How to bridge the gap between social media and business communities

Social Media Club of Birmingham asked members to give lightning talks and discussions at our meeting today. I led a conversation about “How to bridge the gap between social media and business communities in Birmingham.”

Once I asked the question, we were off and running. Here are the seven answers from the group:

1. Serve as ambassadors to chambers of commerce. Connect with others in the community to find out needs and recommend resources.

2. When talking with businesses, show value and utility of social media to their business. Keep their needs in mind: “What’s in it for me?”

3. Show how their brand is being portrayed online. And their competition. Are they ready to see themselves as their customers see them?

4. Show examples of how it can work. Melanie Dickinson of Women of the Powergrid gave a terrific example of working with a local car dealer. It’s being done. Every day.

5. Put on programs with broader appeal beyond membership. Consider beginners’ workshops so busy business owners can start using the tools.

6. Start up and promote speakers’ bureau. We have a lot of talent at SMC Birmingham. What would you like to learn about from one of our experts?

7. Get new attendees to help spread the word. I’ll make it easy. You can tweet this:

State @repcamward to give keynote at next @SMCBHAM meeting, 11:30a-1p 8/11 at @infomediadotcom. Free. http://bit.ly/asBUzq

How else can we connect these communities that need each other?