Social Media Association for Business
Last night, I attended the second meeting of the Social Media Association for Business, at UUB. Here are my thoughts on the evening.
What is the Social Media Association for Business?
The SMAB is a grassroots organisation that spontaneously germinated in the mind of our very own Martin Gilchrist of Gilchrist & Co Accountants, to bring together those who are interested in, knowledgeable about using social media tools, to assist organisations in Northern Ireland with their understanding and employment of social media as a marketing and networking tool.
Who was there?
Come along to the next one and meet them all! I’m currently wracking my brain to see if I can remember all the new people I met. Watch out, I’ll be trying to make contact next!
Social Media Association for Business Facebook Page
What is the current format?
- Registration/Free Networking over tea/coffee
- Welcome
- Speaker
- Questions to a Panel
- Open Mic
- Free Networking
Who spoke?
Tim McKane from Navajo Talk
Who sat on the panel?
Jon Paul Bruce from BizNet IIS
Nichola Bates from Grow Sales Online
And, me.
What did I learn?
I need to get rid of one Facebook Profile I had retained for personal friends and family, as really, something I’ve known for a long time, is that it’s not really kosher to have two. Thing is, personal friends and family have slowing been adding me as a Friend on my other professional Profile for a while, so it won’t be that difficult to close it down. Many thanks to Jill Culbertson from Navajo Talk for pointing this out again.
I share stuff I’m doing, things I’m interested in, what I’m reading, people I find useful, and the odd opinion or rant.
“Like” Sensei Learning and Performance on Facebook
We share tips and hints for SMEs who are interested in maximising the web for their business. You’ll also be kept informed of new blogs and upcoming events, ones we’re running, and other useful business events across Northern Ireland.
Is there any grub?
Tea, coffee and delicious traybakes. 
Vibe?
Relaxed, but structured (due to Niall McKeown‘s no doubt renowned meeting management skills) and informed.
Where can I get further information?
Ask the organisers:
Image credit: webtreatsetc.
It truely was a great event, if u wern’t there I suggest you attend the next one. Came away with another book on my ever expanding “must read” list. Thanks for sharing your thoughts on the event Dawn
I was there, Ryan (LOL). I recognise you from your website! Glad you found the event useful.
Don’t agree re the facebook -only one page. If people ask to join my personal page then they will hear of my personal life and that of my friends and family if they look at my wall. Sometimes there is a little cross over where the two collide but I try to keep them separate and I don’t accept friend requests from people I don’t know or who I haven’t had interaction with on others pages. I also don’t post anything really personal as I don’t think this is what facebook is for. Think it is only a problem for people who haven’t thought of what they are doing before they start and end up with 000′s of “friends”
Hi Rosie, thanks for your comments, very useful to know how others are thinking on this.
I was really referring to Facebook’s official Terms, where one person is allowed one Profile. As for Pages, you are allowed multiples, which is great, as you may be involved in several businesses.
I’m totally with you on the 1000s of friends, I try to stick to those I’ve met, either online or offline, and had a conversation with, or done business with.
I handle most of the social media and “general SEO” for Forde Campbell. I started out as a bit of a novice in this field 2 years ago and have been reading various articles and tips from people such as yourself, Dawn. Nothing beats actually meeting with other businesses and experts and being able to talk over any concerns and issues. I personally learned a lot from the speakers, the panel and the audience. Sadly I had to scoot off early to cadge a lift back to Downpatrick but the girls updated me on what I missed!
Joanne, Absolutely, it’s the way to do things. See how others are doing it. Watch their successes and failures, and act accordingly.
Totally agree re the profile – was going to start one re business but heard of them being shut down so have pages instead – lots of new tools on facebook so will play around when I get time but for now everyone who is a friend gets all of me!
Rosie,
Thing is, some people redirect business/professional Friend requests to the Page instead, and keep the Profile for personal friends only. There are many ways to cut the cake.
D