This past Saturday I had a terrific time speaking on social media with members of the Women’s Resources Group of the Colorado State Grange.

It turns out this group was more savvy about social media than I had expected, and that made for a very lively and interactive experience.

Here are some key points that I took away from this experience:

  • Even if the program organizer tells you the audience is relatively inexperienced with social media, be wary of planning a talk that is too simplistic.
  • Get to the gathering at least 30 minutes prior to the start time to meet the attendees as they arrive. Doing so will give you a chance to find out just a bit more about them and their business.
  • During the remarks, use the social media presence of those in the group as examples of what can be done to promote a business or an organization.
  • Encourage the members to like each other’s Facebook page and to support each other’s social media experience. For example, here is the link to the Facebook page of the massage therapist in the group: https://www.facebook.com/home.php?ref=home#!/CreateBalanceTherapeuticMassage
  • During your remarks, remember to show the social media presence of the group itself and of other volunteer groups that the attendees participate in. Here is a link to the Facebook group of the National Grange: https://www.facebook.com/home.php?ref=home#!/groups/77435139349/?fref=ts
  • When attendees ask for more specifics, such as more details on LinkedIn or Pinterest, tell them you can come back another time to go into those details. However, if the question is easily answered in a just a few minutes, then provide the answer or tell them where they can get the answer.

So much of helping people understand social media is showing them how it can build community – both among people who already know each other as well as among total strangers.

Also, by showing an audience how passionate you are about the benefits of using social media and providing examples of how others have benefited, your passion becomes contagious.

Yet, there is a fine line between showing your expertise and knowledge about social media and coming across as a know it all. The more you are open to hearing their experiences and point of view, the more people will consider you to be a credible resource.

What have been your experiences in providing an overview on social media to a group of small business owners? Did they surprise you with their social media savvy?

I would love to hear about the lessons you have learned.

 

                     

Joyce Feustel, Founder of Boomers’ Social Media Tutor, helps people relatively new to social media to become more effective and comfortable in their use of this medium. Find her at www.boomerssocialmediatutor.com