Some Big Island businesses and nonprofit organizations are unduly apprehensive or still puzzled about social media, particularly the value of such web- and mobile-based technology platforms. They want to know what the impact will be to their bottom lines for
Some Big Island businesses and nonprofit organizations are unduly apprehensive or still puzzled about social media, particularly the value of such web- and mobile-based technology platforms. They want to know what the impact will be to their bottom lines for investing in such content, said Julie Ziemelis, of Kona-based Ziemelis Communications.
A conference next month will reveal how these tools provide measurable return on investments, as well as who is using social media and how effective it has been. The first of its kind on the Big Island, TechConKona will prove to companies and groups with no digital presence that not only are they foregoing a powerful marketing and branding tool, they’re becoming invisible to consumers and falling behind their competition, said Ziemelis, conference creator and promoter.
“This is really a public service,” she added.
Occurring from 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. Aug. 2 at the Sheraton Keauhou Bay Resort and Spa, TechConKona focuses on four crucial components of business: digital marketing, computer technology, green jobs and renewable energy. It offers networking opportunities, technology-related exhibitors, presentations by experts, a luncheon and a pau hana business reception. The keynote speakers are Paul Hawken — Smith and Hawken furniture store founder, a man who worked alongside Martin Luther King’s staff during the march on Selma and founder of the first U.S. natural food store — and Dustin Luther — a digital marketing and social media visionary for Malibu, Calif.-based Dun and Bradstreet Credibility Corp., Ziemelis said.
Hawken needs no introduction to the sustainability and social justice crowd, said Ziemelis. This environmentalist, entrepreneur and author has written several books, including “Natural Capitalism,” a book former President Bill Clinton called “the fifth-most important book in the world.” Since the ’80s, he has keynoted conferences, led workshops on the impact of commerce upon the environment and consulted with leaders worldwide on economic development, industrial ecology and environmental policy.
This will be the first time Hawken has spoken here, and that’s thanks to Hawaii Community College in Hilo footing the speaking fee, Ziemelis said. Hawken will explain how to operate a business with a triple bottom line philosophy: profits, people and planet, she added.
Luther, on the other hand, will share how businesses can harness social media to move beyond their local markets and find global market opportunity, Ziemelis said.
“With the Big Island producing so many niche items, business owners will learn how to reach out and be found by new audiences for their product. This is a game changer for so many businesses here,” she added.
Also worth noting are presentations by Jane Sawyer, U.S. Small Business Administration Hawaii District director, who will discuss how the agency helps entrepreneurs create new business, find funding and write a business plan, and North Hawaii Community Hospital Information Technology Director Dave Mikus who will address cloud computing, Ziemelis said.
By the end of the conference, attendees should have basic understanding of the existing and emerging trends and technologies, such as cloud computing and products like Facebook, YELP, Pinterest or Twitter. They should also feel inspired and more confident about integrating social media and other technologies. They should be able to use tips and tools, as well as develop a successful strategy that goes beyond signing up for a particular site and maintaining a mediocre presence, Ziemelis said.
Tickets, costing $100, may be purchased at TechConKona.com. Discounts are available to Hawaii Community College students with proper identification. For a $40 discount, ticket buyers may type “WHT” in the promotional code box to pay $60 to attend the conference. Monday is the last day to register.
For more information, contact Ziemelis at 854-6769 or julie@ziemelis.com.
