Client Solutions: The Perfect Date

As I make the final transition from The Perfect Date to Party Aficionado, I wanted to make sure that the story of my journey is available to you. Here is a partial list.

Natural Hair Expressions

The Perfect Formula: Tee Smith, Founder of Natural Hair Expressions turned her passion for natural hair into an all new product line, Ms. Tee's Beauty Products, haircare products formulated with only the finest natural ingredients like green tea, rosemary, peppermint oil and wheat protein. Once the product was created, the team looked to The Perfect Date's marketing team for branding and online strategy.

The Perfect Solution: Cheryl Lawson and her marketing team developed a logo, website, and social marketing strategy that told Tee's journey to natural hair, and asks her audience to share their natural hair journey using a Facebook Fan Page.

Hoops4HoopeLA

The perfect dilemma Less than three weeks to plan, coordinate, and promote a celebrity charity event for Los Angeles inner city kids.

The Perfect Solutions: Event specialist, Cheryl Lawson drove social media results for a charity event. We used multi-media news releases submitted through PRWeb to increase the event’s Facebook fans by more than 177 percent in a little more than a week.

The Perfect Outcome: As a result, dozens of celebrities came out to support the event and the kids, and now the post event Youtube videos call for the community to donate to continue to support the cause.

TheACY.org

The Perfect Cause: All new charitable organization The Arnold C. Yoder Survivors Foundation needed assistance to complete their first fundraising event in less than a month. The Arnold C. Yoder Survivors Foundation is dedicated to empowerment with a two-fold mission

Healing hearts of children and their families whose lives have changed forever by the death of a loved one.

Supporting survivors on both sides of tragic events towards achieving healing through forgiveness.

The Perfect Solution: The Perfect Date joined the team with less than a month to go and utilized their experience with event coordinating and social media marketing to coordinate the team to a successful event in Beverly Hills, California.

The Perfect Complement: “Cheryl Lawson of The Perfect Date came in like a super hero and took our first annual FUNdraising party to the next level. With her on our team, we were able to pull together the finishing touches on the event in just 4 weeks. Cheryl is a big ball of radiant energy and full of commitment to excellence. Her energy and stamina carried us through many times when we weren’t sure we’d accomplish our goals. When working with Cheryl, you can expect many creative ideas that are original and cutting edge. Her use of social media, along with other traditional press outlets, generated a lot of buzz and excitement. Our guests commented over and over again what an amazing event we delivered." Mary Elizabeth Yoder, Founder The Arnold C. Yoder Survivors Foundation

The Perfect Quote: Cheryl galloped into town on her white horse named “Twitter” and provided the crucial know-how, to bring TheACY’s first FUNdraiser into existence. Said Dennis Hargrove TheACY General Manager. Cheryl also brought her unstoppable personality. She showed organizers a clear path they needed to follow in order to be prepared on time. There were a few glitches in the flow of things, all of which went unnoticed by the attendees because Cheryl was on top of any misstep. She showed up that evening in an aubergine designer dress. So cool is this lady that she brought some of her event planning students with her so they could watch the master at work. Dennis Hargrove General Manager the Arnold C Yoder Survivors Foundation.

Link to Event Press Releases Pre event Social Media Press Release click here to read...

Post event Press Release click here to read...

The Perfect Date Press Release click here to read...

Kukuwa Dance workout

The Perfect Challenge: After meeting Kukuwa Nuamah an internationally acclaimed African dance performer, dance fitness choreogpraher and creator of kukuwa Dance Workout(r) in 2006, we were able to arrange a sponsorship agreement between Kukuwa Dance Workout and ProDance. Kukuwa was a presenter at the 2008 ProDance Event. Later that year, Kukuwa contracted The Perfect Date to assist her in bringing her energetic African Dance Workout and Choreography to the west coast.

The Perfect Solution: The Perfect Date was able to book several classes for Kukuwa at the famed Millinnium Dance Complex in Los Angeles, Obtain representation for Kukuwa as an African Dance choreographer, and while she was in LA., Kukuwa was featured on NBC's popular lifestyle TV show LXTV.

The Perfect Future: Using Social Media tools like Twitter, Facebook, Youtube, and Myspace, we were able to increase Kukuwa's social network community over 200% in just four months. With a good social marketing strategy in place, get ready for more exciting things from Kukuwa Dance Workout. Join Kukuwa on Twitter.

Must Be Present To Win

As we end another year, It is only fitting that we search for what we learned in 2010. As marketing continues to shift away from an advertising model to an engagement model more and more people seek answers.

While it may be true that my background in events and marketing makes it easier for me to grasp the concept of social marketing, I will argue that these words: "Must be present to win" represent the answer to all of the riddles.

Search Engine Optimization:

SEO: If you want to be found on the internet, you must create content that is new and relevant to a set of specific terms. I like to say SEO is like OCD. Every post, video, photo, website entry should include the keywords you want people to use to find you. ex: Event Specialist, Cheryl Lawson or Party Aficionado.

