Engage With You Online Network…Offline

Posted by Jennifer Kindred on Jul 29th, 2009 | Comments

Online communities are a fantastic way to meet new people…geography knows no bounds on the Internet.  We may talk about meeting new people from another continent on Facebook or Twitter but ironically we often gravitate to local peeps…even on the Internet.  I love finding people who live in my community to talk to online, we swap stories about the weather, restaurants, and events.

Not surprisingly, online connections end up meeting offline.  Ever heard of a Tweetup?  They are happening all around you, where Twitter folks from the same city meet up (usually at a bar), have a few drinks and converse in more than 140 characters.  In Phoenix, we have Tweetups all over the Valley on Friday nights and then converge on a central location to enjoy Phoenix Friday Nights.

For companies and organizations, creating online communities is the first step to developing a reliable fan base.  Sponsoring offline events such as Tweetups, is a great way to give back to your online fans and encourage them to continue talking about your cause or brand.  For example, Activating WOM assisted in organizing China Mist Tea’s first Tweetup here in Scottsdale, AZ.  The Tweetup was at China Mist’s office, which includes their factory.  Tea tastings, factory tour, great swag, and fabulous company were the highlights of this Tweetup.

The key to a successful offline event is having….fun!  Offline events need to be more than getting people in a room but be creative, socialable and diverse.  Tweetups are great but should be mixed up with other offline activities.  Activating WOM is working with China Mist Tea, Bashas, and Arizona Diamondbacks to organize a Tweet-Hunt.  Similar to a scavenger hunt, the objective of Tweet-Hunt is for participants to create video and/or pictures while performing each offline task.  The first person to successfully post media of all tasks onto Twitter wins the prize.  The winner of China Mist’s Tweet-Hunt will get a pair of club house tickets to an Arizona Diamond Backs game.

Whether you are an individual looking to meet Twitter peeps in your area or a business/organization that wants to interact and give back to your fans; offline engagement is a great way to interact with your network. We are always excited to hear what our readers think…have you attended a Tweetup event?  What kind of event?  Did you have fun?  What was the most creative offline meetup/event that you have participated in?

Meeting people online is a great way to begin a conversation…continue the interaction offline in a fun, socialble, safe environment!