ATLANTA, Ga. – Social Media Marketing University (SMMU), a leader in social media training, was named the winner of a Gold Stevie® Award in the Best Training Site category in the 9th Annual International Business Awards on August 15. Entries were received from more than 50 nations and territories, and more than 300 executives worldwide participated in the judging process.
In addition to the International Business Awards, SMMU has been recognized by The Mashable Awards, Forbes magazine’s America’s Most Promising Companies campaign and the Technology Association of Georgia (TAG).
SMMU first launched in 2009. Since then, the e-learning firm has provided social media and online marketing training to more than 85,000 entrepreneurs and business professionals around the world. SMMU currently offers 12 comprehensive course modules, certification for experienced or aspiring social media strategists and weekly professional development webinars.
“This award further validates our commitment to helping businesses increase visibility and revenue by providing them with the most comprehensive social media training available,” said John Souza, founder and chief strategist of SMMU. “It’s an honor to be recognized alongside such well-respected industry leaders as SAP, Siemens, Accenture, Fiat-Chrysler and InterContinental Hotels Group.”
This year’s International Business Awards will be presented at a gala event at the Ritz-Carlton Hotel in Seoul, South Korea on Monday, October 15, 2012.
To learn more about SMMU and its award-winning social media training program, visit www.smmu.com.
To interview John Souza, or inquire about speaking engagements or guest blogs and columns, contact Ty Mays at (770) 256-8710 or [email protected]. Souza is available for interviews and guest blogs or columns and is available to provide commentary on social media trends, best practices and crises, and the impact of social media on breaking news stories.
About Social Media Marketing University
Social Media Marketing University (SMMU) is the world’s most trusted social media training program. Courses are taught by some of the world’s foremost authorities on social media and online marketing best practices, and the social media course curriculum includes interactive sessions and instruction on social media strategy, platforms and tools.
The program currently boasts nearly 3,000 graduates, and more than 85,000 business owners and business professionals have attended SMMU’s social media webinars. For more information, visit www.smmu.com.
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Did you hear about the Spirit Airlines Debacle? Here's how SMMU helped Jerry Meekins, and how you can avoid a mass boycott on your brand!]]>Courtesy of article.wn.com
ATLANTA, Ga. – On the heels of a social media firestorm, Spirit Airlines has granted Jerry Meekins a refund and donated $5,000 to Wounded Warrior Project in his name. But is it enough to undo the damage caused by the highly publicized customer service nightmare resulting in a “Boycott Spirit Airlines” Facebook campaign with more than 30,000 Likes?
“Social media requires brands to act quickly and decisively or risk losing money and customers,” said John Souza, founder of Social Media Marketing University (SMMU). “Your brand can be severely tarnished in a matter of hours, and without timely action, it can be difficult to undo the damage.”
Social Media Marketing University has begun using the Spirit Airlines blunder as a case study for its student body comprised of more than 83,000 entrepreneurs, executives and marketing and social media professionals.
On May 23 at 3:00pm EST, Social Media Marketing University will host a free webinar, “Blunder-Proof Social Media: 7 Ways to Protect Your Brand Against Backlash.” The webinar will cover seven key lessons that companies should take away from the Spirit Airlines mishap.
According to Souza, when companies invest in a robust social media presence and are committed to engaging their customers online, they are able to:
• Better control online messages and news stories about their brand and policies
• Manage customer angst and prevent major backlash
• Leverage negative incidents to attract customers, rather than lose them
• Reinforce commitment to customer service
“Incidents like these are learning opportunities for other companies that are still struggling to adapt to the growth and speed of social media and the impact its having on brands’ reputations,” said Souza.
“Social media isn’t just a platform for consumers to vocalize their concerns. It’s a vital tool for businesses to use to control how they are perceived, build relationships with customers, increase awareness and listen proactively. “
Social Media Marketing University contacted Meekins last week and offered him $1,000 to be used for airfare for his family, a gesture Souza thought only fitting under the circumstances.
“It’s important for companies to know that even when they aren’t listening to their customers in social media, the rest of the world is,” said Souza.
