Susan Lynn Cope Events

I am a very busy event planner, and through out my day I need to manage multiple social media accounts.  With all of my current projects, I manage 4 Twitter accounts, 5 Facebook fan pages and 2 blogs.  Social media brings a lot of time commitment and self control.  There are several resources I keep at my finger tips to make my life easier and more efficient.

1) CoTweet
When your life is crazy, and you do not have time to sit on Twitter all day posting content, cotweet is the perfect solution.  CoTweet allows you to schedule tweets from multiple accounts at the specific time you want to release the content.  This affords you the opportunity to pre-schedule links and thoughts to be released at peak Twitter times.

2) TweetDeck
Occasionally during the day, you have articles or thoughts you want to release immediately.  With TweetDeck you can post from multiple accounts individually or simultaneously.  This saves the time an effort of having to login to multiple web based Twitter accounts.  You can also create columns to easily and accessibly  re-tweet yourself and others from various accounts.   You are also able to manage “@” mentions from numerous accounts and follow unlimited hashtags.  TweetDeck also makes it easy to follow from your multiple accounts and add users to lists.

3) Twitter
No matter how many other tools are still available, Twitter is still valuable.  It is the easiest way to manage followers and keep track of direct messages on several accounts.   For me, Twitter is not an effective way to access content, but the best way to gain followers.  With the Twitter’s new follower suggestions, you can access people within your network and gain a targeted and pertinent following.

4) Hashtags
Setting up a hashtag for every account you manage, allows you  to all posts and responsd via TweetDeck and your Twitter Lists. Therefore making it as efficient as possible to quickly respond within multiple accounts.

The four suggestions above are simply that, suggestions.  They are my solution and what work best for me.  There are other tools available to you that will assist you in more effectively tackling the task of multiple Twitter accounts.  HootSuite, Brizzly and Seesmic are just the beginning.  So find the tools that are right for you and balance your daily work load within the multiple accounts you manage.

Next time we will go mobile, but for now be sure to follow me on @susanlynncope.

When I first started using Twitter, I used to email myself the tweets I wanted to read when I didn’t have time or was on the move.  Even though I created a label in Gmail to filter these messages, sometimes they went forgotten and never saw the light of day again.  After a few months, I discovered the “favorite” button.  Favorite-ing tweets is one of my, for lack of better word, favorite features of Twitter.  Plus as a bonus, it is a feature I am able to utilize in TweetDeck, Seesmic and UberTwitter, so it doesn’t matter where or when I see the Tweet I may want to read, I am able to save it for later.  Favorite-ing a tweet is useful for several reasons:

Retweeting Purposes
I will never Retweet a tweet if I have not fully read the article attached to the tweet.  When I am busy or mobile, I will favorite a tweet that I find interesting due to the headline.  Then when I have time, it is available for me to go back and read.  If I decide the content is worthwhile, it is easily retweet-able as it is saved in favorites on Twitter.  There is no need to copy and paste and try to remember who originally tweeted the article for accreditation.   All the information is right there at my finger tips.

Future Reference
My favorites category on Twitter provides me with a place to store information for future reference.  I use this information several ways.  They may be tweets I want to retweet and release at specific times based on what I have going on.  I may also use these tweets as reference to a project I am working.  Or they could be saved as sources for events I may foresee in the future.  Since I am an event planner, I frequently save articles and posts for innovative ideas, locations and thoughts on the event planning process, just like you may put a post-it note in a book.

A Database of Content
Since I manage multiple Twitter accounts that all serve several different purposes, I like the favorite option for a database of content.  More often than not the tweets I find interesting for my personal Twitter account are also applicable to my business and non-profit accounts.   And I prefer to not release all the content across multiple accounts at one time, so I take the time to favorite the tweet.  It is much more efficient then trying to dig the content out of my timeline.  It is also affords me the opportunity to hold onto messages I want to send when I want to send to them and give credit where credit is due.

Scheduling Tweets
Pre-scheduling tweets is not my favorite thing to do, but I occasionally find it necessary. I travel quite a bit and want the ability to post content no matter what.  I may find a tweet to be interesting immediately upon seeing it, but I feel it would be good as a scheduled tweet, so I will favorite it.  I can then make use of my CoTweet account and schedule for posting when I am mid air on a flight to who knows where.

