The Wisdom of Michael McDerment

He's built two successful startups, co-founded the Mesh conference, and runs Freshbooks - a company with much of interest to anyone in the agency business.

Mike McDerment, entrepreneur, Internet marketing expert, and blogger has a lot to say about Public Relations in a Web 2.0 world and the services startup companies need from their agency partners. Having worked with consultants from both ends of the spectrum ? from independent agents to huge multinational PR agencies ? Mike has some clear ideas about what works and what doesn?t at the various stages in the evolution of a company. He?s learned how and when to use external PR services; how to be alert for conversations work within the blogosphere and know when and how to join them; and why sending someone in Fiji a box of Triscuits can sometimes get you much more attention than sending out a news release.

In addition, his company is emerging as one of the leading online time-tracking and billing services for professional services firms. Mike?s experience at Freshbooks has given him some insight into the pressures on the agency side, and his team has responded by building a better product. But he?s not coming to Third Tuesday to do a product pitch.

Come out an here Mike speak about the challenges of creating awareness for a relatively young software company, how PR can help, and the role played by Social Media in his Freshbooks? overall growth strategy.

Once again, we're thankful to our sponsor, CNW Group, whose financial support makes it possible to run Third Tuesdays in Toronto, Vancouver, Ottawa and Montreal as FREE events. Thank you to CNW for supporting the Canadian social media community.