To register “Blunder-Proof Social Media: 7 Ways to Protect Your Brand Against Backlash,” visit www.smmulive.com/prevent-brand-backlash. Space is limited.
About Social Media Marketing University
Social Media Marketing University (SMMU) is the world’s most trusted social media training program.
Courses are taught by some of the world’s foremost authorities on social media and online marketing best practices, and the social media class curriculum includes interactive sessions and instruction on social media strategy, platforms and tools.
The program currently boasts more than 83,000 business owners and business professionals have attended SMMU’s social media webinars. For more information, visit www.smmu.com.
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Do you use Pinterest to drive traffic, build brand identity and increase your sales? If not, then you'll want to check out our webinar asap! Sign up here. ]]>Social Media Marketing University to Educate the Business Community on Turning Pins into Profits in a Must-Attend Webinar on April 18 at 5 pm EST; Early Bird Discounts Available for SMMU’s Pinterest Webinar
Courtesy of Mashable
ATLANTA, Ga. – April 10, 2012– Social Media Marketing University (SMMU) invites business owners and business professionals to a must-attend webinar entitled, “From 0 to 40,000+ Pinterest Followers in 5 Weeks: Discover the Right Way to Market for Results on Pinterest.”
Presented by leading Pinterest expert Debba Haupert, the hour-long event will take place on April 18 at 5 pm EST and will educate attendees on how to drive traffic, raise brand awareness and drive sales with Pinterest. To register, visit www.smmulive.com/pinterest.
With more than 21 million users, Pinterest has quickly become the third most popular social media site. During the webinar on April 18, Haupert will share with attendees how she attracted more than 40,000 Pinterest followers in five weeks and how businesses can use the site to grow traffic and revenue.
She’ll also discuss proven ways to use Pinterest to increase ROI, tips on creating a Pinterest strategy and design and copyright best practices all Pinterest users should know to protect themselves and their brand.
Debba Haupert is a former V.P. of Sales and Marketing with more than 20 years of corporate marketing experience. In 2006, she founded Girlfriendology.com, which has grown to more than 50,000 social media connections.
A highly sought after consultant and speaker, Haupert regularly educates audiences on emerging social media sites, social media trends and other related topics, including her own success on Pinterest.
“Debba is a great example of the level of engagement that businesses can create with Pinterest,” said John Souza, founder and chief strategist of Social Media Magic and Social Media Marketing University.
“It’s essential that the business community understand the true potential of Pinterest and how to tap into it. Our upcoming webinar will be incredibly helpful for those looking for easy-to-implement Pinterest strategies designed to generate more traffic, boost SEO, radically increase backlinks and increase exposure.”
To register, visit www.smmulive.com/pinterest.
Social Media Marketing University is the training arm of Social Media Magic, recognized as one of the top five social media services for businesses by the Mashable Awards and as a finalist in Forbes magazine’s Most Promising American Companies campaign. It is the most comprehensive social media curriculum with 12 courses on social media and online marketing. Course topics include:
- Mobile marketing – http://socialmediamarketinguniversity.com/mobile-marketing/
- Blogging – http://socialmediamarketinguniversity.com/blogging/
- Facebook marketing – http://socialmediamarketinguniversity.com/facebook/
- Email marketing – http://socialmediamarketinguniversity.com/email-marketing/
- Video marketing with YouTube – http://socialmediamarketinguniversity.com/video-marketing/
In addition to offering social media marketing classes, webinars and opportunities for social media certification, Social Media Magic also provides “done for you” services for companies and organizations of all sizes, including small businesses, colleges and universities and global enterprises.
To sign up for “From 0 to 40,000+ Pinterest Followers in 5 Weeks: Discover the Right Way to Market for Results on Pinterest,” with Debba Haupert on April 18 at 5 pm EST, visit www.smmulive.com/pinterest. For a limited time, SMMU is offering an Early Bird discounted rate of $47, a savings of 50%. Space is limited to 500 attendees.
