Social Media & the Southern Independent Booksellers Alliance

There’s something about the independent retailers, those heartwarming “mom-n-pops,” that’s downright exciting. I’m thrilled to see SIBA (Southern Independent Booksellers Alliance) not only venture into leadership in social media, but to kick-off their bold endeavor in my hometown with the first Southern Social Networking Summit. Their efforts will bring Gary “Vee,” David Allen, and Dan Zarella into Greenville, South Carolina for a two-day conference at one of our flagship venues—Hyatt Regency.

Here’s my disclaimer:

1. I’m pumped to meet Gary Vee, David Allen, and Dan Zarella. Gary and Dan have taken the time to correspond with me via Twitter and email and I enjoy them as people. David Allen helped me see processes much clearer and has been a huge benefit to me. So, that means I’m one of those “that guy” fans.
2. The Hyatt Regency has helped me a ton with Social Media Club Greenville. They’ve also jumped in with both feet to support social media enthusiasts (and thereby, many small businesses in the area) too.
3. Finally, if you’ll look very closely on the agenda for SIBA’s Southern Social Networking Summit, you’ll see there’s a fabulous session to weave two days of learning into one wrap-up session. <insert huge smiley face here>

So, if you’re in the Upstate of South Carolina January 6-7, 2010, take advantage of the opportunity to meet Gary, David, and Dan, and then stick around to wrap it all up in the fabulous last session. If you want to meet with Gary Vaynerchuk for dinner on January 6, watch the SIBA event page and Table 301 for more information.

PS. Here’s a link to a PDF: How to Beat the Big Boxes—an article I wrote several years ago to encourage independents to stay in the fight and leverage the opportunities CREATED by the “Big Box” stores.