Social Media and blogging was made for small business owners and entrepreneurs. Why? Because it allows you and your company to directly connect and build relationships with your customers.

Maybe you’re hesitant to jump on the bandwagon. Maybe you’re worried about investing time. Or, maybe you just don’t know where to begin. Without a doubt, these are common obstacles for anyone looking to get involved in the Social Media playing field, but those who do are reaping huge benefits that allow even the smallest locally-owned company to compete with the corporate big-wigs.

Learn the ins and outs of online marketing and how it applies to YOUR business. Nicole Crimaldi & Matt Cheuvront combine classroom-style presentation, real-life case studies, and hands on tutorials, ensuring you walk away with (tangible) actionable items to integrate into your own marketing strategy.

We are also thrilled to have Mari Luangrath, founder of Foiled Cupcakes, Chicago’s most buzzed about gourmet cupcake company as a guest speaker for this month's event. Foiled Cupcakes relies heavily on the Internet and Social Media to grow their business to where it is today and Mari will be present to answer any and all of your questions.

A few things you’ll take away:

• Learn why Twitter, Facebook and LinkedIn are invaluable to your business marketing strategy

• Learn how to use your blog to get Google’s attention without paying a dime.

• Learn how to improve your brand image and awareness by actively engaging your customers and prospects.

• Learn how to monitor your brand for free. (Know who’s talking about you, where they are talking and what they are saying)

• Hear what other companies are doing. We’ll encourage discussion and allow plenty of time for networking.

ALL attendees will get a FREE printed copy of Matt & Nicole's "Social Media 101" e-book!

Bring your questions and ideas and join us on Saturday morning, April 10th at Elgin Community College. We think our workshop may just change the way you do business. Not to mention, it's 100% FREE...what do you have to lose?

About the Speakers:

Matt Cheuvront is an entrepreneur, avid blogger, Social Media aficionado, and founder of MattChevy – a Chicago-based web design, development, and marketing consultancy. With a background in advertising, marketing, e-commerce, and PR, Matt has a passion for the online medium and works with small businesses, non-profit organizations, entrepreneurs, and bloggers in improving and establishing their overall web presence.

Nicole Crimaldi is a financial gal by trade, and a social media queen by night. Nicole is the founder of mscareergirl.com, a career blog for ambitious young professionals. Nicole's strong online brand has provided her many publicity opportunities including being featured in newspapers like the Chicago Red Eye, being a guest on radio shows, speaking at colleges and most recently the offer for a book deal.