Traditional channels of reaching people are rapidly changing, and those organizations that discover, learn, and embrace today’s online technologies will surely be ahead of the curve. The Next Generation Marketing workshop series was designed to help business owners, marketing executives, and entrepreneurs unleash the power of Web 2.0 marketing tools, strategies and tactics. Sessions were held across West Virginia on May 13 (Huntington), May 14 (Charleston), May 22 (Morgantown), and an upcoming one June 12 (Martinsburg).

Next Generation Marketing is a project envisioned by would-be competitors who recognized collaboration is more productive than isolation. They include Jeff James of Mythology, Justin Seibert of Direct Online Marketing, and Skip Lineberg of Maple Creative, each of which are West Virginia based businesses. Next Generation Marketing addresses and examines several new marketing strategies, while bringing an old-school approach with regard to business discipline.

The series has a sort of “rock star” element as well, as the programming includes some of the state’s most successful and accomplished executives. “We want participants to really understand and embrace the applications for this new generation of marketing tactics. Rather than simply hearing from marketing consultants, like the three of us, participants will also get the straight scoop from successful folks in the private sector,” said James.

Your Douglass Institute communications team were recent attendees of the Next Generation Marketing, and I can honestly say it was awesome! I have been in marketing and public relations for over 10 years and still learned so much in the one day session it was amazing. The three marketing consultants (creators of the Next Generation Marketing program) were superb presenters adding real world experiences to drive their points home.

I am a believer that this new thing we call social media and internet marketing is the next phase in the communications profession. West Virginia State University's Douglass Institute is on the cutting edge.  Our communications team has put together an interactive website showcasing the Institute's many programs and gives visitors features like "Chat Now," "Podcasts," "Extension Matters" the tv show downloads, "Extension Matters" the magazine downloads, and blogging capabilities.

After attending this interactive seminar I now feel like a “marketing rockstar” and can’t wait to shred on some blogs!  How about you?  Join our conversation and tell us what's on your mind.

Todd Beane, Communications Marketing Specialist, WV State University