Partner Profiles: MKE Live
Tell us about your organization.
MKELive provides LinkedIn training, networking and event services to companies, communities and chambers of commerce throughout Wisconsin, the Midwest and Southeast. In essence, we help entrepreneurs and business leaders expand their professional contacts to leverage their products and services through larger – and more powerful – professional networks. One of MKE Live’s most recognized assets is its network of 17 regional and four specialty “Link Up” groups. The regional Link Up groups provide business professionals with opportunities to network with other LinkedIn users, develop new relationships and learn tips using LinkedIn. The specialty groups are designed to meet the specific needs of women in business (Link Up for Women), business owners/executives (Link Up for CEOs), and enterprise-level organizations with established customer service, sales, and human resources staffs (Link Up Exclusive). Today, MKE Live continues to remain true to its core service – LinkedIn training. With the help of its strategic partners, it is also expanding its services in event management, social media consultation and training and marketing.
What kinds of technology does your organization utilize?
Because we are not a “brick and mortar” organization and use the internet for networking, MKE Live’s success depends a great deal on Wi-Fi or wireless internet connectivity.
What technological challenges does your organization currently face?
Keeping up with hardware and software changes, as well as with IT, web and social media trends. Technology is constantly evolving, necessitating that MKE Live must always be two steps ahead of everyone else in terms of understanding how to best utilize technology for professional networking. A big part of MKE Live’s mission is to educate people on not only the “how to” of networking but also the strategy involved.
Another challenge that MKE Live faces is the lack of broadband accessibility generally found within Wisconsin and our other markets. Because a great deal of our organization functions in an online only space, we are limited to offering our services to areas that have broadband access.
What, if any, technology policy issues are of importance to your organization?
Social Media Policies, particularly issues regarding personal ownership of LinkedIn information and database, are something we are keeping a keen eye on. There is an increasing trend of companies demanding ownership of all information stored on a former employees LinkedIn account – even if that information was developed by the employee before joining the company. For a great deal of our network, this is a growing concern.
How does your organization see the future of technology in Wisconsin?
MKELive sees Wisconsin’s use of networking technology as an ever-expanding communication and connection medium for people. The expansion of basic web access and functionality allows us to help people connect and prosper – regardless of their location. Tied to this is the issue is the necessity of essential bandwidth allowing people to use the web at the same (or similar) speed as those who work/live within areas with stronger web infrastructure.
Why did you decide to partner with Wired Wisconsin?
Wired Wisconsin and MKE Live will together as strategic partners seek to improve the lives of Wisconsin residents by harnessing and advancing innovative technologies.
Through their partnership, the organizations will jointly promote technology-oriented educational initiatives. Wired Wisconsin has been a primary sponsor of MKE Live’s LinkedIn events, providing networking opportunities and social media training across the state. MKE Live will sponsor the Wired in Wisconsin seminar series, an exclusive event focused on educating Wisconsin organizations and businesses on pressing matters of technology.