About Social Media Marketing University
Social Media Marketing University (SMMU) is the world’s most trusted social media training program. Courses are taught by some of the world’s foremost authorities on social media and online marketing best practices, and the social media class curriculum includes interactive sessions and instruction on social media strategy, platforms and tools.
The program currently boasts nearly 3,000 graduates, and more than 83,000 business owners and business professionals have attended SMMU’s social media webinars. For more information, visit www.smmu.com.
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John Souza, owner of Social Media Magic, wins a coveted award at the 2011 Tech Marketing Awards. Read about the award in today's post. Click here now!]]>Courtesy of makemoneyhomebusinesscenter.com
The award for “Social Media Marketer of the Year” is presented to business leaders who have exhibited outstanding marketing performance and proved the value of their contributions. Souza accepted the award among Atlanta’s most respected thought leaders who have advanced the use of technology to get marketing results.
“This award is a testimony to my commitment to providing leading edge services and resources to companies and business leaders who want to leverage social media to dominate their industries,” said Souza. “It’s an honor that my team and I are excited and grateful for, and we’re eager to share the news with our clients, our training program participants and all of our supporters.”
Award Winning Social Marketing
In addition to being an acknowledgement of Souza’s contributions to the advancement of social media
Since its launch, more than 75,000 business leaders have participated in the program. SMMU
SMMU is the training arm of Social Media Magic, an Atlanta-based social media management firm of which Souza is also founder. The firm has been recognized by the Mashable Awards as one of the best social media companies. The firm’s client list includes global business leaders, including SAP and leading small and medium enterprises.
For more information about John Souza, Social Media Magic or Social Media Marketing University, visit www.socialmediamagic.com or www.smmu.com. Connect with John every Wednesday night at 8 p.m.
ET for #SMMUChat (www.smmulive.com/smmuchat), a weekly interactive Q&A and discussion on Twitter that focuses on social media and online marketing strategies, trends and tools for entrepreneurs and business professionals.
About Social Media Magic
Social Media Magic is an Atlanta-based social media management firm that equips companies with the strategy, creative innovation, tools and manpower to launch and sustain results-driven social media campaigns.
The firm’s training arm, Social Media Marketing University (SMMU), boasts more than 75,000 course attendees and is the preferred social media curriculum provider SME’s, Fortune 500 companies, and nonprofit organizations. For more information, visit www.socialmediamagic.com.
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John Souza Recognized by Local Industry Peers for Excellence in Social Media and Online Marketing Solutions and E-Learning Programs]]>John Souza Recognized by Local Industry Peers for Excellence in Social Media and Online Marketing Solutions and E-Learning Programs
ALPHARETTA, Ga. – Social Media Magic (www.socialmediamagic.com), a local social media management firm and e-learning company, announced today that John Souza, the firm’s founder, has been named a 2011 Tech Marketing Awards finalist in the “Social Media Marketer of the Year” category. The news comes on the heels of the launch of the firm’s newly expanded e-learning curriculum.
The 2011 Tech Marketing Awards are presented by TAG Marketing, a society of the Technology Association of Georgia (TAG) and the state’s premier organization for technology marketing events. Open to all Georgia-based technology marketers, the awards recognize the most innovative and the “best of the best” in the fusion of marketing and technology.
The winners of the 2011 Tech Marketing Awards will be announced on Thursday, November 17 at a Gala Awards Celebration at the Defoor Center in Atlanta.
“It’s an honor to be nominated amongst such an esteemed group of marketing thought leaders,” said Souza. “Each year the Tech Marketing Awards does an outstanding job of showcasing the immense marketing talent here in the Atlanta area.”
As the founder of Social Media Magic and Social Media Marketing University, John Souza has been instrumental in transforming the way Georgia businesses think about and implement social media. His national and global impact have been marked by recognition by the Mashable Awards in 2010 as one of the Best Social Media Companies, and the utilization of his firm’s services by global business leaders, including SAP and leading small and medium enterprises.
