ARRANGING THE PERFECT SOCIAL MEDIA WORKSHOP

Does social media feel as normal to you as using email or a smartphone? That's my reaction.

I started blogging in 2007 and speaking about the benefits of social media in 2008. I'm often asked for how-to help but this is impractical to provide.

The solution? Hands-on bring-your-computer training by experts.

I arranged THE Social Media Workshop for the nonprofit Association of Independent Consultants (AIC). I "volunteered" to be VP Programming from Dec 2010 to June 2011. This role involved auditioning speakers and selecting 9 in total during my term.

If you'd like to organize or attend a practical social media workshop, here are ideas.

The Topics

The four hour workshop started with an explanation of the why of social media. The challenge was finding a credible, unbiased keynote speaker who doesn't sell social media services. Who better than Sean Stanleigh (LinkedIn profile), the Report on Small Business editor for The Globe & Mail? He actively uses social media and has contact with many entrepreneurs. Sean agreed to participate. He used a Q&A format, which was effective.

Next, the focus was on the how

• hands-on LinkedIn: improving your Profile with Paul Van Wart (LinkedIn profile) of Paul 2 The Max
• hands-on Twitter: applying the basics with Stephanie Goodman (LinkedIn profile) of Venture Accelerators
• creating content: learning how to get going and keep going with Susan Corcoran (LinkedIn profile) of Indigo Oceans (not hands-on)

Combining why and how worked well and might suit you or your group.

Shorter

If you don't have time for a workshop, you can get an overview in 45-75 minutes. To avoid bias or pitches, select a speaker

1. with consistent persistent generosity and
2. who doesn't sell any social media services

Attendees who need help can hire a social media expert afterwards (or attend a workshop).

Where's Facebook?

Facebook was not covered despite the current hype. The value remains unclear to me, especially for small businesses selling services. Even so, I auditioned several presenters and rejected them all.

Depending on your audience and the time available, you might want to include sessions on Facebook and/or newsletters.

Bonus

As a supplement to the afternoon workshop, Julia Hidy (LinkedIn profile) spoke after dinner about

• ePress kits
• how to use social media to find and retain the best clients

And so ended my term as "speaker finder".

Links

• THE Social Media workshop: AIC website, LinkedIn event
• The ROI on social media, reputation and a hungry rabbit
• How to hire a social media expert
• LinkedIn's Jonathan Lister discusses social media
• The easiest way to catch up with social media
• Improving Google's Get Your Business Online initiative (GYBO)
• Building trust with social media (video)

PS Here the other 2011 speakers for AIC (click to enlarge). If you're looking for excellent speakers, do consider: Donna Messer (networking), Lisa Kember (newsletters), Adeodata Czink (etiquette) and Susan Gregory (mind mapping)

PPS I didn't select myself. That's another example of "volunteering".