 |
 |
Communique eNewsletter by Couture
Edition: May 7, 2009
The Design Atelier @ Couture - An Oasis of New Ideas (see article)
TWEETING FOR DOLLARS?
A couple of weekends ago, I attended the American Society of Journalists and Authors 38th annual writers’ conference at the Roosevelt Hotel in midtown Manhattan. Dragging myself to a Sunday morning seminar on new technology tools was painful but well worth the effort. When I walked out of the session at noon, I had something very valuable: a solid list of resources to better understand and capitalize on the wave of social media opportunities currently sweeping across the cyber-landscape.
Here are a few of the things I learned:
- The reason it’s important to participate in the social networking revolution is because “you want to be where the conversation is,” said Sree Sreenivasan, Columbia Journalism School professor and dean of student affairs. “The currency of the Internet is eyeballs and the money follows the eyeballs.”
- LinkedIn, or “My Space for professionals,” according to Sreenivasan, has an Answers section that often gets overlooked. Topics include everything from financial markets to sustainability and startups. Why not take advantage of the expertise on the site, especially because it’s free for the taking? Or better yet, promote your own.
- By correctly using Facebook, the Web’s leading social networking site, you can create an online identity that brings together your professional and personal interests in a very powerful way. The key is to use the privacy settings so that friends (in the original and truest sense of the word) can see the more intimate aspects of your profile while clients and colleagues cannot.
- Open your mind to Twitter, the “micro-blogging” site that allows people to post messages in 140 characters or less. It’s not as annoying as it sounds. Think of it as a pared-down version of Facebook, where you can see people’s status updates, or “tweets,” and, unlike Facebook, those updates are visible to the world. It’s a direct line to your friends, clients and co-workers—to offer both news about your business and receive feedback from those whose opinions you trust.
- Check out www.sreetips.com for an excellent list of “10 Things To Try Today.” Once you get past the skepticism surrounding these new technologies, I think you’ll find them very useful.
- Finally, be sure to join the ABJ (America’s Best Jewelers) Network (www.abjnetwork.com) to put the principles of social networking into action. On Friday, May 29 at the Couture show, the ABJ Workshops will offer a session on “The Social Media Dashboard.” Here’s a brief description from the workshop organizers:
Boost and maintain your online reputation by using existing and emerging free tools, like Facebook, Yelp, Twitter, iGoogle, blogging and the ABJ Network. Learn how peers are deploying strategies to increase traffic, leads and sales, without letting the Internet take over their lives! Panelists include:
- Joanne Teichman, Ylang 23
- John Shulan, Shulan's Fairlawn
- Michael Littman, Gary Michaels Fine Jewelry
Full details about the ABJ Retailer Workshops at Couture 2009, click here.
It’s three weeks and counting until Couture 2009 kickoff. I look forward to seeing you there!
The Design Atelier @ Couture - An Oasis of New Ideas
By Cindy Edelstein
Every year the Couture Design Atelier plays host to a bevy of design talent that ranges from the artisinal handmade to the spot-on-trend. And in 2009 there is no exception.
The mix in the Atelier changes every year and in 2009 you will get acquainted with a dozen new and exciting designers. A few are making their industry debut as is the case with Jemma Wynne, who have taken the fashion press by storm, to media darlings such as Devon Leigh, whose earrings on a controversial star like Jessica Simpson were seen around the globe, to Ray Griffiths, who had a cameo in Bravo TV's "Real Housewives of NYC." And many of our other newcomers have enjoyed a lot of buzz this season. J
Be sure to meet Couture's "freshman" Design Atelier newcomers including:
|
|
And of course, there is a a great deal of "new" to discover with the returning members of Couture Design Atelier. We have previewed their spectacular collections and do admit you are in for a great explosion of color, texture, natural themes and eco-conscious merchandise. Be sure to visit these great returning designers at Couture 2009:
|
|
Design Atelier is located in the hallway between the LaTour and Lafite Ballrooms acing the Sunset Terrace. These 35 rising talents will surely inspire you and give youa fresh perspective to share with your clients.
