Taking Social Media to the Next Level
Quite a while ago, I wrote a post on something that I saw happening that disturbed me. It seemed that everywhere I went in my social media circles; I was confronted by hate. Actually, I was simply seeing the tools of social expression and free speech utilized in a way that I abhor. Some people really enjoy engaging in demeaning and destructive behavior. N the face of this I find it important to support people gathering to learn how social media can bring us together, not tear us apart.
In Hawaii, our islands are separated by water, lots of it. Further, we are separated from the mainland by miles of open Ocean. Since our physical location isolates us, facilitating communication and community is crucial for our progress. Recently, our communities have begun to explore the role of social media in our own social progress, city to city, island to island.
Taking Social Media to the next level in Hawaii was the focus of the event held at the Hawaii Convention Center this past weekend. Graced with exceptional speakers, including our own Oahu resident Roxanne Darling, the conference touched on many subjects that intersect with social media including branding, start-up capital, privacy, Facebook, blogging, WordPress, customer service, fans, followers and the democratization of publishing.
Chris Pirillo communicated the importance of not trying to get creating community “right” if it means that you sacrifice creating any community at all. Perfectionism doesn’t belong in your social media strategy.
Chris Pirillo on using social media
Geoff Livingston presented his ideas about publishing content and creating branded networks. Using the example of Lady Gaga, he spoke about her ability to enthrall her community. She is not afraid to let her community use and contribute to her content. It has moved every one of her past six singles to #1. (Click on his name to read his presentation).
Andrew Hyde shared strategies and insights on using social media for start-ups, from getting funded to finding your audience and market share.
Andrew Hyde on start-ups and social media
Aaron Brazell showed us all of the trends and upcoming changes happening in WordPress (my favorite blogging platform). WordPress is about to release the highly anticipated WordPress 3.0 and Aaron explained how companies should look at the latest developments.
Aaron Brazell on WordPress trends
Jesse Stay took us on a tour of Google, Twitter and Facebook in his presentation From Fishers To Farmers. The main idea he wanted us to adopt is to “fish where the fish are” meaning that with the number of people on the internet and using social platforms that you ignore social media at your own peril.
Roxanne Darling rocked the use of video in social media in her presentation on Online Video For Business. Explaining the power of video to communicate, convince and convert, she detailed many different types of video and using them to market your business powerfully.
Clearly, we are beginning to see this kind of education as paramount in the adoption of these technologies, philosophies and strategies to bond communities and bridge gaps, physical or otherwise. In the case of technology and society in Hawaii, I would think we would be early adopters – since we like to “talk story” so much. Sharing is part of the culture here. It is our Aloha.
And for many, the Aloha is why we live here.
So how do you think we will be effected by social media?
