Social media is the foundation that enables companies to create viral marketing programs, launch and “fund” businesses! Whether the goal is increase brand awareness, increase revenue or attract investors, the tools and techniques for creating viral marketing program must be utilized effectively to achieve the viral spread of “the word” in a short period of time.

The next EntreTech Forum will explore the how-to, what-to and why world of Social Media based marketing for technology companies. We will review how to effectively use social media, how social media has changed the buying cycle, how social media helped some local companies programs go viral, and how some companies have raised millions of dollars assisted by social media. Whether you are new to social media, need pointers on the effective use of social media for your business or are considering a new business opportunity, join us for an exciting and interactive discussion on Social Media and going viral lead by our panel of social media practitioners.

Panel:

William Band, VP and Principal Analyst, Forrester Research
“How Tech Marketers Use Social Computing to Drive Buyer Engagement and Sales:
Findings from Forrester’s 2011 Social TechnographicsTM Survey Of Business Technology Buyers”

William Band's research focuses on helping organizations establish and validate CRM strategies, prioritize and focus CRM projects, build executive consensus, facilitate CRM vendor selection, and plan for project success. He is also the author of two books: Creating Value for Customers: Designing and Implementing a Total Corporate Strategy and Touchstones: Ten New Ideas Revolutionizing Business.

Laurel Ackerman, Senior Marketing and Brand Manager, Zeo Inc
“Listening for opportunity in a fast-moving and noisy environment: Developing and managing social marketing and community programs for a brand is no easy task.”

Laurel has been working with startups in the Boston community since 2005, and has been working with brands to establish community and network marketing since before then. She swears by data-driven marketing combined with the psychology of social behaviors in all media and channels, online and off, and is currently driving social marketing program development and community outreach at Zeo.

Rob Ciampa, VP of Marketing, Pixiability
“Kill Your Television: Online Video Goes Mainstream in 2012 and What it Means for Your Business.”

Rob Ciampa is an executive vice president for Pixability, a video marketing company based at the Cambridge Innovation Center in Kendall Square. He is also an award-winning marketer who’s used video to help bring 75 innovative products and services to global markets, generating over $1 billion in sales. Rob co-founded NetEffect and grew it into one of the world's largest specialized systems integration firms.

Sarah Hodges, Director of Marketing, FittnessKeeper
“How RunKeeper Spent $0 on Advertising and Built a Community of 7MM+ Users”

Sarah Hodges is a digital marketer and blogger who is vocal about achieving a data-driven approach to marketing. Following 2+ years managing marketing optimization at Carbonite, she has recently leveraged viral channels to help the team at RunKeeper grow an engaged audience of over 7M users

Moderator:

Lora Kratchounova, Principal – Scratch Marketing + Media
“Effective Use of Social Media to Get Noticed and Grow”

Scratch Marketing + Media got started by Lora Kratchounova in early 2009. Lora has delivered measurable results for online and offline brands such as OurStage.com, Currensee.com, FashionPlaytes.com, American Express, VacationCoach.com, Fairmont Hotels and Resorts, and Wendy’s. Lora is plugged into the technology startup community in Boston and is vice chair of the MIT Enterprise Forum of Cambridge Board.