Join Social Media Maven Macala Wright for and in-depth discussion on what the world of social media means to fashion designers and brands.

This seminar will help fashion brands and designers understand if they should include social media in their marketing efforts–what social media outlets make sense for fashion brands and how social media can complement a comprehensive marketing strategy.

This course will also delve into the basics of using popular social media outlets like twitter, facebook and youtube for marketing and promotional purposes.

When	July 29th, 2009 6:00 PM through   8:00 PM
Location	110 East 9th St. Room C786 Los Angeles, CA 90079 United States
Contact	Phone: 213-892-1669 Email: info@fashionbizinc.org
Event Fee(s)	Member $ 25.00 Non Member $ 40.00

What’s the Worst Thing About Twitter?…Was the first question on the topic posed by the moderator at a social media panel I attended earlier this week.

People tweeting about things like…” I just ate a taco,” the moderator laughed as did the audience full of PR and Media professionals who all knew exactly what she was talking about. We were on a mission looking for ways to use wildly popular mediums like Twitter for marketing purposes.

We want to Build our brands and Sell more goods.  Yes…we were shameless..and we did not care about other peoples tacos!

There is in fact, tweeting for business and tweeting for pleasure. In business you want to direct your tweets so although they may be fun and cutesy…they still work towards some particular goals.  Goals like… Building your brand, Aligning your company with special causes or simply communicating to your customers …It all goes back to the “Why” you’re actually taking the time to tweet..even if it is only 140 characters or less.

Besides Stella McCartney’s show above here are a few others that are using it well….

Designer Rachel Roy shares words of wisdom, style advice and forges a personal bond with her followers on her page.. http://twitter.com/rachel_roy

Designer Tory Burch gives her followers a sneak peek behind her stylish and fabulous life http://twitter.com/toryburch

Dior weaves together an intricate brand story on their twitter…filled with mystery, Parisian adventures and of course..handbags! http://twitter.com/Lady_Dior

Yes…we know, getting exciting press for your new line can often feel like climbing a hill in stilettos.

It’s elusive….People know people who know people who know people.  And maybe you’re not one of those people….just yet.

So what can you do?  The talented yet un-connected new designer that didn’t go to boarding school with the assistant editor at Vogue and a has a budget that would make any respectable publicist literally LOL.

Start by tapping these budget friendly online resources that can help put your brand on the map….

1.  Thecontactlistonline.com–Getting connected starts with getting contacts.  The Contact List is a subscription based service that keeps you in the loop of who’s in and who’s out in the ever-changing world of fashion.  With The Contact List fashion and beauty editor names…emails and addresses are just a click away.  And even better their monthly rates start as low as $15 bucks.

2.  Buzzflikr.com –This innovative online PR service focuses on providing low cost web-based PR to emerging designers and brands.  By posting your media kit and images in their “hive” you’re instantly on the radar of story-hungry fashion editors and bloggers around the globe.

3.  Thefashionlist.com–Feel like you always read about the hottest fashion events after they’re over and done?  Are you ready to expand your network and get in the know?  The Fashionlist.com is a comprehensive database of all the biggest happenings in the world of fashion in one central place. Plus you can even post your own event totally free.

Exciting things are happening at the new FBI at California Market Center..

Hopefully you were able to join us for the dramatic standing room only Ximena Valero fashion Show…

Or our recent Panel Discussion with apparel recruiters and consultants on “Finding a Fashion Job in A Tough Economy”

Or Maybe you’ve visited our new designer sample sales that take place the last Friday of every month…

Yes this year we’ve been hosting more educational, networking and trade events than ever. And there’s even more on the horizon.

We’d love to hear from you.  For class suggestions, comments or feedback please drop us a line at info@fashionbizinc.org.

For the most updated information on upcoming events at Fashion Business Inc. please visit our website www.fashionbizinc.org.

While media coverage of new design talent is often condemned to a cluttered back page of the big mags….the ladies at the blog Little Designer Book have made it their business to pluck out the hottest new designers you’ve never seen. Smartly written with a cute dose of humor founder Andrea Pohlot simplifies the scavenger hunt buyers go through in order to keep their floors infused with fresh labels.

The blog also shines a light to industry resources and events that help fashion entrepreneurs develop, manage and market their businesses.  They even featured a post on FBI and its founder, Frances Harder.

LDB is must read for boutique owners, designers and anyone who wants to know what’s next…right now.