Milton chamber to host social media for business workshops

Some social media platforms – like LinkedIn – can be intimidating, even to someone like Executive Director of the Milton Chamber of Commerce Lisa Sumstine.

That's why Sumstine is bringing social media experts to Milton to help teach local business owners how to use LinkedIn, Facebook and Twitter to effectively promote their small business.

“It's the marketing of today,” Sumstine said. “While traditional print and radio are the standards, and everybody either knows how to work them or where to get help with them, the social media piece of it is much more complex and intimidating.”

Sumstine has invited Brooke Miles, owner of Delaware Shout Out in Newark, to facilitate the first of three social media workshops at Irish Eyes in Milton. From 7:30 to 9 a.m. Tuesday, Feb. 10, Miles will share tips and expertise on how business owners can use LinkedIn to gain attention and network with other business people.

“More and more people are on social media … and a lot use it for their own personal use, like Facebook,” she said. “On the business side, more people are using LinkedIn as a way to network in a virtual way. It's just another way for people to stay connected.”

The Milton Chamber of Commerce is hosting the social media workshops, starting with an exploration of LinkedIn, followed by Facebook on Tuesday, March 10, and then Twitter on Tuesday, April 14. All workshops will run from 7:30 to 9 a.m. at Irish Eyes in Milton. The events are free for chamber members and $5 for nonmembers. Sumstine said seating is limited and recommends registering for the workshops as soon as possible.

Sumstine said she needs to learn more about LinkedIn and wanted to share the opportunity learn about it.

“I'm always looking for things we can do for our members and this is something that's current and something we can all use,” she said. “Social media platforms are so intimidating, but my experience is that once you figure it out, it really is a valuable tool.”

Miles said business owners – even those unfamiliar with any social media platforms – should not be intimidated.

“Everyone starts out not knowing anything about it,” Miles said. “It's about building relationships and making sure your name is out there. You should never be scared of any form of advertising or marketing.”

Sumstine and Miles said that while there's plenty of material available online to learn about social media platforms and tools, it's often more helpful to learn a new skill in a workshop setting.

“There's still great value in having an actual person in front of you,” Sumstine said. “This is a chance to learn and a chance to meet other people and network.”

For more information or to register, call the chamber at 302-684-1101, email chamber@historicmilton.com or go to www.historicmilton.com/events.