So when you are in a hurry, on the move or just simply do not have time to read a link attached to tweet, try favorite-ing it.  You will find it to be useful and save you from having dig through your millions of emails that you receive a day.  It is a feature that makes my day easier, and I hope it will assist in your work load too.

Find me on Twitter

I was recently asked, “Why do you check in ‘off the grid’ all the time?”  I am a huge social media and I relish in how it brings people together.  But sometimes, I prefer some anonymity.  I am a single woman, living alone in the Buffalo, NY.

Checking In at Home
The most popular venue on Foursquare is Home.  As much as I enjoy entertaining guests in home, I typically want to know who is coming over and when they will be there.  The idea of people just showing up at my house because they see I am “checked-in” there is not really my “cup of tea.”

Foursquare’s Integration with Twitter
Due to the Twitter integration within Foursquare, users are able to locate people they follow on Twitter and add them as friends on Foursquare.  And yes, random people you do not know want to be your friend.  I have no opposition to adding these users who are my Twitter friends especially if I interact with them on regular basis.  However I am leery of always disclosing my whereabouts depending on my location or if I am alone.

Personal Space
No matter how much I enjoy random encounters with my friends and followers, there are choice occasions when I prefer to be by myself.  I could be at the local coffee shop working on a project and want to focus specifically on the task at hand.  I not saying that if you happen to bump into to me don’t say “hi.”  Sometimes it is just nice to fly under the radar.

I do regularly share my location when I am in a public setting or with a group of people.  I bask in the power of Foursquare and how it brings people together.  I enjoy the chance encounters with friends and acquaintances instead of being like two ships in the night.  However on occasion, I make the choice to “go off the grid.”

Follow me on Twitter @susanlynncope

You can even be my friend on Foursquare if you feel so inclined!!!!

Buffalo Goes Social Tonight!

Where: Merge
When: 8 pm –  10 pm
Who Should Attend: Tweeps, Bloggers, Facebook Fans, Foursquare Users, and the list goes on….

When Mashable announced that June 30 was officially Social Media Day, a group of Buffalo’s finest set out to make a meetup possible for the “holiday”.   We all use social media in our everyday lives in some form or another.  These six individuals used the power of Twitter, Foursquare and various other resources to quickly organize Buffalo’s first Social Media Day event.

So Buffalo, Meet Your Organizers!  (and follow them in your social world)

Keith Stephan-Giermek (aka @skunkworks716)  Social Media Day Meet Up event pioneer and all around awesome guy

Katie Krawczk (aka @katiekraw) Prize collaboration, eneral organization of websites, and Twitter and Facebook posting queen

Amber Rampino (aka @arampino) Press release empress and social media enthusiast

Tony City Love (aka @tonycitylove) Raffle prize master and somewhat of a t-shirt designer

Block Club (aka @blockclub) Logo designing all stars with one great print edition

DJloPRO (aka @DJloPRO) Spin master for all to enjoy

William Ingalls (aka @wingalls) Rockin out the photography and making your Twitter live stream hopes and dreams come true

Thank you very much to all of these event organizers.  Your collaboration is bring Buffalo’s social world together to finally meet face 2 face, and we can wait.

In order to make TEDxBuffalo a successful event, we will require sponsorship from not only local businesses but also local citizens.  I am currently looking for individuals to contribute micro-donations as well as local businesses to support this event.  Here is how you can help!

Sponsorship Levels:

Platinum ($3,000 – $5,000)

• 2 Tickets to TEDxBuffalo
• 6 Tickets to the Cocktail Reception
• Your logo shown on an individual slide during breaks
• Your logo on a banner in the lobby
• Your logo on the TEDxBuffalo website with a direct link to your company’s website
• Your logo in the event guide
• Your logo on all posters and flyers

Gold ($1,000 – $3,000)

• 4 Tickets to the Cocktail Reception
• Your logo shown on an individual slide during breaks
• Your logo on the TEDxBuffalo website with direct link to your company’s website
• Your logo in the event guide
• Your logo on all posters and flyers

Silver($500 to $1,000)

• 2 Tickets to the Cocktail Reception
• Logo on slide with other Silver sponsors during breaks
• Logo on TEDxBuffalo website
• Company name in event guide

Micro (Up to $500)

• Name listed on slide during breaks with other Micro donators
• Name on TEDxBuffalo website
• Name in event guide

Yesterday I was interviewed by ArtVoice regarding the upcoming TEDxBuffalo event.  During the interview, I was posed with nine questions.  ArtVoice chose to publish 6 of my responses, but I thought I would share all 9 with you.  Please stop by and check out the article on ArtVoice.

