Social Media for Seasoned Rotarians in Wales

With St. David's Rotary Club President Michael Boyce at the Club's 26th Anniversary Banquet. A formal affair in Cardiff, Wales.

Talking social media to a room full of social media enthusiasts is one thing. Talking social media with a gathering of seasoned Rotarians as the keynote for a formal banquet in Wales is a horse (or dragon, as the case is) of a different color (red).

First, a hearty thank you to President Michael Boyce for the invitation to keynote the 26th Anniversary banquet for the St. David’s Rotary Club in Cardiff, Wales. The Welsh sense of humor had us all rolling on the floor laughing out loud all night!

Second, social media will truly come into it’s own when it is demonstrated (and experienced) to provide real-world solutions to real-world problems for those who haven’t imbibed the Kool-Aid. In this case, helping a civic club comprised of successful men and women already enjoying an established career and a lifetime of in-person connections, who just don’t happen to be “into” social media.

Third, wow. Wow: unbelievably cool, encouraging, stimulating, energizing to watch such a group embrace new ideas with boldness. Not sure exactly what the members of St. Davids will do with social media, but I can safely predict they’ll be a good model to watch.

Fourth, so glad NO ONE asked, “what’s the ROI of social media?” You see, that really isn’t the question. A better question is, “what problem am I trying to solve and what tools give me a good chance to solve it?” Maybe social media fits the bill perfectly. Maybe it doesn’t. Either way, it focuses on a more meaningful point—defining the problem to be solved.