Following on from the success of "Embrace the Space – an introduction to Social Networking for Business", NSDesign is delighted to announce the launch of their Social Media Masterclass series.

Designed as a programme of three independent (but complimentary) workshops, these are:

   1. It's all about the conversation

   2. Getting 'hands-on' with Twitter and Facebook

   3. Building the Social Strategy

Led by NSDesign's MD, and Social Media strategist Gary Ennis, the workshops also pull in the expert talents of TV presenter Colin Kelly, and Employment Lawyer David Hoey, giving attendees the expert information and guidance to ensure the right Social Media route for their businesses.

Masterclass 1 - It's all about the conversation
Friday 15th April (Hillington Innovation Centre, Glasgow)
Tuesday 19th April (ScotlandIS, Livingston)

Imagine half a dozen people standing at a bus stop discussing your business.

Wouldn't you like to hear what they're saying, and be able to stand up for yourself if they give you a hard time?

Those conversations are happening right now on social media - and not being involved could be causing your company damage.

Social media is a phenomenon that's changing our world rapidly. To do it right, you need guidance from people you can trust.

This first workshop of the Embrace the Space Masterclass series introduces you to Facebook, Twitter, YouTube and the rest, and explains what they can do for your business.

Colin Kelly - Gadget Guru from STV's "The Hour" - will share his own experiences of social media and serve as your trusted guide for a fully-interactive session where YOU'LL be speaking, working in groups and developing your own ideas.

Topics include: "Is it all just hype?", "How social media is changing advertising", "The 5 things people want from social media", "The consequences for a business that messes up", "The Pros and Cons of social media", "What YOUR business can do with social media", and "What you need to do it right".

This isn't a lecture - it's hands on and bang up to date. Whether you've dabbled in social media but don't quite "get it", or haven't even signed up for any of it yet, this is the ideal first step.

Masterclass 2 - Getting 'hands-on' with Twitter and Facebook
Thursday 21st April (Hillington Innovation Centre, Glasgow)
Tuesday 26th April (ScotlandIS, Livingston)

This practical session will demonstrate the real business potential from two of the most popular social platforms, Facebook and Twitter showing you how it should be done! From setting up correctly, bespoke customisation, and tips and tricks on getting the most from using them for your business benefit.

Led by NSDesign's ever-enthusiastic Gary Ennis, the second workshop of the Embrace the Space Masterclass series includes:

Hands on - Become a Twitter Power User!!

Twitter is so much more than a celebrity gossip tool! Using our Seven Steps to Twitter Success, you'll see how to get the most out of Twitter, strategically build your following, and see how it can make a massive impact to how your business communicates, finds sales leads, researches new ideas and much more.

Hands on - Facebook for Business!

A detailed look at Facebook, and how to successfully implement an effective Facebook page for business. Includes setting up a personal profile, Facebook privacy issues, differences between Facebook pages and groups, advanced customisation of your business page and some of the more advanced features to make Facebook work for you.

Wi-fi enabled laptops are welcomed, but by no means mandatory, as Gary provides you with all the hands-on experience to take away and start doing Social Media right!

Masterclass 3 - Building the Social Strategy
Thursday 28th April (Hillington Innovation Centre, Glasgow)
Tuesday 3rd May (ScotlandIS, Livingston)

The 3rd and final workshop in the Embrace the Space Masterclass series, begins by looking beyond the more obvious social media channels, and at the wider subject of digital engagement and other effective online marketing methods including Blogs, Email Campaigns and Online PR.

David Hoey, Partner at Glasgow law firm bto and accredited employment law specialist, then examines some of the legal and practical issues arising from an employment law perspective, such as: What legal issues arise with the use of such sites for employees and employers? To what extent can (or should) employers control employee use of such sites? How can your Disciplinary and Grievance Policy help? What about an Email and Internet Policy? Are there any practical risks that need to be managed in dealing with these issues?

The session concludes with NSDesign’s Gary Ennis helping you define a Social Media strategy tailored to your own business. Having the Facebook and Twitter account is just the start. Knowing what you want to do with them, and how to do it, will form part of your overall social media strategy - an important part of ensuring that your business benefits from embracing social media. Includes understanding where your clients will "be" on social media, plans to talk to them effectively, and a detailed look at monitoring and evaluating your business success using the tools available.