Yesterday afternoon, I taught my very first social media class in person. I have taught others about this stuff via webinars and on our weekly radio show "Twitter Tuesday", but this was the first time I have spoken to a group in a classroom setting.
I LOVED IT!
More importantly, the students seemed to really enjoy it, too. We were at Gracy Title, and my friend Allison Craig, who is a marketing rep for the company, thinks that the other 12 marketing reps will likely want to schedule us to speak for their clients, too. My friend, Ben Finklea, who is the CEO of Volacci Search Marketing, spoke for an hour about SEO techniques before my segment. We charged separately for the classes, with a package price if people wanted to attend both of them.
I also got a chance to meet Dorie Dillard, who is someone I have enjoyed reading here on AR and who focuses on northwest Austin and the Canyon Creek area. It's always fun to connect in person with people for the first time.
As we discussed during the class, social media can help to leverage our time really well, and it makes it far easier to grow our sphere of influence. My personal sphere is both way larger and more far-reaching than I could have conceived two years ago. After all, without the benefit of the internet, how long would it have taken me to develop an sphere of thousands? Since I have three (almost four!) kids now, I clearly don't get a chance to attend a lot of cocktail parties these days. Instead, I have a bunch of online tools that make it feel that way!
Yesterday's session focused on blogging basics, Twitter, Facebook, and LinkedIn, with a brief reference to Friendfeed. Since I wasn't sure how long it would take to cover everything and I had a good number of questions, I didn't get a chance to cover every single subtopic, but I thought it went really well. Several people said that I had helped to demystify Twitter for them, so that was a good feeling.
I'm looking forward to the next one!
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If you're looking for a home in the Austin area, you can also visit my primary Austin real estate website at www.austintexashomes.com. If you're interested in social media training, visit 210 Consulting. Thanks!
There is nothing like being able to do what you love to do and teach others how to do it too! Go Jason!
Jason – Good for you! It's strange, I always walk out of a class I taught feeling energized and pumped. It lasts for days. Did you get that same feeling?
Good for you, Jason. I did one last week at Womans Councel of Realtors, there is so much to teach it just can't be taught in one session or even two. Each SS network could have an hour of dedication to just itself.
Sharon - Right you are. It was an absolute blast!
Mike - it's funny you mention that - I had so much adrenaline and energy that I had a tough time getting to bed last night. Good stuff!
Missy - Interestingly, I said the exact same thing during the class yesterday. I felt like I had to gloss over some stuff just to finish in an hour. I may expand the next one to 90 minutes or so.
Jason,
Let me know if you are offering replays of your show. I need to learn a lot more about twitter!
Tom
Tom - Actually, it was captured on video, so I need to see how that turned out. I also have a Twitter webinar, but I need to find the link.
Jason, Teaching is one of the best gifts to others, I believe. The feelings and sense of pride that you recieved form your sessions make it all the more worthwhile. Well done!
Bo
My personal sphere is both way larger and more far-reaching than I could have conceived two years ago.
Hi Jason,
I completely agree. Two years ago I was working with agents and brokers around the country. However, blogging has significantly expanded my reach. Thank you very much for encouraging me to join ActiveRain!
Jason,
Good for you!
There is no better way to hone your skills that to teach others, although your radio program may be a close second.
Bill
Sounds like you may have found a new career to add to your current one.
Jason,
When you have it organized ... let me know! I would really like to catch it!
Tom
Jason, very cool. I'll be teaching my first social media class next month -- looking forward to it.
Need a replay please. I am challanged to say the least. thanks.
First, thanks for the invites. Second, just feel guilty that I have not been able to listen in to any (time restraints). Now I have not checked but are they recorded for playback or on itunes podcasts?
Thanks
Tony
I'll be teaching my first class on SM on the 27th:)
Drew
Jason,
I agree with you. There was so much to cover your class could easily be 90 minutes. You did a great job and was fun to meet you!!
Wow Jason, I have always wondered how it feels being in power of a room. Congrats.
Jason - thanks again so much for a wonderful class Wednesday. As one of the lucky participants, I can validate that you and Ben made these new channels of communication seem so "friendly" and not as intimidating as I make them out to be. Great informative stuff!
I'm looking forward to the next one as well!
Jason,
Congratulations. Teaching can be a rewarding experience. I am sure that your students were also glad to have you as a teacher.
Have a great day
Make This Your Best Year Ever
Leander
im just getting started in real estate. is this a good place to start?
sill anyone reply and help me sith suggestions? Thank you.
Yes, this is a good place to start. You can join for free if you are interested. If nothing else, this is an awesome place to learn.
This is a path that I'd like to take. Thanks for sharing. How did you get so many followers on Twitter. I thought that the limit was 2000??
Jason, Cool Beans! The social media is certainly where it's at... Plan to start teaching social media classes here in my area soon...
Your building consultant for life in the Franklin, TN area - Michael
Kate - The limit is for those YOU follow. It's capped at 2000 unless you have at least 2000 followers, then the cap is lifted. Someone mentioned that they thought the cap was 10% above your follower number when you are over 2000.
Hey Jason, That's very cool that you taught LIVE! We also had some great training in Ann Arbor, MI this week. Lola Audu taught 2 classes on blogging & soc. networking. It was the first course to be accredited for our con ed! BTW- Like Tom, I'd like to 'listen in' on your twitter segment.