Making Local Connections after Likeminds

Rob Glover
Mar 15 |17:01

This is my follow-up post after my post on Likeminds Local Legacy. I intended to write about what I took from the various speakers at the People to People conference but there are so many excellent articles on what others have taken away from the event in February that I urge you to read them all for yourselves. Since I have decided not to repeat what others are saying and since my original post was a reaction to comments on what was Likeminds worth to local people I will follow on with that theme…

After mentioning the excellent #tags tweet-up that happened after the last Likeminds I find myself pushing forward a meeting this Thursday (18th March 2010) with a few others. I hope that at least a few people attend and that we can make some connections that mutually benefit the participants and help the wider community. After Scott Gould (Likeminds co-founder) asks what can you achieve if you turn your community into connections – what can the Exeter Likeminds community achieve if we connect in a more meaningful way than just via twitter?

I would like people thinking of coming on Thursday to consider this question -

What do you want to get out of #tags?

While I’m sure we will have a great time networking at The Old Fire House in New North Road (we have the Attic Bar exclusively booked, thanks to Jon Colmer & the owners of The Old Fire House) I wonder what more could we achieve?

The Old Firehouse Exeter

I would like to propose that every other month the #tags tweet-up is structured like the original meeting with an overall topic theme, a guest speaker and panel of local businesses and organisations sharing experiences and best practices. This Person to People (thanks Scott for the terminology) is followed by an open debate and maybe true People to People conversations in smaller groups. I would also like to see a local endeavour highlighted (like those highlighted at Likeminds), this could be a charity of and individual doing something for charity – I know that there are a few doing some amazing stuff. In the alternating months a more casual tweet-up is held – maybe around a social event like a band playing or whatever. A chance to network but on a very informal basis.

What does the community of Exeter Like Minded people feel to that? Feel free to comment below – or more importantly come along on Thursday 18th March, the Attic Bar at The Old Fire House, New North Road, Exeter from 6pm – 9pm and answer in person.

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This entry was posted on Monday, March 15th, 2010 at 5:01 pm and is filed under Marketing & PR, Social Media. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.
  • Tags was great last night thanks for organising it! I would love to see the theme of the night mixed up once in a while - maybe different venues/themes/speakers/activities. Camilla Todd (WNW Design) and I were talking about how a meal would be nice or something. Just an idea! Oh and if you ever need any help I am really keen to get more involved :)
  • banksy6
    Hi Rob,

    Thanks for taking this on and help push it forward. When Dave T, Scott and I first came up with the idea of #tags we really wanted to push the local connections. Exeter is so vibrant when it comes to social media and when it comes to enabling connections. We had lots of feedback from the first event about having a mixture of formal and informal. I'd love to see another formal event soon and am happy to help out with it. The most important thing is that the community feel they can be part of the organisation. Lets chat about on Thursday :)

    Al
  • robglover
    Thanks Al,

    your comments are really appreciated. I only wrote this post because I feel there is an opportunity now for the Exeter community to turn the conversations surrounding LikeMinds into something practical and useful to local businesses and organisations.

    I felt that the original #tags was a step towards that - but I agree that its not fair to place the burden of organising it on you guys (you, Scott, Dave et al) when you have already done so much for the local community. Its is time for others to step forward and make something happen - I am pleased to play just a small part in that.
  • annholman
    Hi Rob

    You know my thoughts on this! I think its a great idea to mix the formal and informal up a little. The whole point in a community is the sharing of ideas, participating and having inspiring conversation. We already know that is leading to collaboration.

    Its our obligation, as part of the Likeminds and Exeter community, to stimulate that. I'm more than delighted to be involved!
  • robglover
    Absolutely Ann, I hope that we can all have a good conversation about what we want #tags to be and then most importantly turn it into some real.
  • Rob!

    Too much of my language here! lol - it's all about the people that come and people like yourself who make it happen. Many talk about doing it - few do it. I'm glad you're one of the ones that make it happen.

    Unfortunately I can't be there as I'm in London speaking at Like Minds Immersive - but I trust it goes well and look forward to hearing more about it!
  • robglover
    lol - love the language Scott!

    I only just realised the date clashes with LikeMInds Immersive - all the best with that. I am sure if #tags does move forward we will be asking for your input.

    I hope that #tags can prove to be more than just a talking shop but that is very much up to those that come - I hope some do!
  • time for the local guys to really step forward isn't it.
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