From Twitter, to Foursquare, to SCVNGR

The evolution of social media is taking place all of the time. New ways to reach out and communicate with others are being created daily. The revolution is past and we are here.

The great rave is Twitter and how we can share a simple sentence or two, be a part of a growing online community, and get amazing results. The same way we do in speaking. We break paragraphs into bullets and get straight to the point. Well... I know that some people do not try to consolidate the conversation and could use 5 minutes to tell you what they could have said in 12 seconds, but that is not "green" communication. Why waste a word when we do not need it. Why type a few extra characters that end up being useless to the convo? Tweets make us keep it simple.

Then Foursquare was the hot item on the social media market. Location Based Social Networking. We could base our interactions on where we actually were. So when I am at restaurant, I could check-in, let others know where I am, and make a comment whether good or bad about the place or experience. Facebook even copied success and created "Places" into their social network site. Fun fun for everyone.

Now the bonus comes, and SCVNGR is the key. They took the location based social networking to the next level where they give you simple challenges that sometimes force you to interact, but add bonus rewards for doing so. I call AWESOME!!! Anyway... I am currently working with the Asheville North Carolina team managed by Brett, and bridges are being built! People are stepping into the game and offering great incentives for playing at "their place" of business. Now, we finally get a bonus for this type of social media networking. Your return on investment (ROI) is already in place!

Game On!!!

Asheville... Let's Face It, Twittering Away Your Time Can Be Profitable

Everywhere you turn you hear stories about Facebook, Twitter, and something called "social media." If you've wondered what all the buzz was about, if it is all just a passing fad, or even wondering if social media might just be the silver bullet to solve your challenges, then there's a free school for you in Asheville NC.

On March 23, 2010 at Free Asheville Social Media School at The Garage at Biltmore from 5:00pm - 7:30pm, several social media enthusiasts will share what they're learning so you can confidently launch your own social media effort. One presenter, Trey Pennington, who has over 75,000 followers on Twitter and is at the Facebook friend limit, will outline a comprehensive model showing you how to use social media tools to meet friends, potential friends, and prospective clients and customers online. More importantly, he'll share a brief overview of the foundational principles necessary for making meaningful contacts through social media.

"Believe it or not," Pennington says, "social media is being used right now to breath new life into an industry on the 'endangered industries' list—textile manufacturing!" Trey will share this story, plus other real life examples of social media in action. When you leave, you'll have a solid framework for venturing into the new social media territory.

Trey Pennington is a marketing pro, business connector, and storyteller for business who’s passion is helping folks uncover their hidden treasures and put them to work. He uses social media to connect with audiences around the world. HubSpot ranks his Facebook profile as one of the most influential in the world and his Twitter profile in the top 0.01%. He's helped start ten Social Media Clubs in the US, UK, and Australia and routinely speaks to groups using social media to make connections and have conversations leading to commerce.

His book, Spitball Marketing: Using What You've Got to Get More of What You Want is due out in early 2010.

You can RSVP by sending an email to G Social Media (email on the site) or RSVP on Facebook. Thanks.