SkillBuilders is a new workshop series for people interested in learning the nuts and bolts of using Internet technologies as well how to apply them to business or personal interests. Each SkillBuilder workshop is offered at a reasonable cost and meets over a short time period (typically 4-6 weeks) to allow participants to balance with work and family life.

Basic Blogging in Wordpress- Have you always wanted to start a blog but didn‘t know how? Think you need a blog for your business, but don't know what to write about? Bring your blog ideas to this hands-on beginner's class in using Wordpress.com. We will cover everything from opening an account to creating content; RSS readers and promoting your blog on services like Technorati; blog syndication services; and linking your blog to your social networking accounts.

WHEN: Classes meet Tuesday evenings for 4 weeks; 6-8pm, April 20 - May 11
INSTRUCTOR: Tish Grier
FEE: $100 per person Register

Social Media for Business-There are many different types of social media and many ways to use them to promote your business and increase customer relations. This hands-on class will get you started using a blog to create a simple website for you business; show you how to use social networking sites like Facebook and LinkedIn to promote your business, establish new customer relationships through social networking and improve customer service; and how to monitor and manage your business‘s online reputation. Basic knowledge of Wordpress or Blogger blogging platforms will be helpful, as well as any web-ready marketing materials (logo, written promo materials, etc.) you may already have.

WHEN: Classes meet Tuesday evenings for 6 weeks; 6-8pm, May 25 - June 29
INSTRUCTOR: Tish Grier
FEE: $200 per person Register

About the Instructor
Tish Grier is a recognized expert on social media and what it can do to help small businesses create presence and get found on the Internet. She has developed her expertise through professional blogging, crowdsourcing, and online community development for start-up ventures Placeblogger.com, Newstrust.net, and several others. She has stealth-marketed her own personal brand since 2005.