay on October 22 7:00 p.m.

P.S. If you know of any great social entrepreneurs should enter this year, just send them here -> http://apps.facebook.com/bigsuccess/submit

Are you ready to meet them?

	Veronica Belmont – Co-host of Revision3’s tech-centric show, Tekzilla, and Qore on the PlayStation Network http://twitter.com/Veronica/
	Beth Blecherman – Founder of Techmama http://twitter.com/techmama
	Gina Bianchini – CEO of Ning http://twitter.com/GinaB
	Megan Casey – Cofounder of Squidoo http://twitter.com/megancasey
	Shaherose Charania – Co-founder of Women 2.0 http://twitter.com/shaherose
	Christine Comaford- Author, Rules For Renegades, Google Angel Investor http://twitter.com/comaford
	Leah Culver – Co-founder of Pownce http://twitter.com/leahculver
	Hazel Grace Dirksen - Founder of Socialbees http://twitter.com/Socialbees
	Molly Duggan – Brand Experts http://twitter.com/MollyDuggan
	Porter Gale - VP of Marketing Virgin America http://twitter.com/porterVA
	Adriana Gascoigne – Founder of GirlsinTech http://twitter.com/afgascoigne
	Caterina Fake - Cofounder of Flickr and Hunch http://twitter.com/caterina
	Jennifer Leggio - ZDNet social business blogger + Fortinet strategic communications director http://twitter.com/mediaphyter
	Sumaya Kazi – Sr. Social Media Manager @SunMicrosystems and Entrepreneur. http://twitter.com/sumaya
	Krystyl – One of the Organizers for Twestival SF http://twitter.com/krystyl
	Alison Covarrubias – Founder of Hatch Network http://twitter.com/hatchnetwork
	Marissa Mayer – Google http://twitter.com/MarissaMayer
	Clara Shih – Author of The Facebook Era http://twitter.com/Clarashih
	Ariel Waldman - Founder of Spacehack.org and CupcakeCamp. Engadget columnist. http://twitter.com/arielwaldman
	Kara Swisher – Columnist, BoomTown, AllThings D.com http://twitter.com/karaswisher
	Elizabeth Weinstein - Attorney Mom Homeschooler Author Speaker. http://twitter.com/elizabethpw
	Meg Whitman – Former CEO of eBay http://twitter.com/whitman2010
	Edith Yeung – SFentrepreneur & Executive Producer of BizTechDay http://twitter.com/edithyeung
	Randi Zuckerberg – Unofficial Facebook correspondent for CNN http://twitter.com/randizuckerberg
	Adryenn Ashley – Award Winning filmmaker and Author http://twitter.com/Adryenn

And, if you’re still not following @BizTechDay on Twitter, you should! If you want to meet some of these most Influential Business Women in person, come join us at BizTechDay.

1) Go to your Linkedin Account
2) Go to “Edit My Profile”
3) Go to Public Profile, click ‘Edit’
4) Update URL. Click Set Address.

Total Time Needed: Less than 1 Minute (also Check out Linkedin 101 for Business Owners)

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Idea Two – Add Your Business Info to Google Local Business Center

1) Go to Google Local http://www.google.com/local/add
2) Add New Listing

Total Time Needed: Take less than 5 Minute

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Idea Three – Claim Your Twitter URL

Yep. Even you don’t tweet. You should claim it (just in case). I have friends who gave up their Twitter URL with their own names, and it took weeks to claim it back.

1) Go to Twitter Setting
2) Modify User Name

Total Time Needed: Take less than 1 Minute. Also check out Twitter 101 for Business Owners

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Idea Four –Create a YouTube Account Using Your Company Name

Yep. Guess who own YouTube… Google! So when people google you, your YouTube URL will usually show on the front page.

Tips:
1) Choose a username that include your company name.

Example: http://www.youtube.com/biztechday

2) If the name already taken, make sure you pick a new name that will still include your business name.

Example: http://www.youtube.com/biztechday_technology_day

Total Time Needed: Take less than 1 Minute

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Idea Five –Create a WordPress Blog

1) http://en.wordpress.com/signup/
2) Fill in basic info
3) Make sure you choose a blog domain of your company
i.e. BizTechDay.WordPress.Com

P.S. Make sure you check ‘Yes’ for I would like my blog to appear in search engines like Google and Technorati, and in public listings around WordPress.com.

