GRM is taking on the WORLD.
Okay, not really. But this month we ARE taking a look at how social media can be used on a global scale...even from our beautiful tiny corner of the world. (ahem, #getNZonthemap )
With this in mind, I thought this was a perfect space to share some things I learned while attending one of the biggest social media conferences on the globe - the aptly named - Social Media Marketing World (SMMW) in February.
SMMW built a business around being social media experts and attracts thousands of international social media lovers to their conference every year. I knew this conference was going to be MASSIVE. Even then, I underestimated the sheer size of this event. The San Diego Convention Centre created the perfect environment for hustle & bustle, learning, purchasing, and general fun. Americans really know how to put on a show - this was nothing short of brilliant.
Not going to lie, I stepped into the building concerned I was going to be behind the 8-ball with my kiwi social media knowledge.
I. was. so. wrong.
“You’re meeting your market and now you have a few more golden gems to share with your clients” This quote is self-talk at its finest. I was meeting my people and we were speaking the same language.
New Zealand! Be encouraged. We know what's up. The beauty of the digital age means that we are ARE able to stay ahead in the social media sphere.
I chose to attend a variety of basic information talks and ‘outside the box’ workshops to stretch my knowledge base. I was particularly impressed by Chris Ducker, Brooke B. Sellas, Tamara McCleary and Pat Flynn. You can check out the full line-up of speakers on the SMMW website.
Here are (just a few!) of my favourite takeaways:
Monetize personal brand - See my video with Chris Ducker below
Business automation - the importance of filling the pipeline without working more hours - Greg Hickman
Live video - I'm a super fan of Amy, so had to see her in person. Her raw, emotional presentation taught me to be real AND organised with a bullet point script, is the perfect combination to create Super Fans (in the words of Pat Flynn.)
Facebook Ads Strategy - Bond. Amanda Bond. Three main points: Connect, Commit, Close. Similar to our content strategy, it made utter sense to me. (Now to implement it!)
Messenger Bots - Keynote panel discussion. If you're not building one to help with customer service enquiries on your Facebook page, you're never going to be like Tim Ferris and have a four day working week.
The knowledge and networks you gain from this conference, makes this one of the most worthwhile social media conferences to attend....in the world! If this is something that you would like to attend in the future, DM me for a full list of Pro Tips (including but not limited to: drink water, attack Slack, bring ibuprofen, and make good friends.)
The best take away of all?I’ve made some awesome international contacts and found a community to bounce future ideas off. Social media success requires collaboration over competition and it was incredible to watch this grow in person.
In the coming weeks, we will be sharing some of the best uses of global social media, a guest blogger on the use of social media to reach Chinese markets, and finally, how GRM can work with you to reach your global market.
With social media in your toolbox, it really is a small world after all!
Chelsea Millar is the owner of Grass Roots Media (GRM), a cat named Ducati, and a spicy red Mini Cooper called Pacey. She primarily takes on the role of 'Boss Lady' for GRM but also flits around the primary industries wearing many agvocating hats .... and making magic happen in most of those spaces.
Chelsea has a background in Agribusiness, Social Media, Digital & Print marketing and has developed a passion for digital communication as she sees it playing an important role in telling the Primary Industries NZ Inc story now, and in the future.
