Think about this: The number of years to reach 50 million users:  Radio (38 Years), TV (13 Years), Internet (4 Years), iPod (3 Years). Facebook added 100 million users in less than 9 months. iPhone applications hit 1 billion in 9 months.

Executives from Checkerboard Strategic Web Development of Burnsville, Media Relations of Burnsville, Medtronic and Best Buy will share strategic advice on using social media during a May 20th meeting at the Fort Snelling Officers' Club.

“Social media is growing faster than any promotional channel ever has. Platforms such as Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn and YouTube are becoming benchmarks in marketing efforts much like websites and email have in the past,” says Jason  Kocina, of Checkerboard  who will give real-world examples of how companies are using the new social media tools and software to both push content and actively listen to their customers.

"Social media is like a baby monitor: It gives companies a nice way to listen and respond to their market," said Kocina .  "What's so exciting is that now we have the tools to quantify the effectiveness of our promotions, so that we can see and measure their value relative to sales."

April 21 article from Star Tribune Business Briefs:

http://www.startribune.com/local/south/91119464.html?elr=KArksUUUoDEy3LGDiO7aiU

The event, sponsored by Sales & Marketing Executives International of Minnesota, is scheduled for 4:30-6:30 p.m. To register, go to  www.smeiminnesota.org  The fee is $20 for students, $30 for members and $50 for non- members.

Don't miss the chance to experience these valuable social media experts.