Social Media: Want to have more friends, followers, comments, or customer engagement? You must be where the customers are. Note, I didn't say "where your customers are" because it's too easy for people to respond, "my customers don't use social media." Be where the action is, where people are willing to share your message with others. Social media is about engagement, you've heard it before, people want to do business with people they and or their friends LIKE.

Face to face: Whether you're looking for a job, more clients, donors, readers, or simply new friends, take advantage of our human need to make stronger connections. Networking groups are everywhere these days via meetups, tweetups, and conferences. More and more today, people are capitalizing on their online friends, followers, and fans by meeting them face to face. Find one or more groups that interest you and become an active participant in the community. Better still, start one yourself.

What I learned in 2010. Don't phone it in.

You must be present to win.

#Tweet4Toys Taps Twitter in Social Media for Social Good Campaign

#Tweet4Toys Taps Twitter in Social Media for Social Good Campaign

Confessions from Social Media Event Organizers: Taking your brand offline

After meeting Denise Quashie @DQTweets on Twitter in the #Eventprofs tag, we found ourselves collaborating on a few projects. This presentation is our latest collaboration.

We created and presented at Geekend 2010 in Savannah, GA. We also proposed this topic for South by Southwest and while we didn't make it through the panel picker, I hope somehow by the magic of the interweb that we have an opportunity to share this presentation at SXSW and other conferences.

Confessions from Social Media Event Organizers: Taking your brand offline

View more presentations from Party Aficionado .

#SMTulsa is the official Hashtag of Social Media Tulsa.

What is #SMTulsa and How to use it.

#SMTulsa is the official Hashtag of Social Media Tulsa.

Q.What is a hashtag?
A. A hashtag on Twitter is a way to follow, and or contribute to conversations or communities. Using the # symbol before a word or set of
words.

When ever you want to find out what interesting things the wonderful people of Social
Media Tulsa are up to. Just search #SMTulsa either on Twitter, or on Google.





Q. When should I use the #SMTulsa hashtag?
A. Anytime you want to contribute to the #SMTulsa conversation (which can be always)

Examaples:

• Hey #SMTulsa, check out my new blog post
• Is anyone from #SMTulsa going to @JoeMommasTulsa tonight for trivia?
• Very interesting article/post/website/#SMTulsa
• I'm running a special on Websites #SMTulsa
• Here is why I love Tulsa #SMTulsa

Especially during meetups and Social Media Tulsa events!

Q. How should I tweet from Social Media Tulsa events?
A. Tweet what you're experiencing:

Examples:

• Just checked in to @SALArmyTulsa for #SMTulsa #Tweet4toys
• OMG I just met @MichaelButlerSR at #SMTulsa
• If you suck in real life you'll suck in social media #quote @MichaelButlerSr #SMTulsa
• I can't wait to read @Mandy_Vavrinak's Blog She's so cool #SMTulsa
• When you upload a photo: Who's this guy? :) #SMTulsa http:twitpic..

Q. Why should I tweet from Social Media Tulsa events?
A. Tweeting from events is a great way to add content not only to your twitter feed, but it helps build the content for the #SMTulsa community.

Tweeting Live from events also helps build your credibility as someone who is on the
cutting edge of the new tools. Whether you're trying to land a job, client, or just
be the cool kid you can only benefit from tweeting live from events.

Q. Is there a proper way to write the #SMTulsa hashtag?

A. Yes and No. When using #SMTulsa in print, blogs, or news stories, as titles for your video blogs, please capitalize the SMT.

When on Twitter, most applications (Tweetchat, Twubs) will turn all hastags to lower cased and that's just fine.

Q. What is a Twitter Chat?

A. Here is a great description: "Twitter chat is a guided conversation where users interested in a particular topic hop onto the service to chat. The chat is given a hashtag, which makes it easy for anyone looking in to identify the chat and participate. It's similar to a chat room in that it's a topic-driven conversation happening in real time; it just happens to be housed on Twitter." Read the Entire Post: How to Participate in a Twitter Chat.



Our Next Meetup is a Twitter Chat November 15.

In an effort to give back, Social Media Tulsa has teamed up with the Salvation Army Tulsa @SalArmyTulsa for #Tweet4Toys. A holiday toy drive that will allow Tulsa's social media enthusiasts to participate in the annual toy drive in a fun way.

The Twitter chat will include a demo of Tap11 a new Twitter client to help you manage your accounts, mentions, and campaigns. And we will talk about ways to get the most out of #Tweet4Toys and have the message spread through out the City, State, and beyond.

How to prepare:

There are great tips on the Meetup page, create your account, and join in the fun.

Follow me: @SocMediaTulsa on Twitter to keep up with what's happening with #SMTulsa.

Social Media Tulsa Went Back to the '80s at Downtown's All New Max Retro-pub Via @SocMediaTulsa

Tulsa social media enthusiasts continue to examine how social networking platforms impact businesses, media, and their communities as they explore the best venues in T-Town.

Preppies, yuppies, punk rockers, and new wavers attended Social Media Tulsa’s totally tubular '80s party at The Max Retro-pub in downtown Tulsa.
“Had a great time! Everyone who wore their '80s attire looked the part! Glad to see some new faces as well as the regulars!” -- Tiffannie Sloane.
The night’s topic was video. “Video may have killed the radio star, but it can make you a star of your own brand,” said Cheryl Lawson, founder and organizer of Social Media Tulsa. “I asked a few of my friends to share how important video can be to any social media marketing strategy.”

