But there are three solid organizations in Minneapolis that provide face-to-face learning and networking and if you live here and aren’t taking advantage of them already – start now. Each has a unique format and online offerings so there are benefits to be had by taking advantage of all three. They are:
• The Minnesota Interactive Marketing Association - MIMA
• Social Media Breakfasts of Minneapolis St. Paul - smbmsp
• UnSummit
MIMA
MIMA hosts monthly events, a website, blog and e-newsletter. They are the oldest and the largest of the three with 900 members and are very well sponsored. Because of this, their events have a more formal tone, great food, a cash bar and a higher ticket price.
This week’s event offered a very bright panel discussing Digital Reputation Management. It was well-facilitated, underscored the long term investment required, provided real-life scenarios and gave some easy action steps. It was valuable to hear these corporate executives share their stories and the wisdom learned. In the spirit of social media it felt very honest and transparent.
I would have preferred more real-time demonstrations of their recommended tools and in a perfect world, the in-person registrars could have done a better job demonstrating Reputation Management. But it’s hard to be perfect. Their next event is rationally titled Inbox Insanity and I can't wait to attend. There is also a new MIMA group on LinkedIn.
Social Media Breakfasts
Smbmsp is next in age and size with over 360 members. Their website is very social in nature with member profiles, forums, photos and member blogs. Their events are less formal than MIMA, smaller in size and less expensive.
The last one I attended was a case study presentation of a cause effort that went viral and landed swiftly in the headlines of CNN, and over 252 other media outlets. It was a fun story, illustrated the shifting influence of blogs vs traditional media and reinforced the importance of solid writing, strong headlines, clear action steps etc.
I was struck by the open generosity of the audience during the discussion period. I have been attending business breakfasts for over 20 years and the nature of the online space is showing its impact in real life. There is less emphasis on posturing and more on sharing and ideating about how to move forward in this changing technology and dicey economy.
They aren’t as polished in their recap of past events but they excel in sharing member activity. Sign-up to become a member and attend the next event on Social Media and Job Searching.
UnSummit
UnSummit is the newest of the three having had its first event only last October. It began because the MIMA Summit was sold out and there was enough of the community left out and hungry for dialogue that they decided to go rogue.
This format offers workshops on various topics so you choose which are most relevant to you. At the October event there was even an all-day session used to design a social media strategy for the hosting establishment. Packed into the back party room, the various groups huddled together so as not to shout down their neighboring classes. It was the most informal of the three but also the most intimate and generated lots of lively discussion. They do a good job of recapping and Phil Wilson also provided a detailed wrap-up.
The UnSummit is really all about participating in the discussion. Registration is now open for the March event on Hacking the Recession and you can also post any session ideas you may have.
In this moment of our recession it is critical to be learning, connecting and generating ideas for growth. Now you can choose breakfast, lunch or dinner, whatever suits your social style.
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