Here we go again... yet another social networking tool to add to the mix. However, THIS tool is SO different and has SO much to offer to Chambers and your members. Why do I say this? Because I AM a former President & CEO of a county Chamber of Commerce... and I only WISH I would have had this available to me at the time.
Before I continue let me say that this tool, when used by Chambers, will be MOST effective when used in harmony with an already strong Facebook and Twitter presence. I would strongly recommend you have those in order first before including this in your social media strategy. As "foursquare" can be linked directly to Facebook and Twitter... it not becomes a powerful promotional tool but can be used as an incentive tool as well!
I've been actively using "foursquare" for a few weeks now (and yes... it's all lower case as they present themselves online). After just a couple of days I realized the potential for Chambers and your members.
Summarizing how "foursquare" works doesn't do it justice... but for the sake of keeping things short, here goes. Basically, it uses geo-location technology, lists area businesses, shops, restaurants, diners, hotels, lakes, parks, etc... and provides users with the ability to "Check-In", provide tips, and leave comments. There's a point system, a game play element, a rewards system and more... and they have an app for just about every Smartphone out there. It's a tool that can be used in a variety of ways. Correctly linked to Facebook and Twitter, in less than 30 seconds your "Check-In" can be promoted throughout your entire social network.
So... think outside the box for a minute. As a Chamber President, CEO, Director, Board Member, Ambassador, or Diplomat, you're constantly venturing out and visiting businesses. You hold meetings at member locations. You dine, golf, shop and spend money in your community. You stop by to pick up items for a silent auction... or drop off tickets to an upcoming event. In less than 30 seconds your "Check-In" just promoted that member. That's all it takes. I've timed it. You'd be surprised at the number of businesses that are listed. And if they're NOT listed? You can easily add them... in less than a minute... and you've just helped your member again.
What about your membership drives? Or your "Diplomat/Ambassador of the Month/Year" recognition? The point system can provide you with an additional competitive element while encouraging your representatives to visit more businesses in the community! It's currently being used by progressive thinking business owners to reward customers and patrons.
Before I continue let me say that this tool, when used by Chambers, will be MOST effective when used in harmony with an already strong Facebook and Twitter presence. I would strongly recommend you have those in order first before including this in your social media strategy. As "foursquare" can be linked directly to Facebook and Twitter... it not becomes a powerful promotional tool but can be used as an incentive tool as well!
I've been actively using "foursquare" for a few weeks now (and yes... it's all lower case as they present themselves online). After just a couple of days I realized the potential for Chambers and your members.
Summarizing how "foursquare" works doesn't do it justice... but for the sake of keeping things short, here goes. Basically, it uses geo-location technology, lists area businesses, shops, restaurants, diners, hotels, lakes, parks, etc... and provides users with the ability to "Check-In", provide tips, and leave comments. There's a point system, a game play element, a rewards system and more... and they have an app for just about every Smartphone out there. It's a tool that can be used in a variety of ways. Correctly linked to Facebook and Twitter, in less than 30 seconds your "Check-In" can be promoted throughout your entire social network.
So... think outside the box for a minute. As a Chamber President, CEO, Director, Board Member, Ambassador, or Diplomat, you're constantly venturing out and visiting businesses. You hold meetings at member locations. You dine, golf, shop and spend money in your community. You stop by to pick up items for a silent auction... or drop off tickets to an upcoming event. In less than 30 seconds your "Check-In" just promoted that member. That's all it takes. I've timed it. You'd be surprised at the number of businesses that are listed. And if they're NOT listed? You can easily add them... in less than a minute... and you've just helped your member again.
What about your membership drives? Or your "Diplomat/Ambassador of the Month/Year" recognition? The point system can provide you with an additional competitive element while encouraging your representatives to visit more businesses in the community! It's currently being used by progressive thinking business owners to reward customers and patrons.
I'm seriously just scratching the surface here.
I'd love to come and speak to you and your Board. I'd love to start helping you get your Chamber where it needs to be. I'd love to give a presentation to your members and show them how they can take advantage of the same technology to help their own business and work more closely with you and their Chamber!
Feel free to contact me:
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/businesssocialmedia
Twitter: http://twitter.com/WilliamWellsIII
LinkedIn: http://www.linkedin.com/in/williamhwellsiii
foursquare: https://foursquare.com/williamwellsiii
Blog: http://williamwellsiii.blogspot.com/
Web: http://www.wellswebgroup.com/socialmedia/
- View a current ranking of speakers in Minnesota.
- View information on me and my speaking/workshop fees.
Feel free to contact me:
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/businesssocialmedia
Twitter: http://twitter.com/WilliamWellsIII
LinkedIn: http://www.linkedin.com/in/williamhwellsiii
foursquare: https://foursquare.com/williamwellsiii
Blog: http://williamwellsiii.blogspot.com/
Web: http://www.wellswebgroup.com/socialmedia/
Make sure to "Like" us on Facebook for Social Media updates, news, tips, and more!
No comments:
Post a Comment