Additionally, Social Media Marketing University (SMMU) (www.smmu.com), the firm’s training arm, has provided award-winning, interactive, online professional development opportunities for more than 75,000 business owners and professionals across the globe and is the preferred social media e-learning curriculum of Brain Shark and Moniker.
For more information about the 2011 Tech Marketing Awards, visit www.techmarketingawards.com. For more information about John Souza, Social Media Magic or Social Media Marketing University, visit www.socialmediamagic.com or www.smmu.com.
About Social Media Magic
Social Media Magic is an Atlanta-based social media management firm that equips companies with the strategy, creative innovation, tools and manpower to launch and sustain results-driven social media campaigns. The firm’s training arm, Social Media Marketing University (SMMU), boasts more than 75,000 course attendees and is the preferred social media curriculum provider SME’s, Fortune 500 companies, and nonprofit organizations. For more information, visit www.socialmediamagic.com.
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Social Media Experts and Enthusiasts to Discuss Search Engine Optimization Tips and Techniques During Inaugural #SMMUChat Discussion, Launching Wednesday, October 26 at 8 p.m. E.D.T. Read all about it below. ATLANTA, Ga. –September 26, 2011 - Social Media Marketing University (SMMU) invites business owners and business professionals to participate in #SMMUChat, a new Twitter chat [...]]]>Read all about it below.
Courtesy of articlesbase.com
ATLANTA, Ga. –September 26, 2011 - Social Media Marketing University (SMMU) invites business owners and business professionals to participate in #SMMUChat, a new Twitter chat created to encourage discourse on social media and online marketing trends and best practices. #SMMUChat will take place every Wednesday at 8 p.m. E.D.T. The first chat launches on October 26 and will address common questions business professionals have about search engine optimization. Visit www.smmulive.com/smmuchat for more information.
“Social media is constantly evolving, making it difficult for many business owners and business professionals to stay on top of trends and best practices,” said John Souza, founder and chief strategist of Social Media Marketing University. “We decided to launch this Twitter chat to give social business leaders a platform to ask questions, learn about new, leading edge strategies and network with experts and peers.”
#SMMUChat is a weekly interactive Q&A and discussion on Twitter. Each chat features Social Media Marketing University instructors, special guest experts and a growing community of Twitter users. #SMMUChat is one of many resources made available by Social Media Marketing University to help business owners and business professionals increase social media proficiency.
The first #SMMUChat discussion on October 26 will focus on leveraging search engine optimization to boost online visibility, web traffic and sales. Participants can submit their top questions about SEO at www.smmulive.com/smmuchat. The Twitter chat will center around the top 10 questions submitted.
Social Media Marketing University is the training arm of Social Media Magic, recognized as one of the top five social media services for businesses by the Mashable Awards.With 11 courses, SMMU currently offers the most expansive social media and online marketing curriculum. Course topics include:
- Search Engine Optimization – http://socialmediamarketinguniversity.com/search-engine-optimization/
- Pay-Per-Click – http://socialmediamarketinguniversity.com/pay-per-click/
- Blogging – http://socialmediamarketinguniversity.com/blogging/
- Facebook marketing – http://socialmediamarketinguniversity.com/facebook/
- Mobile marketing – http://socialmediamarketinguniversity.com/mobile-marketing/
- Video marketing with YouTube – http://socialmediamarketinguniversity.com/video-marketing/
In addition to offering social media courses, free weekly webinars and opportunities for certification, Social Media Magic also provides “done for you” services for companies and organizations of all sizes, including small businesses, colleges and universities and global enterprises.
To participate in #SMMUChat on October 26 at 8 p.m. E.D.T., login to Twitter and follow the hashtag. Visit www.smmulive.com/smmuchat or follow @SMMagic for more information.
About Social Media Marketing University
Social Media Marketing University (SMMU) is the world’s most trusted social media training program. Courses are taught by some of the world’s foremost authorities on social media and online marketing best practices, and the curriculum includes interactive sessions and instruction on social media strategy, platforms and tools. More than 70,000 business owners and business professionals have attended SMMU’s training program and weekly webinars. For more information, visit www.smmu.com.
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