Kick out the Social Media Jams with Xpress and Co.

Editor’s note: The Feb. 9 Social Media Jam has sold out; so we’ve added a second, overflow session on Tuesday, Feb. 23, also at Tomato Jam Cafe, at 6:30 p.m. To register for that session (which is already halfway booked as of Feb. 3), e-mail jsaylor@mountainx.com. Also, we’ve planned a new session covering different material on Tuesday, March 9.

Social Media Jams, a monthly workshop series offering education in how businesses and people can use blogs, Flickr, YouTube, Twitter, Facebook and LinkedIn for fun and profit, launches Feb. 9 at Tomato Jam Cafe. Co-sponsored by the Mountain Xpress, Tomato Jam Cafe and Skyrunner, the Jams offer homegrown social-media expertise in everything from how small businesses can use Twitter to how to use Google Analytics to drive more traffic to your Web site.

"We want to harness local talent and expertise from people already using social media effectively right here in Asheville," said Social Media Jams organizer Jennifer Saylor, who helps lead community initiatives for Xpress. "These workshops are presented by local experts, for local users of all levels."

Leading the first workshop on Tuesday, Feb. 9, is Wendy Lou Gillespie of Creative Imp Works, whose social media clients include Monkeywhale.com, TEDxAsheville and Asheville Vaudeville. Her kickoff workshop will teach small business owners how to use online tools like Twitter and Facebook to grow their business in new ways.

"It's a beginner-friendly introduction for all levels, for anyone looking for new avenues to grow their network and reach new clients," Gillespie said. "Twitter and Facebook aren't difficult, they're for all ages, and they're easy to master when you have a little help with the nuts and bolts."

Tomato Jam Cafe offers a limited food menu for the kickoff Jam, complete with dessert.

"We want to create an easygoing atmosphere for the Jams," Saylor said. "There'll be learning and networking, but there's also good food. Come out, have dinner, and learn something you need to know."

The cost to attend is $15 (dinner not included). An RSVP is required as there is limited seating at the cafe, and space in the workshops is first-come, first-served. Participants should RSVP via e-mail to jsaylor@mountainx.com.

As well as RSVP-ing, participants should bring a laptop or Web-enabled device that allows them to access the Internet.

The first of the Social Media Jams takes place Tuesday, Feb. 9 at Tomato Jam Café (379 Biltmore Ave., in Doctor's Park), from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. E-mail jsaylor@mountainx.com for more information.

SHARE

Thanks for reading through to the end…

We share your inclination to get the whole story. For the past 25 years, Xpress has been committed to in-depth, balanced reporting about the greater Asheville area. We want everyone to have access to our stories. That’s a big part of why we've never charged for the paper or put up a paywall.

We’re pretty sure that you know journalism faces big challenges these days. Advertising no longer pays the whole cost. Media outlets around the country are asking their readers to chip in. Xpress needs help, too. We hope you’ll consider signing up to be a member of Xpress. For as little as $5 a month — the cost of a craft beer or kombucha — you can help keep local journalism strong. It only takes a moment.

Before you comment

The comments section is here to provide a platform for civil dialogue on the issues we face together as a local community. Xpress is committed to offering this platform for all voices, but when the tone of the discussion gets nasty or strays off topic, we believe many people choose not to participate. Xpress editors are determined to moderate comments to ensure a constructive interchange is maintained. All comments judged not to be in keeping with the spirit of civil discourse will be removed and repeat violators will be banned. See here for our terms of service. Thank you for being part of this effort to promote respectful discussion.

One thought on “Kick out the Social Media Jams with Xpress and Co.

  1. JenniferSaylor

    The kickoff Jam on Feb. 9 is already booked solid! Comment here for more info about attending a last-minute overflow class on Feb. 23.

Leave a Reply to JenniferSaylor ×

To leave a reply you may Login with your Mountain Xpress account, connect socially or enter your name and e-mail. Your e-mail address will not be published. All fields are required.