We are pleased to present this fundfindr.tv production of one of the most engaging panels from Internet Marketing Conference Vancouver 2008.  While the panel is from a few months ago, all of the insights and tips are very valid today.  Well worth a look.  Please note, the video does run 40 minutes.

The panelists included writing experts Crawford Kilian, Elizabeth Southall, Monique Trottier, Tom McNamara and Jim DelaHunt.  For more on this panel, click here. Other tips and advice on Internet Marketing are available at the tag IMC.

Last year, fundfindr helped top start-ups that we featured on fundfindr.com or had networked with get an audience with the producers of CBC TV’s Dragon’s Den.  The producers at the time told us they appreciate our ability to filter deal flow and that the Dragon’s were getting testy - “if we see one more Web 2.0 start-up…”

That said, whether you are a tech start-up or something more traditional, fundfindr may be able to assist you in standing out from other applicants.

The fact is video is an important part of raising investment today - both to refine your pitch and to distribute it.

If you upload a free video pitch yourself at www.fundfindr.com, we will review and share top prospects with the show’s producers.

Plus you will reach an audience of Angels - not Dragon’s - and be able to easily share your pitch with prospects directly.

If you would like our Riiplay.tv service to help produce a professional video pitch for your application to the Dragon’s Den, Angel Forum, Angelsoft, VANTEC or other investor sites, we’ll make sure as Danny Robinson says “…you look good even if you aren’t”.  Thanks Danny!

Contact us for rates and more info at info@riiplay.tv.

See this post for FAQs on your prospects, tips and what you need to know.  Well, Season 4 is rolling around and auditions are scheduled in BC including:

• Victoria - Monday, March 30th
• Prince George - Tuesday, March 31st
• Nanaimo - Wednesday, April 1st
• Campbell River - Friday, April 3rd
• Vancouver - Friday, April 3rd and Saturday, April 4th
• Nelson - Tuesday, April 7th
• Kelowna - Thursday, April 9th

More details on the Dragons’ Den auditions and online application here.

More tips from Mike Volker and VANTEC including exclusive fundfindr.tv interviews by clicking on thumbnail below and here. 

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It seems like everywhere you turn - mass media, blogs, conferences (like London’s Social Media Conference pictured here) all around the world - the story is consistent. Your business, large or small, needs to harness social media to ensure success in today’s wired world. A recent poll even suggests that almost half of the business leaders polled felt that social media was more important than mass media. Yet many of those same business leaders acknowledge that they are less familiar with social media than their customers. Are you ready to compete in this arena?

Social media, like YouTube and Facebook, have transitioned from being ignored by mass media, to being studied, to being glamorized and finally partnered with by mass media. The reality is clear in media studies, increasingly your customers can be reached online or mobile. Many of the fastest growing companies in the US are embracing this move - here are Ten Tips if you are behind the adoption curve.

1. Get on the bus. Your competitors are. In this race of word-of-mouth, don’t get left behind.
2. Listen to 20-somethings. The generation of social media early adopters and users. Tune in.
3. Start. Launch a YouTube channel, Twitter account and Facebook group for your product or business.
4. Blog. It’s easy. There are an estimated 8000 new blogs daily. Make sure you’re in the mix.
5. Learn. Follow resources like fundfindr.tv or join groups like the International Internet Marketing Association.
6. Aggregate. Set up an aggregator like Netvibes to ensure you get the blog news you need.
7. Listen. Ensure your customers can talk to you via comments, video, or chat not just phone and email.
8. Get Alerts. Google Alerts is a convenient, free way to pick up your brand in the blogosphere.
9. Collaborate. Contribute to or comment on other sites or blogs to drive exposure and collaboration.
10. Test. Use Google Analytics or hire pros to help you navigate the social media marketing arena.