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v~ media marketing Willi Info Photos Notes Discussions Events

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Facebook. Twitter'P', Foursquare'Y. These logos and mentions are ev- Charmed Magazine WIN A FREEMONTH of Fnnh, Gourmet Meals
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media, let's discuss the practical uses for them from a consumer and busi- Add to My Page'~ faYOfitt'S
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Charmed Magazine Crab your girlfriends
Nigt,t Out this Sunday!
for ·Sex and the CItY 2- Ods'

8I.ltlmore.:ue.t,
versations with its audience. "Did you like that movie? What did you think I>rivate screening of ~Sex and the CitY 2" on Its opening weekend at
~ndmark Theatre6 In Harbor East and a pre-movie dinner at 'teevclve -
about the meal you just had at that new place? Where are you now?" Infl)l'flUtlon
Harbor East featuring FR.EEfood, desserts and discounted drinks rrom 4:30
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to 6:30 s.m. MovIe begins at 7 ..
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While from an outsider's or newbie's view, the conversation seems a little Phont 9:00 PM
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too simple, from a marketer's stance, it's pure genius. Social media con- Dowmown !l.JltinlOl~ family A!li:anc~

versations allow companies to track what is being said about them and in- See AI!

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teract with their customers in a way that is non-confrontational and fun. Anniversary
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If you 'like' a business on Facebook or follow them on Twitter, you are Created
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Locally, Keeper's Chowhound Burger Wagon uses this technology per-

fectly. Every day they update where the burger wagon can be found and
from what time you can find them there. Seemingly simple, but seriously
smart.
Other locals that embrace social media and do it well are Cupcake, a chic
dress shop in Fell's Point, whose owner Lisa Schatz is tireless in her up-
dates, photos and social media marketing efforts. When she's getting in a
new shipment of hot little summer dresses, everyone who 'likes' Cupcake
gets an update.
Alexander's Tavern, Gin Mill, Bartender's, V-NO, Taco Fiesta, Helen's
Garden, Ale Mary's, Todd Conner's, Tapas Adela, Miguel's, Ryleigh's
and many other bars/restaurants are all in on the act.
cial way. Heck, maybe they wear a crown while they are in your place so
others can envy the specials you've just thrown their way because of their
allegiance to your establishment. Foursquare also allows its players to
recommend places, restaurants, bars, nightclubs, gyms, movie theatres ...
the list is endless. It's a game of loyalty and isn't that what all business
owners are hoping to earn from their customers?
With all this STUFF going on, it's really quite simple to see that the
core principles of marketing are very much in play. The 4 Ps are still
here: Product, Price, Place and Promotion - but I'd like to add a fifth P-
PEOPLE. And social media is the grand dame of tying that fifth Pinto
your brand.

And, there's a reason for this: social media works. It communicates impor- Having conversations with your customers and potential customers -
tant messages to its favorite customers in a succinct and relevant way. If what a concept - because without customers, you have no business and
you have a happy hour special, a new 'blue plate special' or anything to tell you know where that leaves you.
people, social media is the best way to do that, quickly and inexpensively.
CINDY PLACKMEYER IS A MARKETING, PR AND SOCIAL MEDIA PROFES-
Foursquare is the new game on the scene; people are 'checking in' to let
SIONAL WITH OVER TWO DECADES OF EXPERIENCE AND IS THE OWNER OF
their friends know where they are and what they are up to and busi- CINDY PLACKMEYER MARKETING, A SOCIAL MEDIA MARKETING COMPANY
nesses can 'shout out' to their friends about specials. Points and badges HEADQUARTERED IN FELL'S POINT. SHE WELCOMES ALL YOUR COMMENTS

are earned and the game continues without end. Should anyone become a AT CINDY@CINDYPLACKMEYER.COM OR ONLINE AT WWW.CINDYPLACKMEY-
ER.COM. TWITTER: @CINDYWP.
'mayor' of your business, well, you had better acknowledge them in a spe-

Keller Williams Realty

Associate
"Live Baltimore
Broker
Preferred
ABR GRI CRS COPE
Agent" Baltimore I Canton Square
2936 O'Donnell Street
Baltimore, MD 21224
U~~CIOUlNI
Website & Homesearch
www.HeyHonReaIEstate.com
www.homesdatabase.com/honlisac
410.342.4444 office
410.342.0873 fax
410-960-4555
Find me on Facebook I Twitter: Honlisa Each KellerWllliam, RealtyOffice I,
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