All from a Tweet – A Job at Like Minds and Lunch with Chris Brogan

It’s fair to say that some people are sceptical of social media and how it can bring them closer to their clients, industry or even their competitors.  How can you actually build real relationships through the internet? The doubting Thomas’ of the world need real examples of social media working before they can believe.  It’s a different investment than the traditional norms-time over money!

Anyone in the social media industry follows and learns from leaders such as Chris Brogan (the holy grail), who have lead the way in building communities and relationships both off and online.  (If you haven’t heard of Chris go online and set up an RSS feed for his blog). He’s popular, not only because of his astounding knowledge in the field, but because he shares his knowledge freely. The era of Web 2.0 is about transparency, contributing information and building stronger relationships and communities. Some people form great business partners online, others acquaintances.  Although it is not possible to befriend everyone online it is possible to focus on what you want out of social media.

Case Study

Im going to show you, for you doubting Thomas’ out there, just how a simple RT of a fellow Twitterer led to a job in a leading social media conference AND  lunch with thee one and only Chris Brogan….

Back in January 2010 I stumbled across a guy called Scott Gould.  His tweets were insightful and informative around the subject of social media marketing so I followed and retweeted one of his tweets (which is a very good case study for SMM)

We then started some  non work related banter…

Like Minds Conference

Almost a month later a job opportunity was posted for Like Minds (via @brandguardian) and as we had already met online I didn’t have to cold call.  Luckily I got the job and helped Scott with the website on the lead up to the fabulous Like Minds event.

Scott kindly made me a guest of Like Minds which meant that I got to attend all the private events of the Key Note speakers and have dinner with these industry leaders in social media!  When would I ever have got an opportunity like this before?

Lunch with Chris Brogan

The highlight, personally, was getting to spend so much time with Chris Brogan. I was fortunate to have lunch with him and nine other great people in the industry such as @chrish10, @banksy6 and @gemmawent.  I also got to hang out with Chris for about an hour throughout the day, walking through the streets of Exeter, priceless time that I loved every minute of!

Time investment in return for great relationships, advice and insight… Priceless!

Social media builds relationships, it works! Question is, are you willing to spend the time?