Meeting of the Future, session 4 – September 5, 2016
What a great attendance again, this last Meeting of the Future! With a group of about 35 people, it’s definitely becoming a not-to-be-missed event. Lots of new faces again, so after a quick introduction round, Ronald van den Hoff kicked off by sketching the context of this meeting: how to keep your S2M Location relevant using the tools we already have available.
Branding, a different ball game nowadays
Due to the internet, branding has become a totally different ball game; it’s not what you say you have or are, it’s what other people say you have or are. If someone is able to work and meet everywhere soon, then what distinguishes your location or brand from the rest? Exactly… YOU. Which is kind of tricky, as you do not control anymore what is being said about you and your brand or location.
The one thing that is in your control, is to make sure that the things you say, are consistent with the things you actually do. Like a ‘brand promise’, no matter whether that is you or your brand.
The other thing to do is to add value by sharing your knowledge and expertise: storytelling. Be the expert you are. Yes, it’s scary, telling your personal stories to the outside world. But this is the one and only thing that will make you stand out of the crowd and attract people to you and your location. Apart from the tools S2M offers you, the social reach of the S2M network is quite impressive, so why not use these channels to your benefit?
So, how to start with the tools we already have available?
The toolbox consists of all social media, all S2M tools (S2M HQ Facebook Group, S2M Event Calendar, S2M Magazine, S2M Newsletter) and, offline, the hub-and-spokes model. During this session we have brainstormed on how to use these tools. Here is a wrap up of some of the best tips shared (in random order):
Start with your own identity: share your own authentic identity and vision and find your ideal target group
Create an environment where people are challenged to ask questions and share their stories
Create an online community first, e.g. a Facebook group
Share your own love, passion and creativity as an entrepreneur
Use networks that are already there in the area and share things about these networks online
Never stop telling the story of S2M! To learn more, check host.seats2meet.com
Make content personal (instead of just sharing links) and give feedback on what others share
Let’s create an event that ‘travels’ to all S2M locations that want to participate (will be followed up on by Michelle Laagewaard)
Create an online contest that people can participate in, and ask them to pick up their price at your location
Masterclass social selling @LinkedIn
When was the last time you have updated your LinkedIn profile? Jan Willem Alphenaar took us through some real valuable tips on how to position yourself on LinkedIn with his mini masterclass. Social is about people, connecting and sharing. Using social media means creating new opportunities. Social selling is helping others through social media to buy your product, service or you. Tips on a catchy yet professional headline, on how to display your skills, on how to describe your experience best; definitely something to learn for all of us! The best ones for me however were those insights about the endorsements, recommendations and the social selling index. And what to think about generating new business using LinkedIn actively? All contestants of the Meeting of the Future will receive the slides of Jan Willem to go through all this useful information again. Want to organize a masterclass by Jan Willem yourself? Check here.
Save the date! Want to share your knowledge as well with other S2M Hosts and Ambassadors? Then join us for the next session of Meeting of the Future, Monday November 28, 2016.
Want to learn more on Society 3.0 and download the book of Ronald van den Hoff, co-founder of Seats2meet? Click here.
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