Marketing Unleashed

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Last Updated: Nov 27, 2024, 02:24 PM

Our Workshop

  • Why Attend Marketing Unleashed?

    • Expert Insights: Learn from industry professionals and successful entrepreneurs who will share their knowledge and experiences.
    • Practical Strategies: Gain actionable insights on various marketing topics that you can implement immediately in your business.
    • Networking Opportunities: Connect with fellow small business owners, potential partners, and marketing experts.
    • Cost: Enjoy a full day of learning and networking at no cost to you!
  • What Will You Experience?

    Interactive Workshops: Participate in sessions covering a range of topics, including: email marketing, video marketing, lead generation techniques, Google tools, social media, using AI in Marketing, and more!

    Lunch Provided: Enjoy a complimentary lunch while networking with peers.

    Resources: Receive materials and resources to help you implement what you've learned.

  • Who Should Attend?

    This conference is ideal for small business owners and entrepreneurs, looking to enhance their marketing skills and knowledge.

Speakers and Sessions

Right Audience, Right Message, Right Time

"Right Audience, Right Message, Right Time" is not just a suggestion—it's a requirement for effective marketing. This session will cover how to make this a reality for your business, emphasizing the importance of including the "Right Channel" and measuring Key Performance Indicators (KPIs). We'll delve into the necessity of planning for your audience, crafting the right message, timing your outreach, and selecting optimal channels.

About the speaker: Jeff Harmon is the chief marketing and communications officer (CMCO) at SIU Carbondale. He is responsible for managing all marketing and communications for the university, printing and duplicating and WSIU. Jeff earned a bachelors degree from University of Illinois Urbana - Champaign and a MBA from Arizona State University.

Connect with Jeff on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeff-harmon-abb4422/

Website: https://siu.edu/

 

Mastering Lead Generation: From Acquisition to Conversion

In the ever-evolving digital landscape, mastering lead generation is crucial for business growth. In this presentation we will dive into three essential areas: understanding what constitutes a lead, implementing effective digital strategies to acquire leads from various online sources, and learning how to manage and convert those leads into loyal customers. Attendees will explore techniques for driving leads via targeted campaigns, utilizing short-term automations for lead management, nurturing leads with long-term drip campaigns, and creating raving fans out of your customers with follow up campaigns. Join us to gain practical insights and elevate your digital lead generation strategy.

About the speaker: Dylan Street, CEO of Guerrilla Marketing in Paducah, Kentucky, is a leader in digital marketing and film production in the Midwest. He owns several ventures, including Street Slingshot Rentals, Branson Offroad Rentals, Buffalo River Offroad Rentals, and Dylan Street Cinema. After overcoming a decade-long addiction battle in 2014, Dylan found new purpose through Jesus Christ, becoming a motivational speaker for churches, schools, and youth groups. His 2017 web series, #WakeUpMetropolis, sparked his passion for filming, leading him to transition to a full-time videographer and expand his company into a full-scale branding agency. Guerrilla Marketing now serves over 130 clients and collaborates with major U.S. marketing agencies. Dylan also started a UTV rental business in Mammoth Cave and an exotic car rental business in Paducah. At 33, he is an 11-year husband, father of three, and community pillar, serving on the boards of United Way and Teen Challenge. He also coaches youth sports and is a Children's Minister at Faith Center in Paducah.

Connect with Dylan on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/dylan.street.908132

Website: guerrillafirm.com

Power Your Business Using Email Marketing

This session is perfect for those aiming to grow their business. We’ll cover the purposes of email campaigns, critical elements of an email, and how to structure a campaign for maximum effectiveness. You will learn about the purpose and goals of emails, the essential elements to include, and how to structure a campaign for optimal results. We will also discuss important metrics to track, keys to ensuring emails are delivered, opened, and read, and how to evaluate the success of a campaign.

About the speaker: Dick Slackman is a Score Mentor & Subject Matter Expert focused on helping small and medium sized businesses with their web site design and digital marketing. He is also a small business owner of a local web design and internet marketing company, has taught web design at SIU Edwardsville, and worked for several Fortune 500 companies. He holds 4 patents in the areas of Search Engine algorithms and Records Management.

Connect with Dick on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dslackman/

Website: https://www.score.org/stlouis/profile/dick-slackman

Marketing with AI

Join us for an insightful presentation on harnessing AI technology to streamline your business processes and stay ahead of the curve. We will explore cutting-edge platforms such as Large Language Model (Chat GPT), Generative Image AI (Midjourney), Speech AI (Elevenlabs), and Music AI (Udio). Discover how these technologies can be both inspiring and transformative, while also understanding their potential risks. The presentation will demonstrate how these platforms work individually and in combination through various AI projects. Gain new ideas and a forward-looking perspective on the future of AI in business.

About the speaker: Tobias Merriman serves as the Assistant Director for the Center of Virtual Expression within the College of Liberal Arts at SIUC. With a mission to modernize the educational landscape at SIUC, Tobias leverages his decades of experience in teaching technology and enhancing classroom and office environments. His goal is to empower faculty, staff, and students by upgrading their technological skills and integrating innovative tools into their daily routines.