Read the entire article
Social Media Tulsa Went Back to the '80s at Downtown's All New Max Retro-pub Via @SocMediaTulsa

Event marketing is still marketing. Plan, hire, and budget accordingly

Just because it's not a wedding, doesn't mean you wont have to deal with a princess.

This week, one of my friends shared a post from Peter Shankman entitled How to respond when people ask you to tweet for them. Shankman is a popular keynote speaker for conferences lately as he has had many successes and his online influence is arguably one of the strongest.

I wasn't prepared to see what I saw. In his post, Peter was outing an event organizer for asking him to share their event with his online fans followers and friends.

You can read his post to see his stance on the topic, while I don't agree with him outing the organizer of an event that is probably paying him to appear, I completely understand his position of wanting to in his own voice (and time) tweet and post about his appearance.

This case underscores the importance of event organizers utilizing speaker contracts/agreements when hiring speakers.

Here is my comment:

I’m sure the conference organizers were aware of how much influence you have and how that might impact their registrations. :)

Hiring a particular speaker is and should be a part of any event/conference marketing strategy.

This example shows the importance of the speaker agreement. Organizers should be clear in their agreements what is expected. At the time of signing each party has an opportunity to agree, object, or (hopefully) compromise on what each will do for the other in terms of promotion.

At any rate, every conference organizer should provide speakers with the tools to share their event’s story (hashtags, links, talking points, etc). then, allow them to “in their own voice” and time to share with their friends, followers and fans.

If you want your speakers to help with promotion, state that in your agreements, and provide them with the information to do so. Don’t want to be all ‘contracty’,find speakers who are willing partners.

Event marketing is still marketing. Plan, hire, and budget accordingly.

@PartyAficionado

Remember way back in 2009 when I made the comment, If you have a speaker/presenter who is not comfortable connecting with or taking questions from your audience, it’s time to find a new speaker.

This applies to connecting online as well. If you have decided to spend part or all of your event marketing budget towards hiring a speaker, don't be afraid to ask for what you want, be clear about your expectations (and put it in writing).

The pink Cadillac is the original 100,000 followers

I often find blog posts as a result of comments I've made to other blog posts. This time is no different. As I opened the latest version of the Tulsa Daily from Paper.li, I saw a tweet from @billhandy that led me to Gladwell Is Right. The Revolution Will Not Be Tweeted post by @JasonFalls Whew!


I was aware of The New Yorker article by Gladwell, but unlike many of my tweeps, since I had not read the entire article, I refrained from commenting. I know that Gladwell is the master of the message, so this girl was not going to be tricked into jumping on a band wagon one way or the other (at least not this time).

But after reading Jason's post, and a few of the comments I decided to take the dog out, sit back, have a cup of coffee, read the Gladwell post, then add my own comment, (not necessarily in that order)

While Gladwell's article is more specifically about activism and whether or not social networks should be getting such high praise and touted as a revolution, many social media enthusiasts focused on the lowest common denominator, online vs. face to face.

This is the comment I wrote:

Event specialist says what?! Social marketing is NOT NEW! Social networks are just a new way of connecting people with common interest. See: auto shows, conferences, employee meetings, trade shows, heck.. Mary Kay and Avon if you really want to go back. Doing business with people you share a social experience with is the oldest profession (i meant practice) in the world.

Face to face or online, we want to "Like" the people we give our money to.

My point? The revolution happened years ago. Social networks are simply waking people up to it. Don't believe me? The pink Cadillac is the original 100,000 followers. (Google it kids).

Yes, marketing using social networking sites like Twitter, Facebook, Fousqure, and Linkedin represent a "fundamental shift", but social marketing is NOT NEW. (did I say that already?).












Image credit: www.lauraslivewires.com
Image credit: OC Registry

Announcing: Social Media Marketing Workshops with Cheryl Lawson aka @PartyAficionado

Announcing: Social Media Marketing Workshops with Cheryl Lawson aka @PartyAficionado

Social Media Saturdays with Cheryl Lawson

Event and social marketing specialist, Cheryl Lawson introduces a unique social media marketing workshop: Social Media Saturdays. Learn how to use social media marketing for your business, nonprofit, or personal brand.




Social Media Saturdays with Cheryl Lawson

Social Media Tulsa Call for Sponsors #smtulsa

What is Social Media Tulsa?
It all began with Social Media Day Tulsa at Fat Guys Burger Bar in the historic Greenwood district. Social Media Tulsa is a platform that allows its members to get together and talk about the impact of Social Media on business, news, entertainment, sports, non profit, and any other topics that need to be discussed.

Members of Social Media Tulsa include small business owners, authors, photographers, and those responsible for social media marketing for some of Tulsa’s largest companies and charitable organizations.

Monthly gatherings of people who might otherwise never have crossed paths, and the steady growth of the group in such a short amount of time, is a testiment to the power social media has to connect us in ways never seen before.

