Tag: LinkedUp Grand Rapids

How Do West Michigan Organizations Use Social Media?

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While professionals in businesses and nonprofits are using social media more often on behalf of their organization, there could be more to “like” about why and how they do so. 

A recent study I completed, along with Mike Yoder of LinkedUpGR and Jeff Gartner of Gartner and Associates, shows that West Michigan is not unusual when comparing our local study results with some national studies about social media use. It’s also interesting to note that college degree, job description and authority in an organization are associated with using social media for conversations as opposed to mere promotion.
You can learn more about the study in my PR & Media Blog on grbj.com. 
Or, you can come Monday March 4 to a LinkedUpGR event at 6 p.m. at the Ramada Plaza Grand Rapids to see a presentation of the study and participate in a discussion of the implications. The event is free, but please RSVP.

LinkedUp GR Hits 10,000

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The social networking group LinkedUp Grand Rapids has reached 10,000 members. Local social media consultant Mike Yoder, manager of the group, is planning a day-long celebration May 15 at venues all over town, with the hub being the Biggby Coffee downtown where participants can get maps and information about the other venues.

Yoder started the group in 2008, and has seen it grow to the largest business networking group on LinkedIn in Michigan. Basic membership is free, with enhanced benefits through a “Platinum Membership.” The group has large quarterly meetings for networking, with 5×25 events for a limited group of 25 for more intimate business relationship building. Yoder guarantees that participants at these events leave with at least 5 leads, connections, referrals, or ideas, in keeping with the group purpose of “building trusted business relationships through virtual and networked business opportunities.”

“I think the success and growth has come as a result of being in the right place at the right time and recognizing the opportunity,” Yoder says. “It’s also due to the fact that I try to manage discussions and content carefully, keeping it focussed on discussions that are relevant, interesting, and helpful for group members.”

In the future, Yoder is looking to develop student chapters  at area  colleges and universities.