Most of us would agree that we are amidst a “social media revolution.”  I sure do!   There are 5,877,198 users on Twitter as of today! (via http://twitter.grader.com/) And yet the majority of small businesses nationwide are still wondering how to monetize their efforts. (And that’s if they even know what social media is!)  Everybody wants to know, “How do we connect with real people that will buy from us?”  The question I found myself asking was, “What are MY criteria for doing business with someone I’ve only met online via twitter?”  Bottom line?  (Considering a sizable purchase…)  I need to talk to someone either on the phone, video chat or preferably face-to-face!

#OCBrunch at @WoodysWharf!

I believe trust is built through extended conversation and interaction in its purest form.  And absolutely YES, your blog, website and social media presence is a great way to publicly display your industry knowledge and in-turn build credibility.  But there is still nothing like looking into someone’s eyes while shaking their hand.  All of the important connections that you make via twitter,  MUST be solidified in a more personal environment.

In the short but extensive time I’ve spent on twitter, I have come to the conclusion that twitter is one of the best, if not THE best way to be connect with businesses you used to have a hard time connecting with.  And when you make that connection, you need to meet these important people on the phone, over video chat (available on our TOOLBAR below) or preferably face-to-face!  Doesn’t it make perfect sense? It almost felt like a “DUH!” moment for me but a great one!

EVERY SINGLE TIME @KogiBBQ tweets out where their next stop is going to be, they are essentially starting another “tweetup!” Call it what you wanna to call it, but they are making a killing! @KogiBBQ is a VERY successful example of how a “small business” is utilizing twitter.   Just follow them and check out the line of people they have waiting at every location!

So what’s my point? Get active in social media!  Engage in conversations, find out who the movers and shakers are and where the next live networking event is!  If there isn’t one in your area.. host your own!  Bring in sponsors to provide free gifts and goodies!  And don’t forget to pay close attention while you’re talking to your new friends and ask them what kind of connections they are looking for!  You can potentially be the one who introduces them to the contact of their dreams! Wouldn’t that feel great?  Reciprocity is the real deal and you know this!

We (@MerchantJuice) hosted the first #OC Brunch Business Social last Sunday atWoody’s Wharf in Newport Beach, CA!  Networking with potential business partners and clients with a famous All-You-Can-Drink Champagne Brunch?  What more can you ask for? It was a great turnout and new connections were definitely made! Check out the slide show!

VIEW IN FULLSCREEN or use the Cooliris browser in the TOOLBAR below!

Special thanks to @PosiMotion – Official Sponsor of #OCBrunch!

Congrats to all the winners of @PosiMotion‘s G-Park App!

Featured on Apple’s 3G Commercial!

The #OCBrunch will now be occurring on a monthly basis and we are expecting the numbers of attendees to triple with ease! So please!  Host your own event while attending everyone else’s! We planned, organized and put on this event in THREE days flat!  (See our INVITE through www.twtvite.com) You can do the same!  Reach out and connect with your community!  And as long as you are providing them with value, know that you will receive the same in return!

Go Google “twitter” and “social media” “for business!”  Read the articles about the crepe shop in San Francisco and KogiBBQ in LA!  Find out why the top 100 revenue generating companies in the Fortune 500 are ALL active in social media!  Catch your attention yet?  Start testing out twitter and implementing some simple strategies that you’ll read about!  Your business will thank you!

Tags | Bryan Tepus, business, kogi bbq, MerchantJuice.com, Michael Hsiung, networking, OCBrunch, PosiMotion, Social Media, social networking, tweetups, twitter, utilize twitter for business