Kicks Off AWCNJ's Programming

Drawing on his successful marketing career, Karl M. Stearns, president of KMS Marketing Solutions, offered pointers for creating an effective marketing campaign using social media and e-mail, during AWCNJ's Fall Kickoff.

In 2008, just 10% of small businesses were using social media, he said. By 2013, 87% of small businesses included social media in their marketing.

"Engagement is the new word of mouth," he said, emphasizing the need for organizations to find their community and make it easy for people to find them. "Marketing is all about getting a response, so your campaign should push content that will pull a response," he said.

Karl Stearns outlines elements of effective e-mail marketing.

Responses to content can be likes, shares and comments. Entertain and invite conversation by asking questions or sharing images and video, Stearns explained. Be useful and informative by sharing your own hints and tips or curating content. Tell people about your business or organization and elicit their response with a call to action without asking them to "buy now."

To illustrate the importance of engaging the community through social networks, Stearns cited some impressive statistics:

• 75% of people rely on social networks to make a purchase decision;
• 55% of customers share their purchases on social networks;
• 68% of people want to learn more about a charity if their friends post about it online (an excellent reason to partner your business with a cause or charity).

Laurel Bernstein, Linda Trignano, Barb Keefe and Carla Capizzi attended AWCNJ's Fall 2014 Kickoff with Karl M. Stearns.

Know to Grow and Speed Mentoring

These one-hour, quick-hitting, power-packed live webinars are designed with your diverse communication development needs AND your busy schedule in mind!  All events are offered FREE TO AWC MEMBERS.

• KNOW TO GROW events focus on hot topics in our field and skill development. The sessions leverage the knowledge and experience of AWC members who have unique or deep expertise in their area of the communication field.

• SPEED MENTORING events focus on career development and advancement. The sessions leverage the career depth and perspectives of AWC members who have moved into advanced areas of their organization, field, or business ownership.

Each session includes a communications expert discussing tips and tools you need for your job, followed by open Q & A with participants. You'll also be able to submit questions in advance!

The AWCNJ Board Is Looking for You 

AWCNJ has several openings on the Board:  Membership, Corporate Relations, and Secretary.

Why should you consider joining the AWCNJ Board?

Board membership can help you grow as a professional by developing or strengthening your leadership and planning skills. It raises your professional profile while expanding your networking opportunities. You gain the satisfaction that comes from contributing your time and talents to an outstanding group made up of professional women like yourself. Best of all, you'll get to know your fellow AWCNJ members better and will forge lasting professional and personal relationships.

If you're a member in good standing and would like to become more actively involved by making a two-year commitment as a Board member, contact us at president@awcnj.org.

AWCNJ Walks in Support of the American Heart Association

For the second consecutive year, AWCNJ took part in the Essex  

AWCNJ Members Yvette Bigornia and Fran Hopkins represented AWCNJ, walking the three-mile course at the Roseland campus of ADP on October 26. The team has raised $530 to date for the AHA.

Through the end of November, you can still donate to this wonderful cause in the name of AWCNJ. Please click here for more information and to donate.  

Fran Hopkins places a carnation in remembrance of those who, like her late husband, John, succumbed to heart disease.