1. LAUNCH. GROW. PROSPER.

2. IACED Effective Communications Getting YOUR Story Told

3. Great Stories We All Have Them

4. Launch. Grow. Prosper. Anatomy of a Great Success Story Andy Langlois and David Manson, avid mountain bikers, were brewing exceptional craft beer at home to enjoy with friends after long trail rides. When the recent down turn in the economy resulted in the elimination of Andy’s position, the two friends developed their passion for brewing into a solid business concept and Blackrocks Brewery was born. Within a year product demand outpaced supply and the owners were ready for expansion. Northern Initiates supported their business expansion plans and their values: Langlois and Manson source handcrafted mugs from a local artisan, purchasing Nearly 1000 one of kind mugs to date. Blackrocks has also supported local non profit community organizations through joint promotions. Northern Initiatives was more than happy to offer these ambitious businessmen and brewers financing to enable them to purchase equipment to expand production capacity and purchase their building. Today, the company is looking forward to its planned future expansion as it prepares to open a second location and expand its employment base. Personal Details Details of the borrower’s finance needs Job Creation Call-out Unique elements about the Business

5. Launch. Grow. Prosper. Focus On Facebook Establish Goals & Objectives Establish Post Categories Identify Content Sources Organize Your Communications Strategy Brand Your Effort Leveraging Social Media to Tell Your Story

6. Launch. Grow. Prosper. Primary Goals Grow NI fan base to 500 by 2013 Increase NI online loan applicants by 10% in 2013 Objectives Elevate NI’s profile amongst current and potential borrowers, referral sources, and stakeholders. Increase overall awareness of the breath and depth of NI services. Establish Goals and Objectives

7. Launch. Grow. Prosper. We Choose  Customer of the Week  Business Development Tips  NI News and Events  Key Partners and Connections Establish Post Categories

8. Launch. Grow. Prosper. We Leverage  Staff  Customers  Partners & Stakeholders Bank Partner Economic and Community Development Organizations Funders  Board of Directors  Board Reports  Funder Reports  General Media  Industry Specific blogs, newsletters, etc. Identify Content Sources

9. Launch. Grow. Prosper. Organize Your Communications Strategy Create a Content Calendar to help you Plan and Manage Posts Consider adding a column for links and images.

10. Launch. Grow. Prosper. Unique URL (can be set when creating page- www.facebook.com/users) To create username: 1.On the home page of your facebook page, click on “Edit Page” (top right corner) 2.On left hand side, click on “Basic Information” 3.Click on “Create a username for this page” 4.Create username for your page Brand Your Effort Vanity URL

11. Launch. Grow. Prosper. Use logo as profile picture to brand page Creative cover photo while branding with slogan. Interactive applications provide visual engagement for customers. “Apply for a Loan” links back to web to continue business branding. Brand Your Effort Profile, Cover Photo, Apps

12. Sample Posts by Category

13. Launch. Grow. Prosper. Photos offer creative form of engagement Cross promotion Drive traffic to your customers social media and website through links and @posts. Post Category- Customer of the Week

14. Launch. Grow. Prosper. Infographics/Photos offer creative form of engagement Quick explanation of Infographic/Photo Post Category- Business Development Tip

15. Launch. Grow. Prosper. Strengthen ties between multiple online communities through @ posts. Reinforce offerings and connections. Post Category- Key Partners & Connections

16. Thank You! Christine Rector Director Regional Strategies Northern Initiatives crector@niupnorth.org