Des Walsh. Social Media: Getting Strategic for Business Building

http://photos3.meetupstatic.com/photos/event/8/0/b/8/event_209372952.jpegSocial media and Australian business? A paradox. On the one hand, social media is ideal for helping small and medium business level the playing field with big business but on the other hand, only 27% of small businesses claim to have some social presence, compared to 34% for medium businesses and 79% of large businesses.

What does Australian big business get that small and medium business, by and large, apparently still doesn't?

Maybe they get this :

From marketing and sales to product and service innovation, social is changing the way people connect and the way organisations succeed. (IBM Social Business)

In his presentation, Des is going to talk about what social media means for adding business value, not just in marketing, but across all of a business's activity.

He'll also talk about the difference between having and implementing a strategy and just winging it (as in the all too common responses Des gets when he asks business owners if they have a social media strategy, "Yeah, I think we have a Facebook page and a Twitter account" or even "We set up a Facebook page but it's more trouble than it's worth", or, "Really? You can have a company page on LinkedIn? And advertise your products and services there for free? Who woulda thought!").

And he'll share some practical steps for getting your own strategy in place, both to help drive your business and to establish some protective measures and procedures.

Cost: FREE for members. $20 for non-members.
(you are welcome to join the ITForum on the night and qualify for free entry)
Food provided. Cash Bar

About Des Walsh:

Des is a business coach, social media strategist, LinkedIn specialist, speaker and author. He set up his own consulting business over 20 years ago, having previously held senior executive positions with the Australian and NSW governments. He is passionate about helping business owners and solo entrepreneurs operate more effectively in the new social business environment.

He co-authored the recruiters' guide, LinkedIn for recruiting, and has been a frequent speaker on social media and business blogging, in Australia, the USA and China. Late in 2012 he founded the 30 Day Linking Blitz, a self-directed, collaborative project where participants focus, over a 30 day period, on amplifying their presence, reach, engagement and influence, on and via LinkedIn.

Des has a cross-border existence, living in Tweed Heads and swimming at Rainbow Bay and Coolangatta.