Friday 28 September 2012

Frequently Asked Questions About SocialPRO Clubs


            Empowering Change Through Collaboration

SocialPRO Clubs-Shaping The Future Of Africa

 In 2012 social media has gone beyond just being Facebook friends and sharing funny videos you found on YouTube.  Today, social media has become a platform with the ability to change the world.  The team organizing the launch of social media (SocialPRO) clubs  in Kenya and East Africa want to bring together individuals, organisations and brands that want initiate global change. If you attended UNDP's Social Good Summit then you clearly understand how technology and social media platforms can bring change and solve the problems in the world. I would like to address a few of the questions that people frequently ask me regarding SocialPRO clubs.
      1.How will the clubs help the University students?
The core objective of these clubs is to teach, educate, create awareness and impart knowledge & skills of social media to the university students. These clubs will develop a talent pool of graduates with a solid understanding of digital media to bridge the knowledge gap and demand there is today for people with skills and expertise in various disciplines of social media. This will ensure students understand how to tap into the potential online and approach social media as a business & communication tool and a teaching aid to lecturers. These clubs will enhance collaboration, exchange of ideas among the students and the industry and nurture creativity because students especially shall be exposed to the limitless possibilities online. SocialPro clubs will also help university students refine their business ideas, find a high-potential commercial opportunity, gather resources such as talent & capital, figure out how to sell and market the idea and manage rapid growth. How? All the key partners they need for their start up ideas are on social media. There’s need to reach out to that innovative student in campus especially outside Nairobi and connect him to all these platforms, hubs, opportunities and information and that’s what SocialPro clubs will do. Lack of information or difficulty in accessing it is what stifles innovation in universities and SocialPro clubs will bridge that gap by making information available, provide a platform (both online and offline)for exchange of ideas and to share opportunities among university students thus boost collaboration.
It’s more like having hubs in these schools connected by social media. We’d like to use SocialPro clubs to tackle unemployment by using social media to connect university students to opportunities, information and key partners in the industry. This is meant to bridge the gap between the universities and the industry.
2.  Will the clubs be online i.e. will the students join and participate through pages/#tags etc…do you plan on having a website for the clubs?
Yes. First of all we want to create the interest at the university level in the pilot phase between October and December in the five universities. As we do the pilot phase, interested students can form an informal SocialPro club at the university, then we shall approach their university administration with a request of establishing a social media club in the university. With proper authorization then the interested students will conduct elections or nominate among themselves students to sit in the executive committee for a year. With a fully registered club at the university then the executive committee can recruit members.  For the launch and pilot phase we shall be working with already existing professional university clubs with bias to IT, Marketing & PR and AIESEC clubs in these universities.The conversation will be both online and offline. We are currently working on a site that enables connect all these clubs online that will be an information portal. Currently we have established a Facebook page and a group (SocialPro Clubs Kenya) you can join and be part of the community. These clubs will bring together different social media enthusiasts, speakers, developers, lecturers, bloggers, industry experts, digital agencies and organizations who have immensely contributed to the growth of social media in Kenya. However our primary target audience is the university students countrywide and the youth between 18 to 25. Our secondary audience will be lecturers, social media influencers and basically the Kenyan system and their perceptions towards social media.  After the pilot phase we shall be sending out weekly newsletters to all the participants since we will collect email addresses, urge students and lectures to subscribe to our newsletter on our interactive website with links to sources of vital information. This newsletter will tackle various issues on social media to deepen the understanding of social media. We shall also be holding quarterly contact talks in each university with an invited speaker, partner organization, our sponsors or by Social Edge Africa.
3. How will they be managed by students and what is the bigger objective?
Once we establish these clubs we shall handover their management to the students who will run them with the guidance of a patron. However in the first one year we shall work hand in hand with the students in the clubs executive committee to support them financially in their events, connect them to speakers and experts plus help them secure corporate sponsorship for their activities. We shall also work with the universities administrations to ensure these clubs get financial and technical support on ground and that lecturers participate in the events to learn more on digital media. We also intend to have a weekly session on twitter to engage different business leaders, organizations (Private, GOK and NGO’s) various topics of interest to university students and youths in general on Fridays from (9-10am) using #SocialPro. The idea is to provide an objective and professional platform for #KOT to debate and generate awareness on the impact of politics, leadership, governance, innovation, education, corruption, and media on the business environment. Each week we shall have a different topic, invite three or four panelists online and have #KOT engage them for an hour on the topic of the hour.
Besides that we shall also use the platform to sensitize university students and youths on responsible online behavior and how to use social media as a PRO. All this is meant to ensure the youths engage responsibly online especially regarding creating and passing hate messages online in this election period. Moreover we have seen a rise in porn pages, blogs and Twitter handles being created in the country by the young guys, through these clubs we shall let such people know how they can put social media into a better use, make a return on the time and money they spend online through engaging in economically beneficial activities online.
4. Except for the University of Nairobi launch, any other new developments?
We want to also use these clubs to help with the integration of EAC member states since social media platforms can help enhance that. Already a group of students in Rwanda want to work with us in introducing the concept there too. So far we have Kuza Biashara, Marketing Society of Kenya, Nairobi Hub and Ministry of Information & Technology as our partners but we are still engaging various other corporate and public sector organizations to support this noble cause.
We are also targeting lecturers for the following benefits
 1. Help lecturers embrace social media and learn how to integrate it into teaching.
2. Understand how to connect with their students on social media and gain valuable feedback, share information etc.
3.Help the lecturers embrace social media learn how to communicate, engage and interact with students on social media.
4. Establish processes that control the publishing and monitoring of their content online & globally.
5. Help lecturers understand how to publish their content on multiple networks,optimize it for a variety of multimedia formats and optimize it for many types of screens to ensure it’s viewed easily and consumed.
6. Help lecturers understand how to edit the content into a creative formats that entertains, educates and inspires.
7. Help them learn how to create and share content for the different types of media such as video and text.
8. Basically they will learn how social media can make their work easier and more fun



For more information do not hesitate to contact me through Muthurikinyamu@gmail.com. You can also support this initiative in kind or in cash a sponsor, partner, blogger, social media user & enthusiast (use #SocialPRO & share the links above) or by praying about the success of this noble idea. 

