Why I wont be at #smbmsp tomorrow.
One of the first events that I went to when I started in the world was SMBMSP. Since that trip out to Bloomingtion, over a year ago, I have attended almost every one, met tons of cool people, and learned a lot.
However, I have noticed a trend recently. The content has shifted from a fairly expert discussion on social media amoung people who live and breathe it to what I have taken to calling “Social Media 101″, and the goal seems to have switched from ferreting out the details of social media to teaching a rather large, and unwieldy, group of people.
Dont get me wrong, you all are great people. However, it is hard to justify taking a half-day of work for a social gathering at the state fair.
I dont think that the goal should be to have the biggest SMB in the nation, or only focus on the coolest events. I think that it should be to have the best content. Maybe have two tracks, or splinter off a SM Advanced type of group. Either way, I feel that we have moved away from the roots.
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about 1 year ago
While I love the SMBMSP and the purpose it now serves, I agree that I miss much of the roundtable discussion on tips, techniques, trends, etc. that the early offerings contained.
As a result, we are starting a Social Media for Small Business gathering to provide those of us looking to share insights a new forum in which we can do just that!
The first meeting is 9/8 at Island Lake Park. Please take a look, RSVP and share the info over at http://mspsmsb.ning.com/
about 1 year ago
Mitchell – we hear you.
The goal for SMBMSP is not to have the coolest or largest. What you're describing is in part because of the feedback and suggestions from the group itself to a certain degree. Interest is quite extensive, and the attempt is to meet the majority of folks needs and expectations.
I'll challenge you on a portion of this though. One of the many things on my agenda by doing this scope of event is to promote the larger MSP community of SocMed professionals. We have tremendous talent in this metro area from multiple disciplines. From time to time, it is necessary to share and promote what makes MN SocMed folks special, and in this case, why not do that at a respected event such as the Minnesota State Fair?
You are quite right about SMBMSP adressing “Social Media 101″. It is a free event, that is focused on helping folks understand the value of these new mediums of communication. Be it for internal collaboration, or for external interactive marketing. There are many business people who hear the buzz and are looking for a low cost way to start learning about “social media”.
For those of us who've been practicing social media for extended periods of time, or that have simply grown up with it, it surely is basic information. It's also us who needs to help spread that knowledge around and help folks understand how these tools add value to those who are looking to learn. I'd love to have you help mentor and teach instead of abstaining from the event – you have a lot to share.
As for more advanced content, stay tuned. There are many, many good things coming.
Kind Regards,
Rick Mahn
Social Media Strategist & Consultant
Founder, Social Media Breakfast – Twin Cities (SMBMSP)
about 1 year ago
hm, sounds similar to something i posted to the ning site almost a year ago.
http://smbmsp.ning.com/forum/topics/2029643:Top...
there is a surge in the number of “i'm not here for the content, i'm here to see my friends” comments i've heard over the past few events. i think it's great that the group has grown and thrives, but with that comes growing pains. i wish rick the best of luck in tackling these, and as i move to chicago, will absolutely be sharing some of the lessons with the socmed chicago groups.
all the best,
-matt
about 1 year ago
There sure are growing pains. Some good, some bad. I too really miss the 30-40 folks that could have real group conversations that can't scale into the hundreds. Sure the August event and also the June event are very large, and more about socializing around SocMed than learning about techniques, tools or methods.
However, right after the very large June event was a much smaller July event at which we had a knowledgeable panel on non-profit use of SocMed. Had quite a bit of great feedback about how useful that session was.
We are a vibrant community and we do have enthusiastic people, and we do have varied backgrounds that are looking for different things. And that is what makes this a great location to practice social media locally.
Cheers,
Rick
about 1 year ago
To me, it's more social than media.
about 1 year ago
rick,
i appreciate the dialogue, and without question, you've gone through the process whereas i'm making critiques from the sidelines. one is easier to do than the other (spoiler: sideline criticism is easier).
also, bonus points for demonstrating the first rule of social media: talk about social media. kudos for listening, considering, and continuing to push the community forward.
all the best,
-matt
about 1 year ago
Rick,
What would your thoughts be on throwing a poll up on the SMBMSP ning about having multiple tracks?
