SAP Salon: Social Media and Online Communities

Next week we will have two amazing events at SAP Labs. On Thursday evening we have the Green Tomorrows Future Salon with Jamais Cascio.

Microsoft veteran Sean O'Driscoll who started his own consulting company will present on Tuesday morning from 10:30am to 11:30am. He has brought the Microsoft MVP program from 1000 to 4000 members. Of all the people I met, he is the one that understands and communicates best what the opportunities and challenges are regarding communities in a business environment.

Social Media and Online Communities:  If you could only leverage what your customers know.

Abstract:

We've been inundated with a wave of new buzz words...Web 2.0, Social Media, Communities, Social Productivity, Influencers, Marketing 2.0...This session will provide a business explanation of what Social Media is, why it matters to a business and most importantly how to operationalize it in a global business environment.  We'll explore a strategy development model for engaging with Social Media  and a framework for establishing a long term approach to ROI.  And finally, we'll look at the Microsoft MVP program as a best practice and framework for tapping into the influencer/enthusiast population to drive word of mouth, brand affinity, product quality and online success.

If you are in Silicon Valley please join us on Tuesday the 26th of February from 10:30-11:30am at SAP Labs in the Co-Innovation Lab 3410 Hillview Avenue, Palo Alto. You can also join the WebEx and audio conference: https://sap.webex.com/sap/j.php?ED=91409712&UID=45623552 Meeting number: 741 648 207 Meeting password: sapsalon Audio Conference: US & Canada: 866-331-0889 International: 803-477-2002 Participant Code: 899684

Bio : Sean O'Driscoll is a recognized industry leader on social media and founder of CGT Consulting, an independent consultancy focused on applying social media and influencer programs to driving business strategy and long term results.  CGT was founded to bridge the enthusiasm for social media and communities to real world business objectives that drive value across the innovation, sales & marketing and customer service & support functions.  Prior to founding CGT, Sean was a 15 year veteran at Microsoft Corporation.  In his most recent capacity as General Manager, Community Support Services, Sean was responsible for developing social media and community-based support models and leading the worldwide MVP program. The MVP program was designed to award and recognize amazing individuals in technical communities around the globe who share a passion for technology and the spirit of community.  Sean continues to support Microsoft as a strategic advisor on customer communities, Word of Mouth and Influencer program strategy.  Sean graduated from Pacific University (92) in Forest Grove, Oregon, with degrees in business administration and philosophy. He now lives just outside Seattle, Washington, with his wife Kari, and two daughters, Erin and Lauren.