Behind the Idea

• How would you rank your social media influence?

  Does your company thrive on building community with your clients and consumers, or are you stuck in the mezzanine–looking for guidance to rise above the average?

  Social media is just like a cozy coffee house– a good place for a good conversation. Now, we are learning what to wear, who will be there, if it is open or topic driven–and if they sell beer. The arrival of social media effectiveness signifies an important shift in how corporate content is created, shaped and consumed. No doubt, we are a new generation of active, educated consumers who are no longer spoon-fed brands. The ability to execute social media strategies effectively will be a crucial differentiator. Joining the conversation and not sitting powerless on the sidelines takes courage and tactics. So…for those of us who have dipped our toe in the water but aren’t sure about doing a cannonball yet…where do we start?

  Vaco, like many fast-growing successful companies was swept up in the chatter to chatter before we were ready. Vaco Technology Partner Scott Gordon, an early-adopter of all things technology, has enjoyed some time speaking to groups about the value of social media. He shared the stage with some of the greatest leaders who produce ground-breaking social media campaigns for their companies. And, he has shared the stage with folks who seemed to be prolific pontificators–at best. He saw a need for a forum where true top performing executives could share their best practices for today–and tomorrow–with other executives.
  
  Scott had an idea while taking a shower one morning:
  

  “Someone should present a social media summit where real business executives, who aren’t product-pushers, talk about more of the strategies they’ve used to be successful and less of the mechanics.”

  Little did we know, that shower-sprung idea would morph into Top View.

  Vaco Founder, Jerry Bostelman and Vaco Marketing Director, Jennifer Thomas shared in Scott’s enthusiasm for this mission. They formed a focus group of local business leaders to discuss the need. With those ideas, they assembled a plan to bring a one-day summit to the city of Nashville. The buzz was deafening. Raving fans cheered the concept. Tickets sold at $250 per seat. 16 Executives who were on the front lines of their companies social media successes were booked and event planning for this monumentally cinematic summit at Schermerhorn Symphony Center was moving at full steam ahead…and then the devastating Nashville flood happened in early May.

  The flood waters caused such damage to the Symphony Center that the Big South Social Media Summit, scheduled for August 13, 2010 was rendered homeless…re-enter social media. Big South decided to go virtual and present our Social Media Series on the web–for free!

  The name has changed to Top View Social Media Series and now you are able to tap into presentations from business executives who will help you take your social media strategies to the next level. All at absolutely no cost. Any time.

  Vaco, a consulting and placement firm specializing in technology, accounting/finance and administration is proud to present this on-line series. Our goal is to lift the veil and demystify how social media brings true ROI to business! Executives from across the nation share their tips to help you monitor and grow the return on investment for social media campaigns–all on www.topviewseries.com.

  Engage here