The Last Word - May 2009

How has the social networking trend affected your business?

Dr. Darren Soong, Partner, The Gastric Band Institute, Las Vegas

We recently added a blog to our website and started posting videos of our patients’ success stories on YouTube. Although these new tactics have not replaced our involvement with traditional media, it definitely has become an essential enhancement to our program.

Holly Silvestri, Principal, The Ferraro Group, Las Vegas

Our PR firm has started implementing a vast array of social media strategies for our clients. Web 2.0 has quickly emerged as a leading avenue to disseminate messages and position our clients effectively.  It’s a low-cost PR method that we are incorporating into many of our clients’ plans.

Dave Claflin, VP, Marketing, RED Development, Reno

Social networking has been helpful to us in monitoring public perception on a daily basis and allowing us to plan our marketing tactics according to what our audience is asking for. Sites like Facebook and Twitter help us gauge our target and determine what messages are reaching them as we prepare to launch The Legends at Sparks Marina.

David McIntrye, President, Epicurean Charitable Foundation, Las Vegas

Because we are a nonprofit, social networking is a cost-effective, additional way for us to reach our target audiences. We are actively working on tapping into social networks to connect with our members, donors and most importantly, speak directly to CCSD high school students interested in hospitality careers about our scholarship program.

Anthony A. Marnell, III, Chairman and CEO, M Resort Spa Casino, Las Vegas

Social networking has enabled our guests to provide instant feedback about their experience at our resort and likewise provides us with the ability to monitor the conversation and adjust our service and amenities based on what our guests are talking about. It’s also an incredible new avenue for promoting M.

Marnie Settle, President, Summit Creative, Las Vegas

Social networking has allowed me to meet and connect with new people all over the world that I never would have had an opportunity to meet before. I use Linkedin and Twitter in my business everyday. I find these to be valuable resources for me to maintain relationships and contacts.