When I was approached by the Oahu Wedding Association to be the keynote speaker on “Promoting Your Website & Blog with Social Networking” I can’t tell you how excited I was! Since I only had 20 minutes to make my case for the use of social networking to build my personal brand, I chose to cover getting started and focus on Facebook and Twitter.

If you’re not already following me on Twitter follow me at @jeannemariepics become a fan on Facebook or “Friend” me too.

I was able to catch up with some good friends Brad Buckles of Brides Club Expo and Vince Mitchell the Digital Sign Guy. Can you see my iPhone in my hand? Yes, of course I was Tweeting and Facebooking throughout the event! I needed the support of my friends and followers.

The OWA held its meeting this month at The Aloha Tower Market Place, on the Waterfront, where a Moroccan theme greeted the evening with tents set up with colors of orange and pink. We were treated to henna tattoo artist and bellydance performances by Michael Azure and tribal fusion dancer Natalie Phoenix rounded out the night. It’s always a perfect location for an event, since you’ll always have a perfect sunset no matter what time of year. 

Fellow Photographer, Tweeter and Facebooker Geralyn Camarillo showing off her henna tattoo.

An image taken with my iPhone which I used to upload to Twitter and Facebook.

We sampled food tastings from Chai’s Island Bistro and Gordon Biersch Brewery. They were both delish, it was a great way to round out the evening except I couldn’t enjoy the tastings until I was finished with my presentation, I have to admit I was a little nervous!

All images (except belly dancer) provided by my friend and fellow photographer Dave Miyamoto (mahalos Dave!)