Oct 14, 2010

Social media training for farmers webinar series announced

The Farmers Market Federation of New York is pleased to continue its support of community farmers markets and the direct marketing of farm fresh products, with the introduction of a web based series of educational opportunities for consumers, farmers and farmers market managers. “We hope to use social marketing techniques and mechanisms to help people connect with local farms and farmers markets and become engaged in the discussions around local food,” explains Diane Eggert, Director of the FMFNY.

Social marketing utilizes free online networking sites to connect with consumers in an interactive way which engages them in conversation and promotes farms and farmers markets. ”The challenge is that farmers markets and farm stands are not well versed in using social marketing to make those connections, and consumers don’t realize the opportunity to use this technology to increase their understanding of locally produced products,” offers Bob Buccieri, President of the Board of the FMFNY and farmers market administrator in Seneca Falls.

The goal of the program is to have farmers markets and farm stands use social marketing to engage consumers, build a sense of ownership with their site’s fans and followers and increase consumer awareness and participation in farmers markets and farm stands, generating additional sales growth for farmers, engagement with local producers and support for the communities which host farmers market.

Joe Stabb, Marketing Director for Onondaga County’s OnCenter and social media trainer, will provide training to establish a series of four webinars to guide farmers market managers and direct marketing farmers in using various social networking sites. The webinars will discuss how to set up an account and build a page/site and how to use the site to market a farm or market. The webinars will cover:
· Defining social marketing through online social networking sites
· Discuss using Foursquare, Facebook, YouTube and blogs
· Tips and hints on successful use of each medium
· How to develop a marketing campaign through the cross utilization of networking sites

“We have found a great deal of curiosity concerning social marketing and farms,” explains Stabb who has directed efforts for social and web marketing through ABC Creative Group, the OnCenter and others for many years, “but there is little understanding of the opportunities, and the Federation has recognized a need to develop understanding, and support within our communities for their markets.”

Farmers Market Managers and direct marketing farmers are encouraged to participate. The webinars are free, but space is limited. Contact the Farmers Market Federation office for registration information at 315-637-4690 or email [email protected]. Pre-registration is required.

Social Media and Foursquare: Nov 16, 12:30 – 1:30pm
Nov 18, 7 – 8pm
Face it: Facebood is Here to Stay!: December 14th, 12:30 – 1:30pm
December 16th, 7-8pm
Blogs – The “Interactive” Website: January 18th, 12:30 – 1:30pm
January 20, 7-8pm
YouTube – See and Be Seen, Plus
How to Create a Well Rounded
Social Media Campaign February 8, 12:30 – 1:30pm
Feb 10, 7-8pm