Likeminds. Bringing people together? A resounding Yes!

Posted by Chris in Events,My Blog & Guest Posts,Social networks,comment,general,opinion on March 4, 2010

Like 350 others I was lucky enough to attend Likeminds 2010 in Exeter, Devon last Friday.

Much has been written about it the day; from the speakers, the attendees and the atmosphere, and most it has been very positive.

There has even been a minor backlash at all those who seemed to infiltrate the twitter stream with the ubiquitous #likeminds hashtag. But isn’t that the point. Did I miss something? Isn’t the very essence of why we all went was to meet ‘Likeminded’ people who all want to understand, learn and develop their communication skills – for themselves, for their clients, and for their organisations?

How many events have you been to where you’re still left reeling from the energy and knowledge that was in the room. It’s nearly one week since being there and I’m still filled to the brim with action points, plans, ideas, thoughts, questions and you know what – memories.

I, like many of you, understand the power of social media as a communications tool and as a route to get people together. This is why I love it; but something happened around about 10.30am on the 26th February. Something new to me! I looked around the room and all you could see was smiles, all you could feel was anticipation, all you could sense was something big was going to happen.

I’m not going to analyse all the speakers & panels, as many others this week have done that very thing, but when Jonathan Akwue stands up and tells you that social media actually saves lives – you listen, when the incomparable Joanne Jacobs leads you through a perfectly timed presentation that literally holds attention like a children waiting for Santa Claus then you know you’re witnessing something memorable and special. To keep things flowing Olivier Blanchard makes you think about the very terms and definitions we all use across this channel, and then you end up with Chris Brogan talking about Metallica – it’s a pretty good day. [NOTE: Molly Flatt your comments on the panel were so spot-on I wish I had said them]

But the real value was in the people. All of the people. The speakers, those who attended, and the virtual audience. There were no barriers. Relationships were being created, improved and developed all over.

The real Likeminds for me happened afterwards. Conversations were full of energy and thrust. I was involved in chats where collaboration and engagement were at the very heart of the discussion. No barriers or divisions present. Everyone was willing to offer advice and support to any question or problem.

I know this all sounds as I’m head of Likeminds PR department but this is not the case. It is simply my own views. Many will feel sick by now, I hope many will also agree. As I look back on it now only some of the above emotion has quelled. I realise that we all had to come back and apply ourselves to our work and simply do more than pat each other on the back and say ‘I was there. Aren’t I great!’.

This isn’t the case. There’s nothing great about watching and listening to people talk. There’s nothing great about talking to the same people as the last event…but there really is something great about watching people communicate and talk to each other with energy and passion. The same people who will now be passing on small snippets of what they heard and learned. If, as Chris Brogan said, “we make people feel special” then isn’t that way better than great?

I’m nearly done but here’s a mini case-study of what it’s all about to me. A microcosm of social communication.

It’s now a week later and because I was at Likeminds I’ve formed two of the strongest relationships I have known for a long time. Both are a testimony to  collaboration, communication, knowledge, humour and friendship: Likeminds at work! Thank you.

Let me know your thoughts and comments on this. Please leave a comment, however small.

Tags: likeminds, opinion, scott gould