An introduction by What’s Next Co-Founder and CEO, Allan Blair Beaton
In recent years, we’ve seen an explosion of social and digital services, tools, and applications – and a wealth of advice (some good, some not) on how to make best use.
Not surprisingly, SMEs are struggling to keep pace with it all.
But there’s more to it than sheer confusion. Business owners are also held back by their limited time and resources. The big priority now is protecting relationships, in a market place that’s been getting more cut-throat every year since 2008.
Ironically though, social and digital tools have been on the increase in exactly the same time period, offering a tailored solution to the relationship crisis! But smaller businesses have been so focused on the immediate future that few have seen the wood for the trees and fully embraced the new opportunity.
Instead, many have stuck to the old view that Social Media is recreational, and not a viable tool for business. There are better ways (the theory goes) to engage target markets, strengthen relationships and raise awareness of products and services.
That’s outdated, dangerous thinking.
In particular, businesses here in South Wales have been slow to adapt – and already, we’re seeing local companies falling behind their rivals in neighbouring regions. It can’t continue.
And that’s the whole point of this diatribe. As an early adopter and avid user of Social Media, my mission (if that’s not too grand a word) is to help small business owners get to grips with Web 2.0 and the trends that are quickly taking us to Web 3.0 and beyond.
So I’m asking the question, What’s Next?
In February 2012, you’re invited to the second What’s Next Event: a Social Media gathering exclusively for SMEs, showing the full range of whys and why nots, how tos and how nots – everything you need to push ahead and turn the social web to your advantage.
It’s an idea that came to me in October 2010, after reading a report by the Boston Consulting Group that ranked Wales as the lowest region for internet access and usage. Scary reading!
Naturally, the report had its detractors, adopting the defence that most small business owners know the options available – and the vast majority have some type of profile on at least one or two social platforms.
But there’s a huge gulf between having a token presence and taking full advantage in a way that delivers tangible results and ROI. That’s what WNE is about.
If nothing else, we want to show the extent of the opportunity for anyone who wants to wade in. You don’t have to be a household brand with a huge budget and global community – the social web levels the playing field by changing the budget from money to effort.
If you can commit blood, sweat and tears, it’s all yours for the taking.
So why should you come along to What’s Next Event?
The truth is, even with free and low cost Social Media tools, the battle for online supremacy is only half begun. You still need to know which tools to use, and how…where to focus your efforts, and why…before you can bridge the gap between today and what’s truly possible.
And that will be a primary focus at WNE in February, where you can learn from some of the web’s most successful, respected figures. From big names like Ecademy founders Thomas and Penny Power, to industry leaders working with Facebook, LinedIn, Twitter, Online Video, SEO, Mobile and more.
It’s a day filled with insights and challenges, to help anyone in business to focus their efforts on the most viable, profitable strategies. If you’ve ignored Social Media or been frustrated by your results in the past, this is going to be the most important date in your 2012 diary.
So please take a look at our seminars. I’m sure you’ll agree, the opportunity is enormous – as is the risk of looking the other way.
I hope we’re going to see you there, at The Atrium in Cardiff on February 6th 2012.
And I know we’ll be seeing you in all the right places online, soon after that!
ABB
