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How To Get Business With Social Media
Speaker: Shashi Bellamkonda
The Social Media Swami, Network Solutions

"Social Media" is a term that is getting a lot of attention. The tools are usually free but require a significant investment of time. How can these tools help you in your business? Are there success stories? What goals need to be set? How best to manage the time spent? This session will answer these questions and more. By the end of the afternoon you'll be ready to connect with your customers on their turf and to gain new customers.

Speaker: Shashi Bellamkonda works at the heart of Web hosting company Network Solutions as the Head of Social Media Strategy, its first "Social Media Swami." In this leadership role he has helped Network Solutions aggressively move into the online space to actively listen to and interact with customers. This effort was rewarded when Network Solutions won the 2008 SNCR Excellence in New Communications Award for Online Reputation Management and the 2009 Gold Quill Award of Excellence in Social Media from the International Association of Business Communicators (IABC).

As a prolific Twitterer, blogger, and product innovator, Shashi lives for technology, testing new innovations and helping small business owners succeed. A self-described "Internet junkie" and thought leader, Shashi has presented on "Social Media Tools for Small Business," "How To Sell Social Media to Your Boss," and "Online Reputation Management—Best Practices & Lessons Learned" at national and regional conferences including SXSW, NewComm Forum (SNCR.org), Online Media Boot Camp, DC Chamber of Commerce, the Affiliate Summit, American Independent Writers, and PodCamps. Washingtonian magazine named Shashi a Washington Tech Titan. Other media mentions include The Washington Post, Webmaster Radio, BlogTalkRadio, and Shel Holtz's For Immediate Release.

Shashi Bellamkonda is the editor of the following blogs and Web sites:

• http://growsmartbusiness.com
• http://blog.networksolutions.com
• http://www.shashi.name
• http://www.carryoncurry.com

He started his blog to keep his thousands of online and offline friends and fans up to date on the coolest new sites and tech toys, and to answer questions about social media and technology. Topics covered include how to prevent popups, avoid viruses, and save computers from hackers, as well as the ever-popular "Why is my computer freezing?"

A resident of Maryland, Shashi Bellamkonda speaks seven languages and endeavors to weave his favorite hobbies into his profession.

Network Solutions is a source of resources that can help small businesses achieve success in the online space. In providing the tools to start, grow, and manage businesses online, Network Solutions leverages 30 years of pioneering experience, helping companies thrive in an increasingly digital world. To facilitate customer success, Network Solutions endeavors to provide solutions that are simple, innovative, and reliable.

Location: One-half block south of the Cineplex Odeon Uptown movie theatre on Connecticut Avenue, NW, Washington, DC. (There are many restaurants suitable for pre- or post-meeting gathering/networking/refreshment in the block north of the library.) 

Metrorail--Cleveland Park Station on the Red Line (on Connecticut Avenue, just 1.5 blocks north of meeting site) 

Parking: Very small lot, off Macomb St., to left of library. 

Free and open to all 

Several times a year a smaller group (usually about 8 to 12) goes to Nanny O'Brien's (directly across the street from the library at 3319 Connecticut Avenue, NW, 202-686-9189, open noon Saturday to 2 am Sunday) or another local establishment for continued conversation, networking, and refreshment following the meeting. (Participants pay for their own beverages and food.) 

Join us!