“Social media should improve your life, not become your life!”

- Patrick Driessen, Consultant and Executive Coach

Melissa Burnett, AAF San Antonio President, 2010-2011

As if social media wasn’t already the hot topic, it’s about to get topped with whipped cream and a cherry with the release of “The Social Network.” There is already lots of buzz about this being the “movie of the year.” While this remains to be seen, it is certain that social media has become an important marketing tool that has created invaluable networking opportunities. At the AAF District 10 Summer Leadership Conference in Memphis, Holly Hall spoke of the importance of building a personal brand through social media, utilizing familiar tools such as LinkedIn, Facebook and Blogger. While this may sound easy to some, there are some definite DOs and DON’Ts and the importance of having a plan can’t be stressed enough.

Part of that plan should be occasionally putting the laptop or smartphone down and networking IN PERSON. For the introverted among us, social media has made it easy to meet people through a screen, but never actually engage face to face. Don’t get me wrong, I love me some Facebook and LinkedIn. Neither, however, will ever replace the impact of a handshake and eye contact. Which brings me to the busy Fall we have planned, with plenty of opportunities to meet new and interesting folks, as well as catch up with some familiar faces.

On October 12, we’ll be hosting the program “Marketing Craft Beer in a Big Beer Brand World” at Freetail Brewery. This is a FREE event where you’ll hear from experts in the craft beer world, including Travis Poling, author of “Beer Across Texas”, and Kevin Brand from (512) Brewing Company. Did I mention this was a FREE event? With beer?! If you like talking about beer, this is a great networking opportunity for you!

And you don’t want to miss what’s happening on October 30th — Keoni’s Dead Masquerade Volleyball Tournament, benefiting the AAF San Antonio Scholarship Fund. If you’ve been to our volleyball tournaments, you know they’re a good time. Now imagine everyone playing in costume! Well worth the price of admission and proof that networking doesn’t always require business attire. =)

Other upcoming events include a bowling tournament on November 12 and an online media auction, which will kick off at our holiday social on December 1, so save the dates for both and look for details in future eblasts. And don’t look now, but it’s time to start thinking about the ADDYs®! For those who have entered in the past, you know that the call for entries deadline can creep up fast, so start making a list now of what you want to enter. Tim Patrick, 1st Vice President and this year’s ADDY chair, will be sending out information soon about important dates and details.

As you can see, we’re quite the busy bunch here at AAF San Antonio and I encourage you to come out to one, or ALL, of these events and get to know the great group of people who make up our industry. We’re living proof that networking IN PERSON can be fun! And if you’re looking for some networking tips, try “Networking Like a Pro: Turning Contacts Into Connections,”"Endless Referrals,” or one of the many great blogs on the subject.

And don’t forget to follow us on Facebook and Twitter. =)

Melissa Burnett
 2010-2011 President
AAF-San Antonio