Socializing Business

On Wednesday, June 25 local social media expert Katie Wells will speak to area business owners and professionals at the monthly meeting of the West Ashley-James Island Business Association (WAJIBA).
Wells, who’s a former columnist for West Of, is an adjuct professor at the College of Charleston and a social media consultant, as well as owner of KEW Solutions, a local customer service training company. She was instrumental in getting Social Media Day established in Charleston and last week West Of had a chance to chat with her about Social Media Day and what she wil be discussing at the WAJIBA meeting next Wednesday. Here is what she said:
West Of: Tell us a little about your background and experience with social media?
Katie Wells: I am a social media consultant for local businesses and I also teach social media to small business owners and college students. I am an Adjunct Professor at the CofC, teaching Social Media for Hospitality. It is the first social media class in the business school, which has been exciting to break new ground and teach a completely new subject in the college environment.
WO: Without giving it all away, what is the focus of your WAJIBA talk going to cover?
KW: My Top Ten Social Media Best Practices
WO: Tell us about how you helped get Social Media Day established and what it entails?
KW: Mashable.com launched National Social Media Day in 2010, and this year Charleston will be among the cities from across the globe celebrating the social media revolution on June 30. Our group, Charleston Hospitality Social Media Group, petitioned the Mayor and City of Charleston to proclaim June 30th – Charleston’s Official Social Media Day.
To celebrate, our local social media community is asking you to use the hashtag #chsyou to show what the Holy City is all about through King Street selfies, sunsets, and random Bill Murray sightings, from now until June 30.
On June 30th, the “social medialites” and “digital revolutionaries” from across the Lowcountry are invited to geek out at The Alley over food, drinks and (of course) shameless social networking.
WO: If you had to give free advise, what’s the most important thing a small business owner should know and do when attempting to use social media as a business tool?
KW: Take a deep breath and don’t get overwhelmed! Pick just one social media platform that you feel comfortable with and consistently update. It’s about having a conversation with your customers. Have fun with it!
WO: What are some of the most common mistakes you’ve seen businesses make in regards to their social media?
KW: Starting a FB Page, Twitter account, Instagram account, Pinterest and not doing any of them well. You don’t have to be everywhere. Pick one and be awesome at it!