Last night we had our third installment of Social Media Club in Auckland.

It was an event featuring four journalists talking about their experiences with Social Media: Nigel Horrocks, Radio NZ Tech commentator and consultant for AikenStix; Glenn Williams, a DJ at Kiwi FM; Ben Gracewood, software developer and gadget reviewer on TVNZ and Chris Keall, Tech and Digital Reporter at NBR.

I had a lot of positive feedback from people who thought the event was very valuable. But I also had some constructive criticism that there weren’t top tips on how journalists are or should be using Social Media; things like listening to online chatter for breaking stories and public opinion.

I agree; however, I think Simon Young made a very valid point when he said that you tap into every aspect of life when you discuss Social Media. It’s difficult to restrain or steer discussion onto a certain topic because Social Media (at the risk of sounding overly dramatic) has the potential to permeate almost everything.

The top points I took away from the night were:

·         Social Media has allowed journalists (and others) to be in constant rather than daily/ weekly/ monthly communication with readers. This can be hugely beneficial as it drives extra engagement and loyalty, but it can also prove tricky if your employer finds you are no longer as objective as they may like you to be (via Glenn Williams)

·         If you offer value (e.g. breaking news and offering a sideways opinion on stories through Twitter, for example), readers are prepared to put their money where their ears are and pay for extra content (via Chris Keall)

·         Social Media is just another channel and it’s all about people. Be yourself and it’ll probably work. Aka: don’t try to be too clever (via Ben Gracewood)

·         The Social Media revolution/ explosion/ game-change is similar to when the internet itself went mainstream. It took a while to figure itself out and brands would be wise to mix the new blood with some wise old(er) heads (via Nigel Horrocks)

The intention is to keep the events informal so that people feel relaxed, able to get involved and are part of the conversation. This is why questions are encouraged on the night and why we look forward to hearing everyone’s opinions.

What were your thoughts post-event and what should be on the agenda next time?