Connect with Tobias on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tobiaslane/

Efficient Multitasking Strategies for Solo Marketers

Learn efficient strategies for managing media and creating impactful content using limited resources and time. We'll cover practical tips for balancing tasks, helpful tools, and creatively maximizing your marketing efforts. Perfect for small business owners and solo entrepreneurs.

About the speaker: Britni Bateman is the assistant vice chancellor for development and alumni communications and the chief marketing officer for the SIU Foundation. Britni holds a B.F.A. specializing in communication design from Southern Illinois University and has been an integral part of the SIU Foundation for eight years. Although her team is now growing, Britni has been the main creative force behind the foundation, capturing photos of events, livestreaming activities, designing marketing materials, and creating engaging content. Britni is a graphic designer and marketer with over a decade of experience. She is passionate about branding, having collaborated with various small businesses and nonprofits to help them establish and maintain a cohesive brand identity. In her free time, Britni enjoys watching true crime shows with her husband and their three dogs.

Connect with Britni on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/britni-bateman-a3b2a259/

Unlock Greater Visibility: Effective Use of Search and Directories

In today's digital landscape, being easily found by your target audience is crucial for business success. By mastering search engines and leveraging powerful directories like Yelp, you can significantly enhance your online presence and attract more customers. This session will guide you through the essential tools and strategies needed to boost your visibility, ensuring your business stands out in the crowded online marketplace.

About the speaker: Amy Dion is a seasoned marketing professional with over 20 years of experience enhancing brand loyalty for national and private organizations. Currently a marketing and small business specialist at the Small Business Development Center (SBDC) at Southern Illinois University, she empowers startups and small businesses through tailored marketing strategies that drive B2B and D2C leads. Amy excels in managing digital engagement, creating educational workshops on topics like branding and content development, and implementing innovative marketing solutions. Passionate about community development, she is dedicated to facilitating access to vital resources while sharing her insights as a speaker and educator.

Connect with Amy on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/amy-dion/

Using AI to Boost Your Social Media Performance

In today's fast-paced world of social media, creating interesting and consistent content can be challenging. This session will show you how AI can make your social media strategy and content creation easier. You will learn how to use AI tools to plan your content and create engaging posts. We’ll explore practical uses of AI, like coming up with ideas, writing engaging text, and even figuring out the best times to post. We’ll cover both free and paid tools. Whether you're new to social media or have some experience, this workshop will give you the skills to use AI to improve your social media efforts. Join us to see how AI can transform your content creation, save you time, and enhance your online presence.

About the speakers: Niki Davis and Bridget Lescelius

Dr. Niki Davis brings over 20 years of experience in media, marketing, and event planning, seamlessly integrating industry expertise with academic instruction. A passionate advocate for technology, she ensures her students master both industry-specific tools and emerging technologies like generative AI, preparing them for success in the dynamic fields of marketing and event planning. Dr. Davis remains actively involved with tourism industry stakeholders, collaborating on initiatives to enhance local and regional tourism. Her work includes developing strategic marketing plans, organizing events, and promoting sustainable tourism practices, all while keeping her teachings grounded in real-world industry challenges. Dr. Davis holds a marketing degree from SIU, a Master of Science, a Doctorate in Education, and a Master Online Teacher certificate.

Bridget Lescelius, an accomplished marketing professional with over 30 years of experience in advertising, public relations, and marketing strategy. Bridget has worked with a diverse range of clients, from small businesses to Fortune 500 companies, and has co-founded a pioneering AdTech tool. Now an instructor at Southern Illinois University, she manages the Saluki AdLab, mentors award-winning student teams, and continues to shape the next generation of advertising professionals. Bridget’s journey is a testament to the power of returning to your roots and achieving success on your own terms.

Connet with them on LinkedIn:

Niki - https://www.linkedin.com/in/drnikidavis/

Bridget - https://www.linkedin.com/in/bridget-lescelius-mba-edd-105472/

Video Production for Digital Platforms

We will dive into the dynamic world of video production for digital platforms. In an time where visual content reigns supreme, mastering video production is crucial for capturing and retaining audience attention. Our session will explore the essentials of creating compelling videos that resonate with your target market. We'll cover key topics including storytelling techniques, optimizing videos for various social media platforms, and utilizing analytics to measure success. Learn how to craft engaging narratives that highlight your brand's unique voice and values. Discover best practices for shooting, editing, and post-production to ensure your videos are both visually appealing and impactful. Additionally, we'll discuss the importance of SEO and how to enhance your video's reach through strategic tagging and descriptions. By the end of this seminar, you'll have the tools and knowledge to elevate your digital marketing strategy with high-quality, engaging video content.

About the speakers: Devin Miller and Todd Ellis own and operate Big Muddy Media, a digital content creation company specializing in video production for healthcare and documentary storytelling. With over 44 years of combined experience in marketing, content generation, and storytelling, they have produced more than 1,200 videos, delivering impactful content across web, broadcast, social media, and print. Committed to crafting compelling narratives, Big Muddy Media helps clients connect with their audiences through powerful visual stories.

Connect with Devin and Todd on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/big-muddy-media/

Website: www.bigmuddymedia.com