In my experience, SMC aimed to do just that, but meetings all too quickly devolved into just another social gathering. A gathering of "usual suspects" who -- without actively trying -- created a nearly impenetrable wall for anyone who was new to the group. I blame no one for this. And I fully recognize that this may be my own misperception of reality. So there's no need to fill the comments with a bunch of "I disagree, Evo" statements.
Because this post is about the future. An unsure future, but a testable future.
Tonight, SMC Phoenix is trying a new direction. It may not be the direction from now on. Hence my use of the word testable. Current-coordinator Jeff Moriarty is tweaking the format and clarifying the scope. Enough to entice me back tonight for what I hope will be the first of many happy returns.
So if you've not been to SMC for a while, give it another shot. And if you're sitting on the sidelines wondering if it's for you, now is a great time to try. I hope to see you there.
Social Media Club Phoenix
Meets the 2nd Thursday of each month
from 6:30p - 8:00p
at Jobing.com headquarters (not the Arena)
4747 N. 22nd Street (between Indian School and Camelback)
Phoenix, Arizona
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I like it. I haven't attended SMC in the past because it's always the same people listening to the same people talking about the same things.
ReplyDeleteHopefully a more open panel, in the style of the hugely successful RE Bar Camp we had a few months back, would work. Love that Jeff is open to switching it up.
I think like most groups there's always a need for change and new formats. I have no doubt Jeff will do a great job! For anyone going, be sure to be nice to Jessi, our assistant, @juhjuhjessi on Twitter. She will be going for me tonight.
ReplyDeleteSMC was crap at the beginning and I never went.... it later changed and was a great place for discussion and bringing new people in.
ReplyDeleteI see the same thing happening at gangplank where new guys wonder around - I met two yesterday but noticed there were a couple I couldn't get to but it's the unintentional brotherhood that is gangplank that sometimes ignores the new ppl, which is who we're there for.
Anyways, I've always been down for the panel style format and I'd even be on panels as I don't freak out as much as speaking lol... I can't be there tonight as my Yelp Elite duties are going to take me from that but I HOPE somebody transcribes the meeting and/or records and uploads it???????? yes?
Thx also for using my image :)
Good comments, Tyler & Chuck. We have a common view, I see.
ReplyDeleteI look forward to meeting Jessi, Amanda. Be sure and have her say howdy!
I'll be a new face at SMC tonight, I'm curious to see what happens. I've been to Gangplank a handful of times and like Chuck touched on above, new people may get ignored, but I think its a 50/50 thing, the group should welcome, but the new people need to step up and take the initiative as well.
ReplyDeleteI'm open and optimistic for whatever happens.
Craig (@JUICYcreative)
Sounds like the new direction is a good one, especially with the recent groundswell of interest in SM in the valley. Wish I'd seen this post earlier today; would have loved to check it out.
ReplyDeleteMarking the calendar for July 9...
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