One mistake is not customizing the canned invitation. When used well, LinkedIn is a powerful business networking community and tool. personally am more apt to accept a LinkedIn invitation to connect than Facebook. However, there are some pet peeves I have about LinkedIn. Here are my top 5 don’ts, in no particular order: Sending generic invitations to connect : I’ve received dozens of invitations to connect via LinkedIn. In the past, I would automatically accept invitations, even from complete strangers. Otherwise, I will click on reject versus accept. Be bold. MORE >>

The news can be a game changer such as a new product, partnership or customer. While social media provides marketers more opportunities to directly connect with customers and prospects, it’s critical to engage in the conversation and use it as a listening tool. "conference hall" by shinemy via Flickr. Exhibiting and sponsoring at trade shows is an important component of the marketing mix.  While While physical meetings and conferences experienced a hit in 2009, I believe that more marketers will return to physical events in 2010. Announce News. Media Outreach. MORE >>

That means all email – for example, a message to former customers announcing a new product line – must comply with the law.&#. Outside of some close friends, one of the little known secrets about me is that I used to salsa dance. Not only did I enjoy dancing, I also competed in group and couples competitions. Like all enthusiasts, I subscribed to all the salsa lists to learn about upcoming events, lessons with outside instructors and more. At least I thought I did. Recently, I’ve started receiving notifications about these events, not through my email, but through Facebook. MORE >>

Invite Customers and Prospects. Increase your ROI by also inviting customers and prospects to the event. Virtual event platforms provide role-based access, which means that an access profile can be applied to your customers and prospects that are different from press members. Any PR that you do affects your customers, too, so include them when sharing the news. Whether customer, prospect or press member, study activity paths in the virtual event to determine effective follow-up plans. Dennis can be found on Twitter at @dshiao. No problem. Conclusion. MORE >>

The question is how far are we willing to take it in order to land the big story or customer? Note:  This past year has been one of reflection regarding family, friends and career, especially in light of what happened earlier this year. This will be one of many posts regarding various topics that I’ve mulled over from time to time through the year. Thank you in advance for your support and comments as I explore these topics.  . My husband likes to say that marketing and public relations is about who lies the best. When he tells me this, I am completely offended. The Ethical Quandary. MORE >>