We have now updated our schedule of half day Social Media Overview and Briefing Session and half day Audio and Video Podcast Production Workshops for the rest of 2011.

The Podcast Workshops have been designed to complement the half day Social Media Overview and Briefing Sessions by focussing on the practical side of producing audio and video podcasts, webinars and web video.

The Overview and Briefing Sessions aim to give everyone a good understanding of when and why social media started to grow as rapidly as it has done (and continues to do so), what the usage patterns are across Europe and review a number of case studies to understand how other organisations – public and private sector – are using the various tools successfully.  The objective is that by the end of the session everyone will have enough knowledge to go back into their organisations and advise their management on what strategy (or not!) they should adopt.  We also ensure that practical experience is gained on how to use some of the most popular social media tools – Facebook, Flicker, Blogs, Podcasts and Twitter.

Briefing sessions are kept small – no more than 6 people – so that the case studies and practical side of using social media can be reviewed and discussed with every delegate relevant to their own organisations need.

The Audio and Video Podcast Workshops are kept even smaller – only up to 4 people – so that we spend the maximum amount of time in the studio working on planning, recording, editing and producing audio podcasts and then evaluate how using social media can help promote them to maximise traffic.  We will cover the use of audio and video for e-Learning and for employee as well as external customer communication.  We will look at how to develop content so allowing a series of podcasts to be produced.  We will look at case studies of organisations that are sucessfully using podcasts, web video and webinars.

Details of what each session covers are detailed below:

Social Media Overview and Briefing :

Using a mix of case studies and practical examples delegates will learn how to:

• Develop a business case for senior management and boards
• Prepare a social media strategy and plan
• Provide usage guidelines/training for employees
• Maximise the value of communities for employee recruitment, retention and skills development
• Understand the dynamics of online communities
• About the role of influencers and ‘crowd sourcing’ ideas and content
• How to use key tools effectively to engage with online communities (Facebook, Twitter, Blogs, Flickr, and Podcasts)
• How to integrate social media communication with traditional marketing campaigns
• How to set and measure/track ROI

The session will be interactive with exercises, use of internet resources and examination and exploration of case studies and practical examples from a range of public and private sector organisations.

All delegates will gain enough knowledge and understanding to either start or improve their organisations use of social media.

Who should attend?  Marketing managers, customer service managers and others involved in talking to and engaging with customers and prospective customers and influencers.

Lasts 3 hours.  Refreshments provided.

Cost – £75 plus VAT

Audio and Video Podcasts – Studio based workshop

Using the technical facilities in the studio as well as practical examples you will learn:

-         How to plan and organise podcast production

-          How to script, prepare and conduct interviews

-          How to develop ideas for a series to help maximise the opportunity for community growth

-          How to prepare to be interviewed and conduct interviews*

-          The practicalities of audio and video production in offices, studios and locations

-          The role of audio and video in e-learning (internal and external) and employee communication

-          About audio and video recording equipment

-          How to editing and finalise audio and video

-          Post production – the power of music, voice-overs and advanced editing techniques

-          Publishing online – YouTube, iTunes and self hosting

-          Engaging with the audience and crowdsourcing content

-          How to use social media to help establish and grow communities

-          How to create video from audio and still images

-          How to maximise audience attendance at Webinars and produce them

(* Note:  For details of our Advanced Presentation Skills course please see here)

During the session extensive use will be made of the recording and editing facilities in the studios and in-house technical resources.  All delegates will be actively involved in some part of the production – planning, participation,  production and promotion.

Case studies and practical examples will also be used throughout the session.

All delegates will leave with enough knowledge to be able to plan and start scripting audio and video content and to evaluate the value of web based video and webinars to their organisations.

Who should attend?  HR specialists with a responsibility for employee communications and training/skills development, communications and CSR specialists, marketing and customer services managers.

The Workshop lasts 3 hours.  Refreshments are provided.

Cost – £145 plus VAT

Dates for Briefings and Workshops in 2011:

September 27th – Social Media Overview & Briefing

October 11th -  Audio & Video Podcasts Workshop

November 1st (AM) – Social Media Overview and Briefing session

November 1st (PM) – Studio Audio & Video Podcasts Workshop

December 6th (AM) – Social Media Overview and Briefing session

December 6th (PM) – Studio Audio & Video Podcasts Workshop

To book call 023 8044 8822

Overview and Briefing Sessions cost £75 + VAT

Studio Audio and Video Podcast Workshops cost £145+ VAT each

All are held at our studios in Southampton where we have ample parking in our onsite car park or free on the local roads.

Oxfordshire, Berkshire and Bucks -The Learning Ladder (01865 893354)

London - Digital Marketing Institute -  module as part of a digital marketing training - 5 day full time course and 12 week evening course. (+353 1271888 – Dublin)