The Industrial Development Authority of Halifax County is partnering with the Halifax County Chamber of Commerce and Halifax County Tourism to sponsor a series of free workshops aimed at helping local individuals, businesses, groups and organizations learn how to use social media more effectively to influence their bottom line.

The free social media workshop series was developed and is presented by Glerin Business Resources, a web, mobile and graphic design company headquartered in Halifax. The next session will be January 23rd and 24th in the conference room at Riverstone Centre.

The January session will focus on Facebook.  Due to the success of December's kick-off social media workshop, we've added a second date to January's.  The workshop is offered at 6pm on both Monday, January 23rd and Tuesday, January 24th; the same workshop will be presented each night, so pick the night that's best for you.

Space is limited, so register early.

This workshop will explore how to use Facebook effectively, including topics such as:

• Customizing your page
• Promoting your page
• Facebook's new Timeline
• Notes, Groups, Events, Apps and Tabs
• Custom landing pages
• Autotweeting your Facebook posts
• Ideas for posts and MORE!

“We are always looking for ways to keep businesses competitive and during these difficult financial times, we want to help them reach as many people as possible. Social media is one tool that is very cost effective when used properly,” said Mike Sexton, IDA executive director.

“It is our hope that groups, organizations and even individuals will come out and take advantage of these workshops. Whether you have been in business 100 years or just starting out, I think there will be tons of valuable information for you to put into use,” said Nancy Pool, Halifax County Chamber of Commerce president.

“Since so many of our tourist destinations have such limited funds for marketing – and they are prime candidates for social media – this is an ideal opportunity to learn how to do it like a professional at no cost,” said Linda Sheppard director of tourism.

Sexton stressed that the workshop is suitable for all levels of internet and social media knowledge. He said the those that have never used social media to those well versed in Yelp, Urban Spoon, Facebook, Google+, Living Social, Groupon and others, will discover new ways to use the internet to market their business or service.

Participants are encouraged to bring their laptops, tablets, iPads and/or smart phones to the workshop. Free wireless internet will be provided.

Register online at www.glerin.com for this free workshop or e-mail inquiries to info@glerin.com.

Future topics covered will include internet safety, Twitter, LinkedIn, YouTube and more, plus using blogging and newsletters in coordination with social media.