I attend a fair amount of social media and communication conferences and social media panels to connect with industry folks that understand the space better than I do. At these events I try to be sure that I get my my $40 (or whatever the cost was to attend the event) worth. What I typically see at meetups is one of three things: a speaker recounting a recent social media success story, an evangelist sharing an emerging technology, or someone offering up advice that isn’t relevant to my space. We can call these people, “social media gurus” for now.
The programs/panels are typically cyclical. Twitter, Facebook, Blog, Twitter, Facebook, Blog, Twitter, Real-time Web, Facebook, (sometimes you’ll get thrown through a loop and someone will talk about YouTube), Blog. Twitter. Twitter. Twitter. Emerging Technology. Twitter. Facebook Lite. Bit.ly. Twitter. Real-time Web.
“Start a Facebook fan page for your client.” “Make a Twitter account for your client.” “Create a viral video.”
So why do I go to seemingly the same social media 101 event over and over again?
I know I’m fortunate to live in a community that offers some of the smartest in the industry. In Seattle you’ll find a network of incredible companies implementing brilliant social media campaigns and the best minds in the online community developing new social media tools and technologies. As for the social media gurus, I try to whittle them down in a one-on-one conversation to find something unique that they’re doing in their space that I may be able to learn from (even if it’s an opportunity to learn what NOT to do).
I go because I’m looking for even one kernel of new information. Even one new contact is well worth the $40 price tag. I’m looking for that one piece of information which will propel the social media conversation forward and take it from “Twitter. Facebook. Twitter. Twitter. Facebook. Real-Time Web,” to a discussion (or solution) on how to build a superlative brand community. Because that’s what social media marketers are looking for, anyway, right?
And until I find the answer (solution) to all my social media queries, I’ll continue to listen to experts. I will network with evangelists. I will follow so-called gurus.
Why do you go to events? And what’s the best advice/info you’ve taken away?
**And ironically enough, I run a meetup called ColdPavement. If you live in/around Seattle and want to discuss this with me in person, feel free to come to on Wednesday at 6 pm at Cyclops.
People professing to have a lot of knowledge about social media because they have a facebook page and make “viral” videos should take a timeout in the corner. Part of being a guru involves not prematurely self-applying the title. From where I sit, they’re selling social media snake oil.
I go in hopes of finding someone with your mind set. Someone who understands it’s not about thousands of followers it’s about finding 1 follower that actually cares about what you have to share and will share back with the same passion and conviction.
Keep spending your $40 at a time just make sure your meeting that 1 in a $1,000,000 person that truly gives a shit
This is an insightful post. There are a lot of so-called gurus out there, and some who are actually deserving of the title, but the real value in attending events, networking, and being present and “taking part in the conversation” is the occasional, unexpected thing – it may be a new contact, it may be a new way of looking at things, it may be a new tool or technique that you can apply to your own situation – but it’s quite often not the bland, trendy, me-too wisdom dispensed by the featured speaker.
You are not alone and I hear this more and more. I’m getting much more out of just watching live Twitter stream and reading a large blog list (and the comments) than I do from going to most events. So why continue with the after work events, average food and rerun topics? I really use most of these events to meet with people/friends/colleagues face to face, and frankly that’s fine with me if that’s all I get out of this. If I can use the time to sit down with some smart people, ask them questions, and takeaway and idea or two than it it more than worth it.
Interesting point about how most of these events are aimed at the 101-level crowd, yet those of us with experience keep showing up. Like you, I show up in hopes of making a connection or discovering an opportunity.
That said, there’s a few of us down in Portland that are looking to do an informal thing for the more advanced crowd on a regular basis. We’re still figuring out what shape it will be, but we’ll be getting together for the first time in January.
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Sounds like you’re continuously touching a pot of boiling hot water expecting it to be cooler at some point. If I find myself doing this, I guess the least I can do is boil the water in a different pot. Try visiting another country maybe? Maybe another state (speaking domestically). If it ends up being the same 101 situation, at least its an opportunity to “Physically” create the opportunity to meet somebody,new, who might just have that one bit of new information that you are looking for.
*sigh*
Just a thought.
If you hadn’t mentioned Seattle, I would have thought you were talking about the Bay Area. I’ve been to many 101-level talks, and a few 102 – where there’s ALWAYS someone who wants an explanation about the difference between a FB fan page and a FB group. OY!
I go to these events to make that in-person connection, learn about a new business tool, and hope to hear about actual business and marketing applications of all these platforms and tools. I do get a little tired of the hype and the incessant Twitter drum! Thanks for putting into words what I’ve been thinking myself these days.
My primary reason for going to social media events in Seattle is to learn how to be a better communicator. I’ve been a fairly shy, reserved person since I was a kid, so putting myself in an occasionally uncomfortable position and going to these events helps me build confidence and learn about what’s up and coming on various topics (tech and non-tech-related) from some really smart, local people.
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I go to evets because its awesome to meet people, network and get different perspectives!
It sounds like we are all going to look for the same thing. Aaron, I like the idea of starting smaller groups with people that may be a bit beyond 101 Social Media to continue and build on the conversation. Gives you a chance to speak at the 101 events, and as the people still hanging out on 101 start to catch up, they can join in your group. Keep me looped in with what happens in Portland, love to hear it!
Cheryl, I encourage you to do the same in SF!
Haha – this is funny! In a sad, I-totally-get-what-you’re-saying kind of way. The problem with “new media” is that it’s, well, new. Meaning most experts know just as much as the rest of us. There’s only so much to know. It’s the really creative/awesome/innovative people that are worth listening to. Too bad it’s hard to find them!
Looking back on my comment I wish I had something more interesting or helpful to say. Alas, I share your boat…
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