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My Message: It's Simple. Marketing Still Matters...	Social Media: Throw Your Own Party!
Nice to meet you! I'm Leah, and I'm here to help. Here's my mini bio: Leah Jorgensen is a communications expert who has worked in the wine industry for a decade. She consults for several wineries and writes about travel, wine and gluten-free living. Visit her website at www.leahjorgensen.com. My message is simple. Marketing still matters. Yes, we're in a recession. You are probably continuing to implement a cost savings program. And, chances are, you cut your marketing budget first. But, are your wines selling? Just as you, the wine professional, evaluate and enjoy a wine by using all of your senses, the same is true when the consumer selects a wine for purchase. They are looking, sensing and feeling the moment they pick up a bottle. There are several factors that make consumers fans of certain wines. We all know that people are looking at labels, reading blogs, perusing websites, engaging in social media, joining wine clubs, chatting with sommeliers at their favorite restaurants, and are looking for new opportunities to experience their favorite wines in a variety of ways. The question is, are you one of those wineries that these people are talking about and seeking out? Making great wine and getting good scores is a start. But, there's so much more to captivating fans and turning them into loyal friends and ambassadors of your brand. Contact me for a consultation and let's explore how we can improve the impression you make on these wine loving consumers. Cheers! Leah Visit my website to learn more about me and my work.	Everyone is talking about it. It's the new face of marketing and, like it or not, it's here to stay...at least for a while. So, are you engaged in social media and networking, or not? It's like throwing a party. In order to get people there, you have to send out the invites, don't you? Then, you need to be a good host/hostess. Social Media: Connects you with new fans Develops relationships with existing fans Drives more traffic to your website Increases wine sales Is FREE marketing that reaches thousands Plus, you can advertise to increase your target audience If you are not already on Facebook, Twitter and/or LinkedIn, you're already several steps behind the curve. CREATE YOUR FACEBOOK ACCOUNT TODAY CREATE YOUR TWITTER ACCOUNT TODAY CREATE YOUR LINKEDIN PROFILE TODAY It's never too late to make a GREAT (and lasting) impression...online.
Communication: Everyone Loves a Good Story...	comPASSION FOR WINE
Postcards From the Road..Vineyard...Winery... You have a story to tell. It's unique and, believe me, others want to hear it. Maybe it sounds corny, but I think people want to connect with others now more than ever. Times are tough and people are stressed out. It just feels good to sit down with others - friends, strangers, in person or online - and hear each others' stories. And it feels even better when there's a glass of wine in hand. The question is, how are you telling your story? How are you connecting with others? Is it genuine? Are you being honest and real? And, who are you telling your story to? People will know if you are just trying to sell your wine or if you really care to connect. If you're not sure how to connect, consider your passion for what you're doing - that's enough to draw an audience. Passion is infectious, and it's at the heart of every good storyteller. Now, how do you get your story across? Well, to start, you have your website; a blog (if you don't have one yet, contact me immediately!); social media...and then the other writers...the professionals, as well as the everyday bloggers and reviewers, who could be writing about you and your wines. If you don't know these people, please allow me to introduce you to them... I co-produced a wine media tasting of select Oregon wines for distinguished members of the press at Bushi Tei Restaurant in San Francisco (I'm seated second on the left).	When I was in high school, I wasn't allowed to get a paying job. Instead, my mother insisted I do community service. The volunteer work I did then set the stage for the kind of adult that I have become - one who cares. I have learned that it is a privilege and honor to serve others. Currently, I am volunteering my time and writing skills to craft the auction descriptions for the McMinnville Education Foundation's annual benefit, the 2009 Starry Night Auction. I recently had the privilege to serve on the committee for the 2008 Connoisseurs of the Vine, a wine auction gala benefiting the William Temple House, which serves the working poor. Additionally, I am co-producing the Best of Oregon Food & Wine Festival benefitting the Doernbecher Children's Hospital Foundation. Recently, I conceived a new project that I plan to launch this year called comPASSION FOR WINE. I designed the grape-heart logo above, and will begin a blog site soon to announce wine related events that will benefit very small, barely-known non-profit organizations in desperate need of financial assistance. The kinds of organizations I'll be targeting include the likes of an acquaintance of mine who does critical social work for the Portland school system, whose funding has been cut for her summer program. This is an organization that would be thrilled to raise just $500 for its program! A little bit goes a long way, and comPASSION FOR WINE will contribute to those kinds of groups in need. Stay tuned to learn more about how you can get involved.

Leah A. Jorgensen, Consultant email: leah.jorgensen@live.com web: www.leahjorgensen.com

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Leah A. Jorgensen, Consultant
Wine Industry Marketing & Communication
22745 S. Bonney Road
Colton, Oregon 97017

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