Where we meet:
In and around the city of Tulsa, OK. We have been to Joe Momma's Pizza, Dilly Deli, and The Mayo Hotel,with upcoming meetups scheduled for The Max Retropub, and The Salvation Army distribution center. The meetups are FREE to members, and we have a mix of social networking and educational sharing.

Upcoming 2010 meetup dates:
October: 20, 2010: Topic Video
November: 15, 2010 Tweet4toys Toy Drive for Salvation Army
December: 13, 2010 Topic Social Media Tulsa Gives Back. We fulfill the forgotten angels from the Salvation Army's angel program.

What we need:
Cash Sponsorship
Send In Kind items
Bags / Unique items for give away

Our October Meetup is about Video!
Record a Video greeting for #SMTulsa like our friends from Whrrl:

Social Media Tulsa What is Whrrl #smtulsa from Social Media Tulsa on Vimeo.

Sponsorship Opportunities:

This is an excellent opportunity to get in front of influencers in the local and social media global community as well as event sponsorship promotion on the Social Media Tulsa Meetup page.






Online Media Opportunities
The Mayo Hotel Attracts Record Attendance for Social Media Tulsa Meetup #SMTulsa


Tulsa Social Media Enthusiasts Share in Mashable's History Making Social Media Day


Tulsa Social Media Enthusiasts Join Mashable in Celebrating Social Media Day on June 30, 2010
Here what our members have to say:


“ Friendly and helpful group. I'm looking forward to meeting others and exchanging ideas. ” Jim Griffin

“ This group is comprised of so many great people. At each meetup I am blown away by the marvelous conversations and connections made. I look forward to each event and hope the group keeps growing! ” Lindsay Hammons-Sparks

“ Social Media Tulsa is a phenomenal mix of people who are willing to be both teachers and students of social media, which makes for the absolute best kind of meetings, because it isn't just "lecturing" it's more of an exchange. To find such a diverse group that still has so much in common thanks to Social Media is a fantastic thing, hopefully it will continue to expand in the future. ” Tiffannie Slone


To Become a sponsor of Social Media Tulsa, Please contact organizer. Cheryl Lawson
@PartyAficionado PartyAficionado at Gmail dot com or Call 478-227-2789

The Two Question Interview:Cheryl Lawson

Being a part of the #140conf Los Angeles community has really been a great experience for me. One of my Twitter and IRL (In real life) friends, Del Williams asked if I would be a part of a project she was working on.

PORTRAIT OF A BUSINESS
Not your typical podcast. Del Williams interviews some of the best people in their field to help women be successful in life and business.

The questions I had were:

1. What is the best business advice you've received?

2. What do you want to be remembered for?

Take a look at The PORTRAIT OF A BUSINESS To see my answers.

I cried a little writing my answers, but you might see a little bit of my geeky humor at the end. Hint think LOTR.

Social Media Tulsa What is Whrrl

Thanks to Whrrl for the video introduction specifically to our meetup group.
Join the Social Media Tulsa Society on Whrrl.

Or take a look at the Dilly Deli recommendation.

#PartyTip
Since our event was outside with no A/V. The challenge was how to get this video to the attendees? Solution? QRCodes. I downloaded a FREE QRcode and added it to the name badges. Attendees could scan and watch the videos from their smartphones.

About Social Media Tulsa:
Social Media Tulsa is a meetup group organized by event specialist, Cheryl Lawson aka @PartyAficionado

Want to start your own Social Media community? Contact Cheryl 478-227-2789

Twitter: discover what's new in your world

A Twitter #custserv Case Study by @partyaficionado

How businesses should use Twitter.

A Twitter #custserv Case Study by @partyaficionado

View more presentations from Party Aficionado .

In Memory of Tiernan from #SmTulsa Cares

Hello Friends,

Social Media Tulsa was started to demonstrate the power of social media through face to face connections. Our community has grown in just a short amount of time.

While we are about celebrating power, life has dealt one of our members a most tragic blow and I'm asking for your help.

You may have met Tiffannie Slone our member and owner of Capturedcharms.com photography, at our Mayo Hotel meetup. She was the one who was pregnant.

I have been notified that Tiffannie and her husband lost their precious baby Tiernan.

I don't know what the family needs, and I don't want to pry as they handle their grief, but I do want to do something.

With your help, we can demonstrate the power of social media in the most powerful way.

Please give what you can, and share the link with your connections.

Thank you,

Cheryl Lawson

The Mayo Hotel Attracts Record Attendance for Social Media Tulsa Meetup #SMTulsa

The Mayo Hotel Attracts Record Attendance for Social Media Tulsa Meetup #SMTulsa from Social Media Tulsa on Vimeo.

Event specialist, Cheryl Lawson, and other Tulsa social media enthusiasts enjoy record attendance during a meet-up at The Mayo Hotel in downtown Tulsa.

