Matt Hames

Hi, I'm Matt Hames, Manager of Media Communications at Colgate University. Want to talk about social media and higher ed?

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Social media explorer. Marketing communications guy. Husband, dad, curler. People say I have a keen eye for emerging trends and consumer behavior, I am able to create customized campaigns to enhance online and offline market presence among target demographics. But enough about what my mom thinks. I think I am a confident, entertaining and informative speaker on Social Media: I was the keynote speaker at various state-wide business and professional conferences including a keynote at the Business Council of New York State annual general meeting I started as a marketer; the tools we use for social media are just that – tools. Finished 4th at the US National Curling Championships in 2010. As I said, I'll be a coach at the 2012 World Championships. My goal is to craft a digital presence that fits in with all marketing initiatives at Colgate University. Things are changing, but they haven't totally changed. All marketing plans should have a digital element, but they should all fit together.

Board Member at International Institute of Buffalo

May 2011 - November 2011

Since 1918, the International Institute of Buffalo has assisted immigrants, refugees, and others who face linguistic and cultural barriers to become self-sufficient, active members of our community. Today, the Institute serves as a dynamic international center, providing critical services to refugees and immigrants and promoting global understanding and connections in Western New York.

Social Media Strategist -- EMA Insight at Eric Mower and Associates

October 2006 - August 2011

Created successful and impactful digital presence for Eric Mower & Associates, including www.mower.com, m.mower.com, LinkedIn, Facebook, Slideshare, Twitter and Delicious. Created strategies for each tactic. Launched the Fisher-Price Facebook page, wildly exceeding goals for the page within the first month. Created a plan to move Cove Haven Resorts from MySpace to Facebook and exceeded all client goals for the project within 2 months. Conceived and created the internal EMA social media policy, and external social media policies for Maid of the Mist, Cadaret/Grant, Southwire, and the TL Cannon Franchise Group. Launched Bojangles’ Facebook page, grew and managed a community of 200,000 fans. Created digital strategy and metrics plans for various clients including Epsom Salt, KI Furniture, Cove Haven Entertainment Resorts, Qdoba restaurants, Dynacast, Lactalis, Crouse Hospital, GE Energy, and Merchants Insurance Group. Created and launched internal EMA skills enhancement program for 220 people across 7 offices using webinars, blogs and a wiki that sees active participation. Taught companies how and why to use digital tactics like LinkedIn, YouTube, Slideshare and Facebook, and how to measure the metrics.

Senior copywriter at SKM Group

September 2005 - October 2006

Created and developed marketing communication pieces and content for various clients including SunTrust Bank, Interbay Lending, Citibank, and Tiles International. Responsible for the creation of content for various marketing communications including newsletters, print, e-mail, e-newsletters, posters, banner ads and other media.

Marketing Specialist at Viatran Corporation

January 2002 - October 2005

Responsible for the creation and development of all advertising/marketing communication tools for all divisions and products. Coordinated the selection of and planning for industry trade shows and networking events, including scouting and securing space. Saw a 35% increase in the number of leads at tradeshows using pre-invites. Developed and managed the company digital presence – achieved the first page of Organic Google Results for “Pressure Transducers.” Provided strategic vision to define company mission and goals and communicate them to constituents. Responsible for the development and utilization of Viatran’s marketing budget and inventory systems.

Senior copywriter at Bates Toronto

January 1998 - September 2002

Created and executed radio, print, and web advertising campaigns for clients in various categories including Consumer Goods, Financial Services, Education, Non-Profit, Insurance, and Banking. Completed internal presentation courses. Completed internal presentation courses.

Copywriter at Warrillow & Co.

February 1997 - January 1998

Small business owners are created different, and have different motivations for starting their company. We studied the small business owner. We tried to find out what made them tick, and then offered that research to large companies.

Manager of Media Communications at Colgate University

November 2011

Increase the national appeal of this incredible school by showcasing all the wonderful things that happen every day. This means updating the digital presence and reaching out to people to showcase the expertise that makes Colgate great.

Humber College

1994 – 1996

Media Copywriting

University of Toronto at Mississauga - Erindale College

1988 – 1992

BA

Concentration: English

My family, curling, The Arsenal.