Total Time Needed: Take less than 3 Minute.
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To learn more about working with Linkedin, come to BizTechDay and attend ‘How to Create a Strong Business Brand on Google, Yelp, Linkedin & Facebook’ session.

Register by this Friday and receive an Early Bird discounted price by clicking here.

Invite -Only – 4-Hour Workweek Summer Party with Tim Ferriss - (Benefiting Room to Read)

On Thursday, August 27th, Tim Ferriss, Matt Mullenweg & Edith Yeung want to invite the brave, curious and the willing to spend an evening with them, 4-Hour Workweek Summer style in San Francisco.  This is an invite only for BizTechDay event registrants.  For more info contact Jini Rooney jini [at] biztechdday.com.

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September 16, 2009 Wednesday from 3:00 PM – 5:30 PM PST

Linkedin 101 for Business Owners

Come to this session and learn how you can leverage LinkedIn, the world’s largest professional network with over 40 million members and growing rapidly. LinkedIn connects you to your trusted contacts and helps you exchange knowledge, ideas, and opportunities with a broader network of professionals.

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September 17, 2009 Thursday 6:00 – 9:00 p.m. EST

BizTechDay Buzz in New York: How to Create Social Buzz for Your Business?

On Thursday, September 17th, BizTechDay, Ramon Ray, SavortheSucess and Webgrrl invite the brave, curious and the willing to spend an “Evening in the Buzz,” the first Pre-BizTechDay Event in New York City!

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September 23, 2009 Wednesday 3:00 – 5:00 p.m. PST

Facebook 101 for Business Owners

Come to this session and learn how to leverage Facebook, over 250 million active users and the fastest growing demographic is those 35 years old and older. Facebook could possibly connects you to your trusted contacts and helps you exchange knowledge, ideas, and opportunities with a broader network of potential customers.

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September 23, 2009 Wednesday 6:00 – 8:30 p.m. PST

How to Market & Sell to Niche Market: LGBT Community

Come to this evening event and learn How to Market to the LGBT Community! The LGBT Community’s buying power is estimated at $712 Billion in the U.S., and this lucrative, tech savvy, niche market is also very brand loyal, preferring to spend money with companies that advertise to and support the LGBT Community.

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September 24, 2009 Thursday 6:00 – 8:30 p.m. PST

Big Success Business Pitch Quarterly Contest – Q3

Join us at the Big Success Business Pitch Contest, the ultimate business pitch competition for entrepreneurs and small business owners. The contest is created to encourage entrepreneurs to broadcast their business, passion and ideas on the Internet (Facebook), in person (Sept 24) and on traditional media (CBS 5)!

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September 29, 2009 Tuesday 3:00 – 5:30 PM PST

Elance 101 – How to Find, Hire, Manage and Pay Online Expert to Get Work Done.

Come to this session and learn about how tapping into the tens of thousands of online experts who are available to work for you whenever you need it can help you be successful in your business. You’ll learn all about how to turn Elance into your newest productivity tool offering you an immediate, cost-effective and flexible way to hire, manage and pay independent professionals and contractors online.

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October 01, 2009 Thursday 6:00 PM – 8:30 PM PST

Social Media & Baby Boomer: Should We Bother?

It’s time to face the truth.  Social media could be daunting and scary.  Especially for Baby Boomers. Should baby boomers bother? Or would we be left behind if we ignore the fact that Barack Obama does it and Britney Spears does it too?

Come to this panel discussion and learn how you as baby boomers can leverage social media for your personal and business life.

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October 05, 2009 Monday 6:00 – 8:30 PM PST

Email Marketing 101 for Business Owners

Come learn how to apply effective email marketing strategy to your business. Proactive, outbound Email Marketing is key component of your overall marketing or customer/member communications strategy.

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October 13, 2009 Tuesday 3:00 – 5:30 PM PST

Viral Marketing 101 for Business Owners

Come to this session and learn ways to virally market your business.

Viral Marketing is an idea that spreads–and an idea that while it is spreading actually helps market your business or cause.

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October 19, 2009 Monday 3:00 – 5:30 PM PST

Twitter 101 for Business Owners

Come to this session and learn ways to how to use Twitter for business. Barack Obama does it and Britney Spears does it too. Twitter is the latest Web 2.0 tool to get everybody talking!

Using Twitter, you answer the question ‘what are you doing?’ in 140 letters or less, as often as you like. Other people can then sign up to ‘follow’ you and receive your updates.