Presented by Denise Reed at BarCamp Chattanooga 2009

1. Coworking and Social Media …what it means to entrepreneurs, small business and freelancers

2. Coworking…what is it? It is the collaboration of people to create or improve something. It is now a term for not only a process, but a way people are “doing business.” It’s not a new concept, it’s just being spread in new and exciting ways through new outlets. It may be a description for where people “permanently” work. It may be on an event basis with a theme or branding. It happens all over the world and in Chattanooga! It can be in a coworking property, member funded and managed; or an office business center, managed by a firm and you just place your membership.

3. Coworking…Why should you care: It’s a great way to get inspired by other entrepreneurs through collaboration of projects, services, and resources. It can mean flexible and shared cost access for equipment, work space, and support staff. This way of working can help in the evolution or migration of skills through integration with other “unexpected” groups or individuals. In other words, be where the potential of opportunity is (location, location, location for interaction, interaction, interaction). It can be a great source of referral. Know someone, who knows someone who does… Join a coworking property or group if your business involves travel or you are expanding to a new area. Use your coworking visa to access other coworking properties around the world. You’ll want to review the terms of each of the properties for their verification process, before you “just drop-in.”

4. Sounds interesting…Where else can I participate in coworking?

5. Want to test drive coworking?Try short term event based coworking If you’re participating in BarCamp Chattanooga, you could be coworking. Also see BarCamp.org. To experience day long coworking, attend a Jelly! event. Jelly! Is the opportunity to work in a location free of charge with Wi-Fi access. These events happen all over the world, including Jelly! Chattanooga. Jelly! Events may have a theme or offer different perks to their participants. There is usually no agenda and are come-and-go events. Check out Workatjelly.com. Consider creating your own meet up group on Meetup.com. It’s free to form a group on line, solicit like minded people, decide where you’ll meet, send out invitations to your group. The end result: a chance to meet and share ideas.

6. Social Media…The fan to the flame of the coworking fire Social media has made a huge impact on like-thinkers and doers creating more opportunity for juxtaposition of complimentary skilled people and/or teams. It can help promote ideas or ask for input from “the masses.” It can improve or troubleshoot something through real-time responses to demand in the market place. Watch a video panel discussion on CRM and social media. It looks like you’re participating in crowdsourcing - http://crowdsourcing.typepad.com/. The Soundbyte Version of crowdsourcing: The application of Open Source principles to fields outside of software. Crowdsourcing could also be translated to coworking and vise versa. Most coworking properties are interested in your input for improvement. Don’t be shy speak up on ways the group could improve and participate in the process.

7. Social Media…What is social media anyway, if you don’t know? For newbie’s, social media is broad in scope and more than an Internet connection. According to wikipedia.org: Businesses also refer to social media as user-generated content (UGC) or consumer-generated media (CGM). “Think tanks,” “fan clubs” or “meet ups” can communicate with responses gathered and stored in real time online through the channels of social media. The “big hitters” are blogs, Facebook, Linkedin, Twitter, Meetup, PBWorks, and more. It can be used to promote who you are and what you do. Comments or “messages” including photos, video, digital images and text can be shared with public or private groups.

8. Social Media…The thought behind the action Social media should be considered a vital piece of your marketing puzzle. It’s not the end-all be-all, but it can help open doors. All this interaction will drive potential clients to your business, or to your web site for “a peak” first and then to your business front door. Interactions on social media could help you cut through “the red tape” of introducing yourself or services because you’ve built a rapport with someone. Whatever social media tool you use, it’s about consistency and relevance of the message. Posts and profiles are not about “being sold,” it’s about interacting and meeting the needs of others related to who you are and what you do. Consistently use your logo, photo, identity colors and anything else that underscores “your brand” through all the social media outlets.

9. Social Media…What are some strategies? Interactions should help you become known for doing or being…_________________(fill in the blank). Consider the “big hitters” first for positioning and why:Blogging – an ongoing expression of and underscoring of experienceLinkedin – a business resource, on-line permanent post of your work resumeTwitter – short messages about relevant activityFacebook – the more social side of business All these interactions should keep pointing back to your web site or blog, so people can find you/your firm and get the details. Use your email signature with links to your web site, blog, linkedin profile, twitter account, or facebook profile. Someone may want to get to know more about you.

10. Coworking and Social MediaWrap it up.. Coworking in short is an opportunity to experience a community of workers and possibly collaborate. If you’re an entrepreneur, freelancer or just working from home, this could be a great way to get inspired. Snoop around decide what type of coworking environment is right for you. Social media offers lots of outlet choices. Consider what you want to accomplish and the right media to do it. There may be a mix of options. Use as many or as few as you feel comfortable using. Take advantage of online tools to help monitor and post to multiple social media outlets. There are lots of statistics out there to gather to target your marketing. Just be consistent in your message and lookto develop your brand imprint. It’s all about connections in person and digitally. Get out there and connect.

11. Who are you? Denise Reed Instigator of Jelly! Chattanooga… No itinerary and lots of perks. Happens every other Friday at The Concierge Office Suites. Free work space, Wi-Fi and all the coffee you can drink. Slave of social media and spreading it’s benefits for business! Your business concierge. Owner of The Concierge Office Suites providing private office rental, virtual office positioning, virtual staff and coworking memberships. It’s more than the office, it’s the experience. www.TheConciergeLevel.com