To plan a successful event, whether it be a luncheon, panel or sales meeting, you need to have good communication, organization and an open mind. Successful event execution will leave your guests with a lasting impression. Other important factors during the planning process include location and event topic.

Planning an event includes creating a strategy and identifying steps and tactics for success. You need to have an event coordinator who can constantly juggle multiple tasks.

Every time you host an event, there is always a budget to guide your planning. For smaller budgets, explore more cost-effective options and use creative thinking when utilizing your resources. Call several different venues for a wide range of prices or consider holding the event within your office to save on costs. Look at each part of your event and determine which costs can be reduced or eliminated.

As you begin planning your next event, here are some things to remember:

Communication
Whether you’re using an e-mail or print invitation, give your guests adequate time to RSVP. If you have the budget, we highly recommend a save-the-date card, allowing attendees to plan ahead. If you have a larger event, send save-the-dates notices in advance. Follow up with formal invitations six to eight weeks in advance. Read More...

You need the right tools to build a strong, reliable house. This principle also applies to building a well-optimized website.

In search engine optimization (SEO), we use a multitude of tools to provide us with an array of information about any site. This information is crucial to all SEO activity because you will know what the competition is doing, understand what should be done based on best practices and have a clear guide of the next steps.

The tools SEO professionals use can be costly to use effectively. However, unless you’re starting an SEO practice or getting serious about your company’s SEO efforts, you can use these free tools to get started. Read More...

Earlier this week, we hosted a seminar on mobile marketing, where clients and friends discussed the latest marketing trend: Mobile.

Held at the Hilton Garden Inn in Downtown Cleveland, thunder::tech team members as well as guests created an open forum, exploring innovative mobile technologies such as SMS text, mobile web development, mobile applications and the impact of social networking on mobile.

View the slide presentation below to learn how you can leverage mobile technology for your organization.



After viewing the presentation, download an overview of mobile as well as learn more about the latest geosocial network, foursquare.

If you have questions on mobile technology or have an idea for an upcoming breakfast seminar, contact us. Read More...

Be honest.

You and just about everyone out there with an Internet connection is addicted to Facebook. Whether you admit or not, chances are, you have uploaded some great photos, hometown information and even your educational feats to this fancy, far-reaching vehicle we call Facebook.

You find yourself visiting Facebook on a daily basis. You find comfort in Facebook. Others do as well.

Lucky for you and your online goals, Facebook provides a pretty liberal set of APIs and connection methods for you to take advantage. In this post, we are going to address advanced topics that can serve as a brief icebreaker into features available to you and your site’s users. Read More...

The thunder::tech office will be closed on Monday, July 5, as our team members enjoy the holiday festivities.

Normal office hours will resume on Tuesday, July 6, at 9 a.m. Contact your account manager at 888.321.8422 if you have any questions.

How are you celebrating Independence Day?