Matthew P. Block Enterprises

Matthew P. Block began consulting on communication & social media issues in 2008 when he realized the slow pace of social media adoption among Missouri's legislators & the untapped ability for policymakers to use these tools to better communicate with their constituents. After sharing ideas with  several legislators in Missouri's House of Representatives, Matthew began working with the campaigns of several state representatives & senators in March 2009 to help their campaigns expand into the online & new media fields, focusing on online fundraising, using candidate websites as communication tools rather than just online brochures, campaign utilization of tools such as Facebook & Twitter, and the use of online video. That spring, several clients he worked with quickly became recognized as leaders in using new technologies to communicate with constituents. In 2009 Matthew also began consulting businesses & organizations in other fields on how they can use new media tools to better spread their message. Some experts who have greatly shaped & continue to have a large influence on Matthew's communication views & consulting include:

• Dr. Paul Ekman
• Eric Jensen
• Jeremiah Owyang
• Keith Ferrazzi
  

Education

Matthew is a 2007 graduate of the Honors College at Missouri State University. He graduated cum laude with a B.S in Communication Studies with a minor in Mass Media. As part of the Mass Media program, he interned alongside Sara Sheffield-Forhetz at KY3 in Springfield, MO, learning how decisions are made in the newsroom & how that effects what the television news viewer learns. This insider knowledge has been helpful in working with reporters & newsroom producers from outside the new industry. While at Missouri State University, Matthew was honored for his academic achievement with the following awards:

• Missouri State Board of Governors Scholarship
• Missouri State Bright Flight Scholarship
• Robert C. Byrd Honors Scholarship
• Missouri State Faculty Scholarship in Communication

Photography

Matthew is also a photographer & co-owner with his wife, Rebecca, of Pure Captures, a photography business based in Highlandville, MO that specializes in capturing clients' personalities during weddings & other family photography sessions.

Finally, and most importantly, Matthew is a father to his son Patrick Henry Block.