If the first session of "Changing Channels: Making the Switch to to New Media Marketing" is any indication, the next three sessions should be put on your "don't-miss" list.

Planned and executed by the Valerie Pianta of the Hernando County Office of Business Development, and Anne Kibbe of St. Leo University, the four-part series kicked off Wednesday, Feb. 2 at Silverthorn Country Club. Subsequent sessions will be held March 9, April 20 and May 25. Check here for more information about the programs and how to register. These events are sponsored by the Hernando County Chamber of commerce, the St. Petersburg Times and the Hernando Today.

Wednesday's program began with a keynote address by Steve Mordue, an energetic, well-versed presenter who offered a solid overview of how various social media work together, and how those assets can become an effective marketing tool.

Afterward, attendees broke up into three groups. Mordue led a workshop about Facebook and Linked-In. The other two workshops were led by Pam and Josh Moore, founders of FruitZoom, one of Tampa Bay's most innovative online marketing firms.

The Moores, who are husband-and-wife as well as business partners, were informative and inspirational as they held forth about the value of blogs on your business website, Twitter, YouTube and Flickr. I was particularly impressed with Pam's proliferation in the blogosphere. This young lady is working hard to provide practical advice to her followers, and her efforts are being rewarded as she gains national recognition for her expertise.

I'm looking forward to seeing them again at the March 9 session, where I also will be facilitating a roundtable discussion about blogging.

If you haven't signed up, I recommend you do, especially if you're feeling overwhelmed -- or underwhelmed, as the case may be -- by the sheer volume of social media options. This is a wonderful opportunity to learn in a casual setting and get some customized advice about how you can integrate these tools into your business plan.