The Mayo Hotel Attracts Record Attendance for Social Media Tulsa Meetup #SMTulsa

Announcing: Socially Organized

We are excited to introduce Socially Organized - a group of event professionals who met through the #Eventprofs community on Twitter. We've come together to share ideas via Blog Talk Radio, blogging, Twitter and more! Socially Organized is made up of Liz King, Cheryl Lawson, Eric Lukazewski and Denise Quashie - four professionals who want to share our experience integrating social media and events (the successes AND the pitfalls) with others in the industry and beyond. We'd love to involve all members of the #Eventprofs community so please let us know if you are interested in guest posting, joining the radio show or simply have a topic you'd like to discuss!

Connect with Us:
Socially Organized will be presenting at the following venues:

Geekend
Confessions of a Social Media Event Planner
November 4-6, 2010
Savannah, GA
Cheryl Lawson, Denise Quashie

International Association of Exhibitions and Events Expo! Expo! 2010
December 7-9, 2010
New Orleans, LA
Liz King, Cheryl Lawson, Eric Lukazewski, Denise Quashie

Stay Connected:

Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/socorganized
BlogTalkRadio: http://www.blogtalkradio.com/socially-organized
1st and 3rd Wednesday of the Month 8:00pm EST/5:00pm PST

Cheryl Lawson
http://www.partyaficionado.com
http://www.twitter.com/partyaficionado

Liz King
http://www.lizkingevents.com
http://www.twitter.com/lizkingevents

Denise Quashie
http://www.eventsbycanvas.com
http://www.twitter.com/dqtweets

Eric Lukazewski
http://www.tradeshowinsight.com
http://www.twitter.com/ericlukazewski

Social Media Tulsa Continues to Make History with Event at The Mayo Hotel in Downtown Tulsa

Event specialist, Cheryl Lawson, and other Tulsa social media enthusiasts, continue making history. The Meet up cocktail party at the Penthouse Bar at the historic Mayo hotel boasted the highest attendance to date. Thursday, August, 26, 2010.

Learn more about Social Media Tulsa and last night's meet up at The Mayo Hotel in Downtown Tulsa. Visit http://www.meetup.com/Social-Media-Tulsa and contact event organizer, Cheryl Lawson.

Confessions From Social Media Event Organizers

Social Media Event Organizers? Yes, we do exist and our niche is utilizing social media in multiple forms to create phenomenal events for our technology-driven clients. With the growing population of tweetups, meetups and blogger conferences, social media gurus are becoming overnight DIY event organizers. Sounds okay by us, but besides having the chutzpah to pull one off what other tools are required? In this session we’ll explore the needed technology tools – some new, some old and some you never thought was needed for such an event. We’ll present a few case studies, discuss artistic approaches and confess our own pitfalls in being successful social media event organizers.

Submitted by event specialists, Cheryl Lawson, Denise Quashie, Eric Lukazewski, and Liz King.

For more information and to vote to have this panel at next year's South by Southwest Conference in Austin, TX Click here.

The Road To Bark World Expo

I am happy to be speaking about self publishing a children's book, social media, and @Imajackrussell at Bark World Expo this month.

Barkworld Expo is the brain child of fellow #eventprofs Denise Quashie @DQtweets

3 Things Event Planners Can Learn from Comic Con 2010

Last year, I wrote a blog post entitled 10 Things Event Planners Can Learn from San Diego Comic Con 2009. This year, I watched the hashtags, twitpics, livecasts, and youtube videos, and honestly, the 2009 tips continue to hold true.

2010 Comin Con, did have a few of things that I found fascinating so I’ve added them here:

1. Bigger is Better Swag Bags:


At first glance, I was not overly impressed with the giant gift bag. I must admit I was intrigued by them. The more I saw how people were wearing them as almost articles of clothing; I became a fan!



La Times wrote about the line of people waiting to receive the giant Warner Bros bag. Warner Bros, it seems, believes “bigger is better.”

According to motivators.com some savvy attendees have even auctioned off their bags via Ebay.



Swag bag, or walking billboard these bags are a fun way to show off your brand and there’s no doubt everyone will visit your booth to try to snag one of the giants.

2. Super Heroes and Security:

Fights between rival vampire fans, and aggressive line crashers can happen. You may not have a room full of super heroes to come to your aid. Make sure you have enough staff on hand to handle the inevitable villain.



3.Crowdsourced video:

After combing through countless Youtube videos, this one remains my favorite. Mainly because it appears that they shot the video in the hallway of the convention center with very minimal set up. (Watch until the end, they show you how it was done)and of course because is very true to the title.



Your event’s characters might not be as creatively clad, but using video to capture the essence of your event is a great way to create a lasting impression.

Hint: Ask each ‘character’ to provide their Twitter or Facebook ID, tweet and tag them when you upload the final version. The video is now shared with all of their friends and followers.

Stuck in your exhibit booth? Set up a video camera in your booth; ask your booth’s visitors to record their favorite feature regarding your product.

When you do, post a link to your youtube channel in the comments below.

I’d love to see it.

8 Steps to Creating a Mobile App by @Partyaficionado

Check out this SlideShare Presentation:

8 Steps to Creating a Mobile App by @Partyaficionado

View more presentations from Party Aficionado .

The Steps To The Steps

My very first guest blog post was for #eventprofs founder and mega event industry superstar, Lara McCulloch.


