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

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.

Hi Randy, tell us a bit about your background:

A business friend convinced me that the two of us should start up a boutique agency to develop Websites in 1995. My career has been focused on Website development, Internet marketing and SEO ever since then.

What is your latest business venture?

I founded Exceptional Shopping Sites in 2010. Exceptional Shopping Sites is an incubator of online stores. Our introductory sites are ShoppingBasketsPlus and Course Marking. I’m also the author of the Internet Marketing Remarks blog.

Describe your approach to internet marketing:

Effective Internet marketing requires a “solution” based approach to communicating with prospects. The Mad Men-ish era tactic of interrupting  an audience for :30 with a TV commercial will fail on the Internet. Internet marketing must communicate during the few seconds that a viewer gazes upon your marketing message that you offer a solution that will benefit them.

Why it is important to you to be a part of IM Think Tank?

Networking with smart marketers is one of the best opportunities to learn how to improve  Internet marketing skills. Also, I enjoy working with marketers and business owners that are hungry to learn more about opportunities for utilizing the Internet.

What is your favorite internet tool or application?

E-mail seems to be a bit overlooked of late as social media is so in vogue. But for a commercial firm that does not have a deep bond with their customer base, e-mail marketing is often far more effective than social media marketing.

What have you been up to lately?

I’ve been redesigning packaging for large boxes to get them under three cubic feet. UPS and Fedex initiated a price increase on January 3^rd.  It makes it much more expensive to ship over-sized boxes.

Share one marketing tip:

Great marketing is wasted if you don’t provide a good user experience

What is your pet peeve about the industry?

Google’s arrogant behavior toward their advertising clients

What are you excited to see come about in the future of integrated marketing?

I love the enhanced capabilities to understand the effectiveness of marketing tests and campaigns.  John Wanamaker’s sardonic quote, “half the money I spend on advertising is wasted, the trouble is, I don’t know which half” doesn’t apply to Internet marketing.

What is one of your most important resources related to business on the internet?

The tool I spend the most time with is Google Analytics. It is an amazing resource, and the price is right.

What makes your company stand out from all of the rest?

We have a unique business model for enabling our clients to become entrepreneurs

Any tips for people just getting started?

While it is appropriate to take a broad approach to learning about Internet marketing, also take a focused approach to becoming a expect in a niche area

Do you have a SEO, PPC, Social Media or Internet Marketing hero?

Jeff Bezos

What is your motto?

Always be testing.

What is the funniest or most informative tweet you ever wrote or read?

I’ll take a pass. 140 characters does not allow much room for information, but I liked Steve Martin’s “Reading other people’s Tweets, I think I’m getting the hang of it now. 9:23am: cleaning toenails.”

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

High school soccer coach

How can people reach you?

Email randy.pickard@shoppingbasketsplus.com

Twitter

LinkedIn

Facebook

Randy will be speaking at Think Tank Live! SEO for Business.

Upcoming Events:

Social Media for Business—

Thursday, February 17 9:00am—Noon
Regular Attendee:$65.00, Non-Profit Attendee:$55.00
Location: Lewis University – Oak Brook Campus 2122 York Rd #170 Oak Brook, IL 60523
Register Here: http://www.thinktanklive.com/register/social-media-for-business

Participants will walk away with specific strategies, tactics and plans for developing a social media strategy — fast!

We’ve designed a results-oriented agenda and brought in an experienced Social Media specialists to help you learn what you need to start your social media campaign.

• How social media can help deliver prospects, sales and sign-ups.
• Utilizing Facebook, Twitter and LinkedIn for results that really matter.
• Friend Me, Follow Me, Like Me – Why every mention matters.
• What doesn’t work in social media (and why some things may be holding you back).

SEO for Business—

Thursday, February 17 1:00pm—4pm
Regular Attendee:$65.00, Non-Profit Attendee:$55.00
Location: Lewis University – Oak Brook Campus 2122 York Rd #170 Oak Brook, IL 60523
Register Here: http://www.thinktanklive.com/register/seo-for-business

What sets real Search Engine Optimization experts apart?

The answer is simple. They know how to produce the results that matter. Specifically, they know the latest techniques to
getting your website to the 1st page of search engines like Google, Bing and Yahoo!
Now you can too.

Main Topics:

• Site Architecture – Learn how your menus, site navigation and usability impact your online presence.
• Video Optimization and Universal Search – creating content to increase traffic and conversions.
• Linkbuilding – making the right connections for online success.

For more information contact Mary DuQuaine at 312-775-2221.

Upcoming Events:

• Think Tank Live! Networking Event

Thursday, October 14, 2010 from 6:00 PM – 9:00 PM (CT)
Chicago, IL | Berghoff’s

• Think Tank Live! – Advanced SEO Workshop

Thursday, October 28, 2010 from 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM (CT)
Chicago, IL | Holiday Inn Chicago O’Hare

• Think Tank Live! Pay Per Click Marketing Workshop

Saturday, November 13, 2010 from 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM (CT)
Chicago, IL | Holiday Inn Chicago O’Hare

Think Tank Live! Networking Event at Berghoff’s

• Includes 2 drink tickets for wine or steins of Berghoff Beer.

• Complimentary bar bites (appetizers) will be provided from 6-7pm.

• 1 coupon for $15.00 off any 2010 Think Tank Live training event.

Bring your business cards and network with Chicago’s leaders in marketing, advertising, PR, social media, web development, and technology while discussing current events and new innovations.

Berghoff’s Beer Hall offers a great, casual atmosphere to mingle with Chicago’s tech professionals.

Join “up and coming” business leaders who gather to exchange ideas and thrive on meeting new people while making lasting connections.

Integrated Marketing Think Tank members will be on hand throughout the evening.

Vendor tables $75.00.

VIP Ticket – $15.00 via Eventbrite, $20.00 at the door.

We have limited space available, sign up today!

All sales are final.

• WordCamp Chicago Afterparty: Join us at the Bull & Bear for drink specials Saturday 7-11pm #WCChicago http://twtvite.com/wcafterparty #

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

• http://www.thinktanklive.com/website-success-for-your-business/ http://bit.ly/b5oknz #
• http://www.thinktanklive.com/wordpress-workshop-social-media-emphasis/ http://bit.ly/bQIrYY #