1. What’s a TEDx event? Why is it a big deal?
About TEDx, x = independently organized event
In the spirit of ideas worth spreading, TEDx is a program of local, self-organized events that bring people together to share a TED-like experience. At a TEDx event, TEDTalks video and live speakers combine to spark deep discussion and connection in a small group. These local, self-organized events are branded TEDx, where x = independently organized TED event. The TED Conference provides general guidance for the TEDx program, but individual TEDx events are self-organized. (Subject to certain rules and regulations.)

It is an opportunity to gather inspirational minds and great ideas in buffalo to inspire people to work on rebuilding our community and creating a sustainable infra structure.

2. What sort of topics do you imagine a TEDx event in Buffalo might cover?
All of the topics covered will be based on technology, entertainment and design.  Presentors will give 18 minute talks about their experience and projections in the field which they are an expert.

3. Any notion yet of where and when it will happen?
My ideal location for hosting TEDxBuffalo is Babeville, and my target event time is late October or early November.  The instant I lock in a location, I will set the date.

4. After an event like this, how do participants carry the discussion and energy into action? What’s TEDx’s record on actually spurring action in other places?
The reason TED works is because the goal of the event is to bring together thought leaders, captains of industry and talented people from a diverse range of fields.  During the event the attendees make connections and are unified by the talks that are presented, spurring into action organizations and plans to make what seems impossible, possible.

Since I am bound by the TED regulation of 100 attendees at the event, attendance will be based on an application process to ensure we are hosting the proper group of participants.

WNYmedia had generously offered the use of their resources so we can live stream the event for anyone who is interested but unable to attend.

The most recent example of why TED works that I can give you is Jamie Oliver.  In 2010 he was the TEDPrize winner.  Jamie Oliver’s wish, “I wish for your help to create a strong, sustainable movement to educate every child about food, inspire families to cook again and empower people everywhere to fight obesity.”  Since being awarded the prize, numerous resources have been made available to him to start a “food revolution” in America.

TEDxBuffalo has the potential to spur great visions and create effective ways to implement them.

5. What kind of help do you need to pull this off?
To pull this event off successfully, we need designers to assist with the website and layout of print material and collateral.  We need sponsors to cover catering costs, venue rental, speaker fees, printing costs and almost everything in between.  We also videographers, photographers, bloggers, artists, set builders and most importantly we need the community to take the ideas presented and make them a reality.

6. Is beer typically served at TEDx events? If not, maybe an exception could be made?
Did you say, beer???  Why yes, I would love a beer.  I am not sure that it would be appropriate to serve alcohol during the actual presentations, however there will be a reception following conference for attendees to network, mingle and drink beer.

7. You’re an event planner, so I imagine you’ve seen your share of rubber chicken dinners and atrocious behavior. What’s the key to bringing off an event smoothly?
My favorite meal, the rubber chicken!  In my experience the key to flawless event execution is all in the pre-planning.  Hiccups are always going to occur the day of the event, but being detailed oriented prior to the event occurring is the most crucial item for a flawless event

8.  Share a nightmare story?
Recently, I have been so swamped with work and I was hosting an event here in Buffalo.  Somehow in the midst of my chaos I managed to order the breakfast and lunch catering for the wrong day.  Food for 75 people and no one the enjoy it.

9. Any other questions I should ask?
Go “balls to the wall” with everything you do in life. Otherwise you are not really living.

TEDxBuffalo.com
I am currently seeking writers, developers and designers to help facilitate the building of the TEDxBuffalo website.  The general site is up, but there is no content.  I am currently working or writing the copy for the site, but design and development are not my strong suits.
*A branding guide will be sent to all members of this group

TED Video Searching
I need individuals who can invest a few hours to watching TEDtalks, and send me links to previous speeches that involve Urban Revitalization, Community Involvement, Shopping Locally or any other topic you may find relevant to the mission and theme.

Mission: With community involvement and active participation from the city’s residents, we can rebuild the East Side, bring new employment opportunities to the city and create a sustainable infrastructure for our future and future generations.  Change starts with you.

Theme: What Buffalo Needs Now!