When asked to write about my mobile app, I defaulted to here's the app and here's what it does, but Laura wanted something more for her readers. Laura wanted to know HOW and WHY I created the app.

Oh snap! Would I have to give away my (not so secret) secret recipe?


Sometimes when I'm in a creative space, I don't actually see the process, and I wasn't sure that my process was even translatable.

I just did it. Right?

In typical ME fashion, as soon as I said, I don't think I can translate my process... The process just started pouring out of me and on to the page.

I started with 5 steps,and ended up with 8.

Thanks to Laura's word limit, and my mother's editing, I created list of steps that anyone can use to help them get started in the mobile app game.

Read the post on Laura's blog and feel free to leave comments or ask questions. I'll check in from time to time to respond.




Thanks Laura!

Event Design: Begin with the End

Event Specialist, Cheryl Lawson, talks about event design and how you should begin with the end in mind.




About Cheryl Lawson
Cheryl Lawson aka @partyaficionado is the owner and founder of event planning and marketing firm, The Perfect Date. (Now Party Aficionado)
The Perfect Date helps companies develop social marketing strategies both online and Face to Face, using full event coordinating capabilities, and coaching to help companies cultivate their audience before, during, and after events. To learn more, visit http://partyaficionado.com

Tulsa Social Media Enthusiasts Share in Mashable's History Making Social Media Day

Event specialist, Cheryl Lawson and other Social Media enthusiasts met in the Historic Greenwood district to help Mashable make history.

Tulsa, OK (PRWEB) July 1, 2010 -- The first ever Social Media Day hosted over 11,000 participants in more than 90 countries. How Fitting that this innovative event in Tulsa took place in the revitalized Historic Greenwood District at Fat Guy’s Burger Bar.



The Social Media Day Tulsa event was held in the Historic Greenwood District.
Social Media Day, a creation of social media giant, Mashable, celebrated the revolution of media, the way in which media is becoming more social and helping to connect the world.
The evening’s event, which was broadcast live via ustream, began with a reception styled wine tasting hosted by the Tidal School Vineyards.
Cheryl Lawson welcomed the participants. Everyone could follow and contribute to the worldwide social media day discussion by using the official hashtag, #smday, as well as the one created for Tulsa, #smdayTulsa.


Read the Entire article
Tulsa Social Media Enthusiasts Share in Mashable's History Making Social Media Day

Fitness Bootcamp in Downtown Riverside is Shaping People Up For Summer

Fitness Bootcamp in Downtown Riverside is Shaping People Up For Summer

Event and Social Marketing Specialist, Cheryl Lawson helps local Riverside, CA personal trainer get the word out about their new fitness bootcamp using the social media press release via Prweb.com


Riverside, CA (PRWEB) June 29, 2010 -- Blackshear Fitness Bootcamp is an indoor/outdoor fitness program that focuses on all aspects of physical fitness. The program includes muscle strength, endurance, cardiovascular strength, body composition, flexibility, and nutrition planning.

Boot campers meet for one hour Monday, Wednesday, and Friday, at the Acrogymnastic center in Downtown Riverside, Ca. On Tuesdays and Thursdays, the campers meet at Mt. Rubidoux for fun outdoor workouts, designed for all fitness levels.



Read the article:

Fitness Bootcamp in Downtown Riverside is Shaping People Up For Summer

A Cheryl Lawson Project

Tulsa Social Media Enthusiasts Join Mashable in Celebrating Social Media Day on June 30, 2010

Event Specialist, Cheryl Lawson has signed on to organize the Social Media Day event in Tulsa.

Tulsa, OK (PRWEB) June 25, 2010 -- Mashable, the world’s largest blog focused exclusively on Web 2.0 and Social Media news, has determined June 30 to be Social Media Day to celebrate the revolution of media becoming a social dialog.


Social Media Day Tulsa June 30, 2010
On Wednesday, June 30, Mashable will be organizing meetups in New York City and San Francisco. To increase participation worldwide, Mashable is encouraging enthusiasts to attend or organize a meetup in their own community, using the Meetup Everywhere system.

Read More:
Tulsa Social Media Enthusiasts Join Mashable in Celebrating Social Media Day on June 30, 2010

From Tweet to Meet: How a Conversation Becomes Content

Cheryl Lawson of The Perfect Date event planning & marketing (aka @partyaficionado on Twitter) has been using social media to market her events since before many of us knew what social media was. Here she gives a few tips.




On my last day in California before traveling to Oklahoma, I did my traditional trip to Desert Hot Springs to relax in the mineral tubs.

For a few months prior, I promised one of my Twitter friends, Jenise Fryatt, Co-Owner/Marketing Director Icon Presentations That I would let her know when I was in her neck of the woods and of course I did.

What happened next, is what happens when I meet people who are passionate about Social Media AND events. I talk forever.

How was this meeting different? The savvy Ms. Fryat brought along her Flip Cam and a Tri Pod.

The result, besides meeting a great new friend, has become content for her blog... and now for mine.

Here is part one of the interview/rant.

