The crowds at the South by Southwest (SXSW) Interactive event in Austin this week were said to be 20-30 percent higher than the previous year, which led to longer lines, more crowded venues, less parking, and far-flung panels and events at hotels well beyond walking distance. Even bigger than the larger crowds were the expectations many people had for startups targeting the show for major visibility and possibly, stardom on the level much glorified with Twitter 's rise to public awareness in 2007 and Foursquare's launch in 2009. Hashable Foursquare SXSW SXSW MORE >>

So, still baffled as to why using social media to promote events and more is right for you? Take a few moments to study these tips and then see how you can employ them in your business: Create event pages on major social networks like Facebook and Twitter. For your company’s event page, you want things like the event’s date and locale, along with contact information. Let’s say you are a catering business and you want to promote a big event you’re working. While you can and need to use words to promote events, images, videos etc. MORE >>

With 3400% growth and 6 million users, FourSquare had an amazing 2010 capped by over 30,000 check-ins at the Rally to Restore Sanity in Washington DC last October. Other social media sites grabbed more headlines in 2010, but few experienced the exponential growth that Foursquare saw. Google definitely has their eyes set on mobile and local products this year and has been rumored as a viable buyer for Foursquare to compete with their latest nemesis, Facebook and their Facebook Places product. FourSquare Social Media infographicsWhere will they be in 2011 and beyond? MORE >>

Recently I was sitting on a panel at a SMC Columbus event watching another panelist speak about social search. For the majority of 2010, Foursquare has led the race in attracting both sides of the network – businesses and human users. The catch is Foursquare has always had issues with GPS accuracy. Facebook deals could be disruptive – Similar to the Foursquare Deals Nearby ,  newest feature to add deals to Places locations offers an automated (and free) way for local businesses to attract new customers. Guest post by Nate Riggs , owner of Social Media Strategies. MORE >>

A hands on, practical computer class on Google Plus ( half day ) and some short 2 hour  howto sessions ( demonstration ) on Pinterest Foursquare and Facebook Timeline for Business. Event registration for Facebook Timeline for Business Pages powered by Eventbrite. Foursquare Social Media Marketing Workshop. Foursquare users “check in” to a venue – your shop, restaurant, cafe, accountants office, dentist or shopping mall. Why not spend a  couple of hours  learning about popular retail review site, Foursquare? Session Details . Forever! MORE >>