On February 23, I will be moderating a panel discussion at the University of North Florida about the current state of social media and online communities, and where it’s headed next.
I’m very excited about this event, and have some hope that it could become a recurring event. I’ve been thinking about putting together an event like this for a little while. So when I was approached by two representatives from UNF’s chapter of PRSSA, I jumped at the chance.
The plan, initially, was that I would speak to the chapter members about social media. However, once I got to thinking about it, I saw how this event could potentially be something much bigger.
Yesterday I spoke at the Creative Company conference in Five Points, which was organized by the advertising and marketing firm Wingard Creative.
My talk focused on the importance of a business or corporation creating an online community for its customers. I used examples from companies such as Sony, Starbucks, Target, Southwest Airlines and more, to illustrate my point.
I used examples of branded communities across different social networks: Facebook, Twitter, DailyMile, Last.FM, Foursquare and Goodreads.Each of these networks has a different function, but each has the capacity to host a branded online community.
After I was finished speaking, I realized that there were other platforms that exist that could also house a branded community, including Quora, LinkedIn, DailyBooth and Formspring.me.
The phrase “monkey see monkey do” is, on the most base level, about mimicry. When you were a kid, being seen as imitating someone was often met with ridicule. However in online communities, it’s an important part of what keeps things moving.
If you’re managing an online community, one of your goals is to create conversation and encourage interaction. If things get a little quiet, you step in and create a topic for your community members to discuss and react to.
We’re very excited to begin working with George Frank Jewelry to help build buzz in social media around a truly awesome brand, and an incredibly talented local jeweler.
Owned and operated by George Georgallis in Jacksonville Beach, George Frank Jewelry has become known locally for creating intricate and beautiful custom-made pieces, varying in size and shape.
Here’s what George has to say about his business:
George Frank Jewelry is a Family business, brothers who left the family retail environment to create a new experience. After learning how to operate a retail store, it was obvious that in-order to stay ahead it will be necessary to control all elements of the business. By mastering every aspect of the process, we have learned what it takes to ensure customer satisfaction. Today, we make sure our clients have the most freedom and luxurious options to choose from. So if you are ready to design that special ring for your bride or just add some sparkle to your favorite time piece, we are here for you. Representing the new generation of luxury jewelry.
Look for some great things to come in the near future from George. Be sure to become a fan on Facebook and visit his site!
Online: http://www.georgefrankjewelry.com
On Facebook: http://www.Facebook.com/GeorgeFrankJewelry
Whenever you make something, the inclination is always to think in terms of the end result: I’m going to start building this, and be done with it on this day. Your entire process becomes built around a self-imposed deadline, that you’re trying to keep. If you don’t keep it, you will likely feel like you’ve failed somehow.
That’s called taking the long view. Seeing a project only in terms of the end result.
It’s an approach that works in a lot of ways. If you’re planning to run a marathon, then you have to take the long view so you can build your training around the singular goal.
But when it comes to building an online community, the long view can be deadly.