PRweb : A Marketing Geek's Dream

Event and Social Marketing Specialist tells why she likes using PRweb.com to submit her online news releases.


This was actually a comment I left on a Vlog post by LEN GUTMAN. It was such a mini rant, that I thought I'd post it on my own blog. I know I talk a lot about Prweb and the results I receive, but there in lies the reason I like to use them. They provide me with so much to track and analyze. A marketing geek's dream. :)

Post comment:
Well, I’ve been using PRweb since it was free, and I still use it today and find what they offer in terms of targeting and analytics to be quite valuable and worth the investment for me and my clients.

Here’s an example:
http://www.prweb.com/releases/KukuwaDanceWorkout/OnlineCertification/prweb3917024.htm

This release went live April 27, In the first 28 days it received, 130932 impressions and 5621 reads, and 640 interactions (meaning 640 people did something with the release shared it via the “share this link”, or clicked on the website link embed in the release)

As you can also see, PRweb allows you to customize the Release link address which is a valuable SEO tool.

Since I’ve been using the tools of PRweb for some time, I can tell you that it takes about 30k impressions to get 1k reads.

I just submitted a release today and I actually beat that. It only took 28765 impressions, to reach 1,000 reads. (close enough to 30k to not set a new norm):)

http://www.prweb.com/releases/TheAdventuresofPrecious/Imajackrussell/prweb4071254.htm

Since the last few releases are tied to sales or sign ups, my clients and I are also able to see how many impression, reads, interactions, etc = a sale, or a raised hand.

Another thing I like about Prweb is the online pickup report that they send about week after your release is published. This is a great way to find out who the bloggers and Rss subscribers are in your specific area of interest.

Full disclosure, I actually entered an won a contest from PRweb with that first release. I’m positive i won because of what I’ve learned using the analytical tools they provide and discovering how to make them work for me and for my clients.

My $ .02

@Partyaficionado

Elevator Speach:
Hi I am Cheryl Lawson (@partyaficionado) Owner and founder of event planning and marketing firm The Perfect Date. We help companies develop social marketing strategies. Both online and Face2Face.

We perform full event coordinating capabilities, as well as coach you how to cultivate your audience before, during and after your events. I am available for speaking and panel engagements regarding how you can use web 2.0 and the social networking tools to build your brand.

Savvy Twitter Anipal and Self Publisher Launches First Children's Book

Precious and Lizie Play Hide and Seek is the first book in The Adventures of Precious The Dog series of childrens books, by Anipal, known on Twitter as @Imajackrussell.
A Cheryl Lawson Project

Riverside, CA (PRWEB) June 2, 2010 -- The first book in the series is a tale of a Jack Russell Terrier and her backyard friends after her humans create a backyard habitat.

Read The Entire News Release: Savvy Twitter Anipal and Self Publisher Launches First Children's Book



To purchase your copy visit http://www.etsy.com/shop/imajackrussell

Announcing The Event Planning Tools Application for Smartphones

Event specialist and Social Marketing Coach, Cheryl Lawson has launched The Event Planning Tools App for Android smartphones under her Party Aficionado brand.


Cheryl Lawson, Owner of The Perfect Date event planning and marketing firm and the personality behind the Party Aficionado brand, just launched an app exculsivly for Google's Android powered smart phones.

The Event Planning Tools app (http://partyaficionado.blogspot.com/2010/01/introducing-smartphone-app-for-event.html)is really two apps in one. The first is a meeting space calculator that will help you determine how many people can fit into a particular space, or how much space you’ll need for a particular venue. This application is perfect for those brides to be as they whittle down their guest lists to make everyone fit .

The second is an event budget calculator. You simply plug in the number of attendees and include all of the expenses you expect to have, including baggage fees for your staff, and the app will calculate your cost per attendee. This function is great if you’re prone to get off budget. A quick plug into the budget calculator and you can see how those extra flowers will effect your bottom line.

While these tools have been around for years, Lawson felt that having a quick reference on your mobile phone was the next step in event management technology.

“A lot of people are out there planning their own events and meetings, and I thought to myself as an event professional , what tools would I want at my fingertips?” Lawson explained. “These calculators will help to keep you from making that extra purchase while you’re out shopping for décor. Futhermore, if you’re not sure how many people to invite to your event, these tools can help you make those decisions.”

When asked why she chose Android vs.Iphone to introduce her first mobile application, Lawson replied, “The first and most obvious reason, is that I own a Android phone, and secondly, I really like the idea of open sourced content. The idea that everyone can contribute great ideas if given the opportunity is a great way to do business."

It is very clear when talking to Cheryl, that she has a passion for the events industry and the technology that drives it. Although this is the first mobile project for the self-proclaimed marketing geek, I’m sure it won't be the last. Download the Event Planning Tools app from the Android Market (http://www.android.com/market/)today.

About The Perfect Date

The Perfect Date is an event planning and marketing firm whose specialties include corporate meetings, association conferences, specialized events, and gala celebrations. Established long before the current online dating craze, the name "The Perfect Date" was inspired by a wine country tour through the Napa Valley with friends. Founded in 2000 by Event Specialist, Cheryl Lawson, The Perfect Date also provides valuable marketing resources to its clients. Visit The Perfect Date website to learn more.

