WordPress | Think Tank Live Digital Marketing Training and Consultancy

WordPress Theme Development Class

August 30, 2011 By beckydavis Leave a Comment

We all know that WordPress is one of the best ways to build a web site. It’s easy to use, easy to add and edit and is very SEO friendly. But, getting the theme design to work the way you want can sometimes be a challenge. If you’re a web or graphic designer, this class coming up at Truman College is a perfect way to get to learn about the WP file structure and how themes really work. Learn more about what’s covered in this WordPress class.

Class starts next week, so I encourage you to register now!

Call Truman to register at (773) 907-4440

Filed Under: Chicago, Design, Event, Events, WordPress

WordCamp Chicago July 30,31

June 24, 2011 By Mert Leave a Comment

The Think Tank events are being put on hold for a few weeks so that we can concentrate on organizing this year’s WordCamp Chicago. Several of the members of the Think Tank will be featured as speakers. Mary DuQuaine is this year’s lead organizer along with Heather Acton and Becky Davis.

Why dedicate so much energy to WordPress, you ask? Because your blog is the center of your online social media presence. WordPress is an excellent open source CMS platform that is user friendly and packs a big punch. There are SEO plugins available that can help you to make the most of your online content.

This year, WordCamp will be held at DePaul University’s Lincoln Park Campus. It includes two full days of training for $40.00 – an unbeatable price. Come and network with some of the best and the brightest internet marketers in Chicago.

Filed Under: Blog, Chicago, Events, WordPress Tagged With: WordCamp Chicago, WP Training

Chicago WordPress Workshop

May 12, 2010 By Mary Leave a Comment

WordPress Workshop – Social Media & Security Emphasis

Ready to start a blog? You’ve heard about WordPress and don’t know where to begin? WordPress is the most popular blogging program and can also be used to manage an entire website. We will cover the language of WordPress (terms and lingo) and help you publish your first blog post. Join us, and learn how to connect your WordPress blog to Social Media platforms like Facebook and Twitter and strengthen your online presence with the fresh content that Google loves.

Date: Thursday, May 27, 2010
Time: 9:00AM – 4:00PM
Where: I.M. Think Tank Office 222 South Riverside Plaza, 29th Floor, Chicago, IL 606o6

Admission: $199

Click Here to Register

Includes: Workshop, Coffee, Soda & Water throughout the day, 3 month subscription to IM Think Tank Membership Site.

Laptop Required
Please bring your own laptop computer. Make sure your laptop can connect to a Wireless Wi-Fi Network. Internet access will be provided to all attendees.

WordPress Installation Preferred

It will be best if you have a fresh copy of WordPress installed, hosted, and ready to go on your domain prior to the workshop. If you need help with this, please contact us at 312-725-2221 prior to the event. Otherwise, we will give you access to a fresh installation of WordPress on one of our test websites to practice on for the day.

Who Should Attend:

People interested in getting a comprehensive overview of WordPress. We will talk about using WordPress as a blog and as a CMS (Content Management System) and connecting WordPress to your overall Social Media Online Strategy.

Bloggers and Writers
Entrepreneurs/ Business Owners
Social Media/Marketing Professionals
Non-Profit Organizations
Web Designers and Developers
Students

Benefits for you:

· Hands-On Experience with WordPress

· Networking opportunity with other WordPress users

· 3 months free subscription in IM Think Tank Membership Site

What You Will Learn:

1-Day WordPress Workshop Schedule

MORNING SESSIONS

8:30 AM – 9:00 AM
Registration and Doors Open

9:00 AM – 9:15 AM
Welcome & Introductions

9:15 AM – 10:00 AM
Session 1: WordPress Overview – Using your blog as a Social Media Hub

10:00 AM – 10:45 AM
Session 2: Selecting a Theme, Adding Plugins, connecting with Social Media Applications

10:45 AM – 11:00 AM
Break

11:00 AM – Noon
Session 3: Copywriting Tips & Publishing Your First Blog Post.

Noon – 1:00 PM
Lunch – On your own, restaurants within driving distance.

AFTERNOON SESSIONS

1:00 PM – 2:00 PM
Session 5: How will Google find you? Search Engine Optimization Tools for WordPress

2:00 PM – 3:00 PM
Session 6: WordPress Security for Your Website & Common Sense Best Practices – With Rachel Baker of Plugged In Consulting

3:00PM- 3:15PM Break

3:15 – 4:00 PM
Wrap Up Session: Q&A – Adding Final Touches

Register Online Today – Registrations must be in at least 12 hours prior to event.

Parking – Use Amtrack Parking on Jackson and Clinton

Filed Under: Chicago, WordPress Tagged With: business training, WordPress Security

Interview with Lisa Sabin-Wilson

January 19, 2010 By Mary Leave a Comment

Tell us a bit about yourself:

Lisa Sabin-Wilson is a creative designer and owner of E.Webscapes Studio, online since 1998, specializing in customized web site design. Lisa is the author of WordPress For Dummies and BuddyPress For Dummies (Wiley Publishing), and is a regular speaker at national conferences like SXSW Interactive, and WordCamp events across the country.

Please share a brief history of your company:

I started E.Webscapes Studios in 1998 as a part-time hobby while I worked full time as a Registered Nurse in the area of oncology and palliative care. In 2003, E.Webscapes had grown so much that I was faced with the option of leaving her decade long nursing career to pursue self-employment. I decided to make the leap and give it a go, working for myself in a field that I am very passionate about. Now I work with clients from all over the world, helping them realize the full potential the internet offers them in terms of self-publishing, marketing and selling product and services.

Tell why it is important to you to be a part of IM Think Tank.

It’s fantastic to be involved with a dynamic group of like minded people who can share thoughts, ideas and experiences – that is a great environment to learn from, no matter what level you’re at (beginner, advanced, etc).

What is your favorite internet tool or application?

Twitter – it really allows me to keep up and connected with clients, peers and colleagues from around the world.

Tell us about your latest project:

WordCamp Chicago ( http://wordcampchicago.com ) is my latest project – both from a web site design standpoint, and a marketing one. As one of two organizers, my responsibility is to obtain sponsors for our event and organize the venue location and speakers list and program. WordCamp Chicago is a non-profit organization, so I’m learning more and more about running a non-profit. Event planning, fundraising and marketing is a huge undertaking – even though this is my second year running with it, I’m still learning and growing as I go!

Share one marketing tip:

Above everything else, your work should speak for itself – - volumes, in fact.

What is your motto?

“Start at the beginning and when you get to the end…stop.” The Rabbit in Alice in Wonderland said it, and it’s true in every aspect of life.

What profession other than your own would you like to attempt?

I would have loved to complete a Master’s level program in History and teach at the university level. There is so much in our history that we can learn from. As they say, if you don’t learn from the past, you’re destined to repeat the same mistakes in the present, and future.

What inspires you creatively?

Art of all kinds.

Contact Information:

Website: http://lisasabin-wilson.com

Twitter: http://twitter.com/lisasabinwilson

Facebook: http://Facebook.com/lisasabinwilson

LinkedIn: http://www.linkedin.com/in/lisasabinwilson