about 1 year ago
For me the SMBMSP events have become less valuable as a resource for educational information. I believe that this is because of growth in the level of understanding that I have for social media and for breakfast. I am grateful for the insight and inspiration which SMBMSP has provided. I think that there are plenty of people left in MSP who would greatly benefit from attending some of these events. There's bacon for gods sake! The last event I attended was more to socialize, network, shmooze and support the community than it was to learn. While I do value the the great service that Rick provides I can't help but feel that It would be great if there was a SMLMSP. This Social Media Lunch could be for more intermediate folks with a little better understanding of the SMBMSP stuff. There could als be a SMDMSP, Social Media Dinner, for those Social Media Experts in town. Of course no one would ever show up because by doing so they'd be admitting to thinking that they're an expert. Should the content vary and provide value at a higher level than it currently is at, I would definitely find myself attending more often. I feel as though in it's current state I would provide more value presenting information than by hoping to gain much from consuming the information. Thanks for starting the conversation Mitch & Matt. Thanks for making the conversation even possible Rick. I'm sure people will continue to love SMBMSP because it really is a great introduction to this whole social internets thing.
about 1 year ago
Mitchell,
This is a great conversation to have and I appreciate you having the “goods” to talk about it.
A little background before I pose a few questions.
The Minnesota Recruiters group I helped start and coordinate has an email list of 1800 local recruiter and HR professionals. We meet 4 times a year for half a day. I do not talk about this much but there is a considerable work load to pull off each event and we do it as volunteers. This has become a part time job.
We have been fortunate to have sponsors but after 8 events we have not quite broken even and there are costs between events. Best Buy has hosted us for free which has made this possible to begin with.
As our group grows we are asked to have events more often and/or have tracks specific to corporate, consulting and search firm recruiters.
Webinars have been asked for too.
Here is my/our dilemma… How do we do this? How do we do this as volunteers? How do we do this while doing our day jobs?
Do not take this the wrong way, I enjoy being a member of my recruiter/HR community. I have learned a lot professionally and personally. We have really helped advance our community and there is more to be done.
But there are limits to resources and our time and this has become a bit of a struggle to figure out.
I have given Rick my $.02 about this.
So my questions for you all (not just Mitchell) are:
How does it happen?
Where does Rick find space and sponsors to do this?
Are you willing to pay a small fee to attend?
Can you lend a hand?
As someone who a year ago helped sponsor a couple of events I am happy to do it again. I agree that as this community grows we should try and do more but members (individuals and companies) of this community need to step up.
So rather talk about if this should happen (I would bet all would say yes) we should ask how.
about 1 year ago
For me the SMBMSP events have become less valuable as a resource for educational information. I believe that this is because of growth in the level of understanding that I have for social media and for breakfast. I am grateful for the insight and inspiration which SMBMSP has provided. I think that there are plenty of people left in MSP who would greatly benefit from attending some of these events. There's bacon for gods sake! The last event I attended was more to socialize, network, shmooze and support the community than it was to learn. While I do value the the great service that Rick provides I can't help but feel that It would be great if there was a SMLMSP. This Social Media Lunch could be for more intermediate folks with a little better understanding of the SMBMSP stuff. There could als be a SMDMSP, Social Media Dinner, for those Social Media Experts in town. Of course no one would ever show up because by doing so they'd be admitting to thinking that they're an expert. Should the content vary and provide value at a higher level than it currently is at, I would definitely find myself attending more often. I feel as though in it's current state I would provide more value presenting information than by hoping to gain much from consuming the information. Thanks for starting the conversation Mitch & Matt. Thanks for making the conversation even possible Rick. I'm sure people will continue to love SMBMSP because it really is a great introduction to this whole social internets thing.
about 1 year ago
Mitchell,
This is a great conversation to have and I appreciate you having the “goods” to talk about it.
A little background before I pose a few questions.
The Minnesota Recruiters group I helped start and coordinate has an email list of 1800 local recruiter and HR professionals. We meet 4 times a year for half a day. I do not talk about this much but there is a considerable work load to pull off each event and we do it as volunteers. This has become a part time job.
We have been fortunate to have sponsors but after 8 events we have not quite broken even and there are costs between events. Best Buy has hosted us for free which has made this possible to begin with.
As our group grows we are asked to have events more often and/or have tracks specific to corporate, consulting and search firm recruiters.
Webinars have been asked for too.
Here is my/our dilemma… How do we do this? How do we do this as volunteers? How do we do this while doing our day jobs?
Do not take this the wrong way, I enjoy being a member of my recruiter/HR community. I have learned a lot professionally and personally. We have really helped advance our community and there is more to be done.
But there are limits to resources and our time and this has become a bit of a struggle to figure out.
I have given Rick my $.02 about this.
So my questions for you all (not just Mitchell) are:
How does it happen?
Where does Rick find space and sponsors to do this?
Are you willing to pay a small fee to attend?
Can you lend a hand?
As someone who a year ago helped sponsor a couple of events I am happy to do it again. I agree that as this community grows we should try and do more but members (individuals and companies) of this community need to step up.
So rather talk about if this should happen (I would bet all would say yes) we should ask how.