About Party Aficionado

Party Aficionado is the super alter ego of event specialist, Cheryl Lawson. Cheryl is a social media advocate and educator. Party Aficionado is the home of the new Event Planning Tools Mobile App. To learn more about the mobile app, visit the Party Aficionado Face Book Page.

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Readability: news release earns 4,283 page reads, wins $1,000 from PRWeb

Event Specialist, Cheryl Lawson (@Partyaficionado) knows how to craft news releases that sizzle – and today she’s won $1,000 and 12 free releases after competing in a PRWeb’s contest for a good cause. Read the original post on Blogging PRWeb

Kukuwa Dance Workout (KDW®) Launches Online Instructor Certification

“As we were developing our online community through Facebook, Twitter, and Youtube, our social marketing coach, Cheryl Lawson, suggested that we offer the Kukuwa® Dance Workout certification online to enable instructors all over the globe to access KDW,” said Kukuwa Nuamah, Founder and CEO of Kukuwa, LLC. “I’m excited that the online certification is now live and the door is wide open to anyone wanting to add a new dimension to their fitness life and career”.

Kukuwa Dance Workout (KDW®) Launches Online Instructor Certification

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Announcing The Event Planning Tools Application for Smartphones

Announcing The Event Planning Tools Application for Smartphones

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Recession is the perfect time to expand your company

Event Specialist, Cheryl Lawson, shares her story of survival and struggle during the recession.




Smart growth | Our Weekly

formspring.me

Ask me anything http://formspring.me/partyaficionado

Winning over Facebook Fans with Online News Releases

How event specialist, Cheryl Lawson, drove social media results for a celebrity charity event




Read: Success Stories: The Perfect Date

Charity Event Wins over Facebook Fans with Online News Releases

PRWeb presents a case study on how Event Specialist, Cheryl Lawson, drove social media results for a celebrity charity event.

Lanham, MD (PRWEB) March 30, 2010 -- PRWeb, the online news distribution service of Vocus (NASDAQ: VOCS), announced today it has published a new PRWeb case study on how event specialist, Cheryl Lawson, drove social media results for a charity event. Lawson used multi-media news releases submitted through PRWeb to increase the event’s Facebook fans by more than 177 percent in a little more than a week.


Read more

Celebrities Answer Challenge to Help Kids in the Los Angeles Inner City; Hoops For Hope LA @ Staples Center Feb. 23

Celebrities Answer Challenge to Help Kids in the Los Angeles Inner City; Hoops For Hope LA @ Staples Center Feb. 23

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Former NBA Player Issues Challenge to Magic Johnson and Other Celebrity Icons to Help Kids in the Los Angeles Inner City

Former NBA Player Issues Challenge to Magic Johnson and Other Celebrity Icons to Help Kids in the Los Angeles Inner City


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Event Specialist, Cheryl Lawson uses PRweb to create buzz around a charity event at the world famous Staples Center in Los Angeles. With only 2 weeks and 2 days to pull this off, Cheryl went to Social Media to get the message out.

The Results speak for themselves:
"By tying the press release to a newly created Facebook fan page, we were able to track not only impressions and full reads, but also able how many people became fans of the page." said Cheryl, "On Sunday before the release we had 150 fans on the page. By the day of the event, we had over 400 and counting."

Introducing A Smartphone App for Event Professionals & Enthusiasts

Event specialist, Cheryl Lawson has launched The Event Planning Tools App for Android powered smartphones.




The Event Planning Tools app is actually two aps in one.

1. Meeting Space Calculator allows you to quickly determine how many people will fit into a particular venue or meeting space based on your layout.

2. Meeting budget is a quick way to keep track of your event expenses and will calculate cost per attendee at the click of a button.

While these tools are not new, (we used to have to do the math) I felt that having a quick reference on your mobile phone would be a cool tool to have.

Alot of people are out there planning their own weddings, events and meetings, so I thought to myself, what tools would I want at my fingertips?


For the event enthusiasts:
a. These calculators will help to keep you from making that one more purchase while you’re out shopping for décor.

b. If you’re not sure how many people to invite to your event, these tools can help you make those decisions.

c. Knowing the impact on the bottom line of one more flower arrangement can be a very valuable tool.



For my fellow event pros:
a. If you're like me, you probably size up every venue you enter. Restaurant, chapel, or grocery store, I'm constantly thinking of how many people I can fit into a space.




b. If you plug in how baggage fees are affecting your staff travel expenses, you might not send the whole crew on the Vegas "site visit". (Sorry crew, it's expensive)

c. This app can be a quick guide to further your guru status on the spot!



Why Android?


The first and most obvious reason, is that I own a Android phone (G1) and secondly, I really like the notion of open sourced content. The idea that everyone can contribute great ideas if given the opportunity.

Don’t get me wrong, I’m not against the iphone; I simply made a choice to start with Android phones.

Future Versions?
There will be future versions of this app based on feedback from users.

From your Android powered phone visit the market and search Event Planning Tools, It's only .99 cents.