TEDxBuffalo Twitter Account
The Twitter account currently has a homemade background, trust me it isn’t spectacular.  If there is someone available to create a new background for the page it would be greatly appreciated.
*A branding guide will be sent to you

TEDxBuffalo Facebook Page
If you are capable of creating a custom landing page for the Facebook Page, please let me know.
*A branding guide will be sent to you

In the weeks to come, I will post more projects that I will need assistance on.  Trust me there is plenty of work to go around.  So, if you do not see something that matches your skills, please check back or feel free to email me at susan@susanlynncope.com.

Well the waiting is finally over. Last night as I was laying on the couch with my family, I received the long awaited email from TED. “Susan, congratulations — you are officially a TEDx licensee!” So it is official Buffalo! The license has been approved!!!!

Thank you to everyone for all of your efforts thus far. I look forward to keeping the momentum rolling with this event. Please look for further details on the event and how to participate in the coming days. For the moment please use the hashtag #TEDxBuffalo when referencing the event via Twitter. You are welcome to follow my adventure on Twitter or Facebook, and please follow the event itself  @TEDxBuffalo.

As most of you know, last week I submitted the licensing application to host a TEDx event in Buffalo, NY.  Needless to say the 5 – 10 day waiting period is a little unsettling.  At this point I would just like to know that I have the license and together, as a community, we can move forward with this remarkable event.

Over the past fews weeks I have been contacted by many local citizens and organizations that have offered to lend a “helping hand.”  Since posting my answers to the licensing application, the outpouring of support has been huge.  I can honestly say that I am shocked and amazed every time I receive an email, phone call, blog post or a retweet.

Last week WNYmedia covered the TEDx story.  Chris Smith’s article not only discussed my efforts, but gave a clear, educational description of TED and TEDx.  Technology, education and design are three foundations we can use to once again re-purpose this great city.

Shortly after WYNmedia.net made their opinion of a TEDx event public, the editor and chief of Artvoice, Geoff Kelly, quickly followed with a blog post of his own.    Then to my astonishment Pete Herr and Buffalo Stuff were jumping on the media train.

Following the three articles I was contacted by several individuals and local organizations offer to lend their assistance.  Michael F. Ziolkowski, an Associate Professor of International Business at SUNY Brockport, emailed me with an offer to further discuss “the nexus of  telecommunications, sustainability and competitive advantage:  Smart Phones – Dumb Networks.”  The Treasurer of the Central Terminal Restoration Corporation offered the use to the Central Terminal as a location to host the event.  Kara Kane wants to know what Medaille can do to help.  And a gentleman from the Buffalo Expat Network (BEN) want to be a part of this project.

Then there are the retweets.  My Twitter followers have used their networks to help spread the word and gain excitement regarding a TEDx in Buffalo.  I know it is only Monday, but as I “Thank You” to all these wonderful tweeps, you should really follow them.

@chazadams, @peteherr, @clarkdever, @ryanknapp, @arampino, @karakane, @buffalogeek, @michaelmurphy, @Wingalls, @kevinpurdy, @veganjesus, @k3v2, @charlieriley, @KeithBurtis, @12grainstudio, @kmkrawcz, @melvinp, @herobeth,  @grantdever, @magnachef, @ChrisVanPatten, @BfloDreaming, @leahmacvie, and don’t forget to follow me @susanlynncope

Thank you everyone for your encouragement, support and assistance with my efforts.  My mission is “What Buffalo needs now is community involvement and active participation for the city’s residents to build a brighter future for ourselves.  Change starts with you.

The #eventprofs community on Twitter is a shining example of how social media can bring people with common interests together, where they can inspire each other and learn from each other.  On this Friday, May 7, 2010 here are a few of my favorite event professionals.

@heidithorne – Innovative promotional products expert specializing in tradeshows and events. Also green & USA made products. Keeping your brand in the hand of your customers!

@ericlukazewski – Marketing director & trade show ninja at Echelon Design (@EchelonExhibits). I like to show people the aha. A digital sponge that lusts for baseball & 8-bit.

@eventsforgood – Events For Good helps companies, nonprofits and associations plan charitable events, fundraising events, and other special events.

@lyksumlikrish – Co-Owner/Marketing Director Icon Presentations – audio, video, lighting for events/actress/mom/improv & yoga devotee trying to stay in the present.

@lizkingevents – Event Planning SUPERhero, Queen of Logistics, Social Media Obsessed Blogger & Speaker.