Wednesday 26 September 2012

5 Business Lessons From Social Good Summit Nairobi


Kenya and Nairobi was lucky to host the UNDP Social Good Summit this time round.  I will not write much about what the panelists discussed but I choose to focus on what I learnt. That has always been the reason why I attend these forums, conferences and events. I’d say the panelists we are amazing people, guys doing amazing stuff in various fields. It was great….nothing short of that! Better still, it was FREE, so we didn't pay a fortune to attend this powerful summit!!!! Does that hurt? I hope not but here’s 5 lessons I would like to share with you.


1.It’s okay to be crazy about what you do!
Dr Martins is seriously crazy about instects and their role in the ecosystem. He talked about them in such a dignified way; now that’s passion for what he does. One panelist after another all these people were totally sold out to what they are doing. SIMPLE!Don't pursue something for the money in it because at one point especially while starting out things are usually very thick. Gado spoke about how his cartoons used to take long to be approved but he kept on doing it. Today his cartoons do not take an hour to approve and he is one of the co-founders of Buni TV the company behind The XYZ Show that airs on Kiss TV. He has faced serious challenges especially in the Moi era when media had to write and publish good things about the president and some politicians.
2.    Information is power.
We live in a world where a few people know so much and the rest totally clueless of what's happening.  How and why? We have hardworking researchers, government institutions, private and non-governmental organizations as well as individuals who have the information or access to it but most of us do not bother to ask for it in as much as it is critical and very important. People or firms who have data that if transmitted to entities that need it would make a big difference in the society. On food security I remember Sue saying how farmers in Africa sell when there’s surplus! But there’s a solution to this, with social media platforms we can now create and share content with millions of people globally. The format of this content is what matters whether it shall be easily consumed or viewed easily. Social media will and is helping content producers publish their content on multiple networks, optimize it for a variety of multimedia formats for many types of screens to ensure it’s viewed easily and consumed. The problem with most of us is the willingness to know more, the hunger for more knowledge~Sorry to say but we are very ignorant! How many people even read the constitution?
3. Just Start-Do something-Seek Alternatives!
When I listened to the Makmende story by Just A Band on how they managed to go viral I could feel their ambitions and vision to make it out there. There are always challenges when you introduce something fresh, a new and easier way of doing things!
It all started with TV stations rejecting their music however since they felt they had cool music/content they uploaded it on YouTube, shared it and the rest was history! What lesson do you pick here? Most of the young guys especially tend to give up rather fast, we've all read of "Instagram" kind of success stories but we forget most of the companies took more that 4 years to get off the ground! We (youths) want to make money overnight, an upcoming artist wants to top charts with his/her first song (It's possible) but that never happens to most of us! In most cases we get paid by experience rather than cash~Take the lessons first and money will always come! Try, Re-DO, Keep Working, Try Again, Keep doing it....as you go through all this shit someone out there will see the potential in what you are doing! Could be an investor, press, customers, the government etc and when they support your initiative then the $$$$$ will flow your way! Isn't that what Planet Ruckus guys are doing? Wait for their new improved version of Ma3 Racer game!!!

4. There’s something in it for everyone on social media!
When it comes to social media I can preach for days about it but one simple thing you need to know about it is social media is a conversation and for you to benefit or realize the benefits you’ve got to participate in the discussion/conversation and off course to do that you’ve got to be PRESENT! Social media isn’t a fad anymore; it’s not a ‘thing’ for college students. From all the panelists from diverse professional backgrounds and they all had something/ or a story of how social media helped them achieve their objectives in one way or the other.  Social media is transforming lives, it’s here to stay and it will shape our future. It’s no longer an issue of whether YOU and I are on Facebook, not about the numbers we have but how well we engage our communities,  what matters now is how well we understand social media. Dr. Paula Kahumbu is using it on conversation, Emmanuel Jal is in it to spread peace and sell music, Anne Mitaru used it to raise funds for the famine hit areas, Egyptians used it to lead a revolution so what's in it for you???? Are you just there poking people girls?

5. Collaboration, connections and networks is key!
The video presentation by Ericson was good one, why? this is one company that's working to connect people across Africa. Bongo Hive's founder Lukonga talked about how he began an online forum that lead to what is currently Bongo hive. In 2012 social media has gone beyond just being Facebook friends and sharing funny videos you found on YouTube. Today, social media has become a platform with the ability to change the world.  That is why we are launching social media clubs who want to come together to initiate global change. There's need to join hands to fight and seek solutions to our problems in Africa. You can't solve the hunger problem alone in Africa, there's need to collaborate, work on our ideas, share information and exchange solutions. I liked the what Ericsson was doing with  Connect To Learn, eLimu Kenya with tablets for primary school kids in Kibera and the concept of smart cities. 

I must say the summit was a great learning experience for me! Seeing all those amazing people I follow on Twitter live as panelists on one stage was a big thing for me!!! Don't look surprised!! That's true! 

Before  I post this, I'd like to introduce to you social media clubs (SocialPRO) clubs that we are launching in universities starting this October.The tremendous growth of social media in business and communication has necessitated us to conceptualize and spearhead the formation of social media clubs dubbed (SocialPro clubs) in universities across the country. These clubs will bring together different social media enthusiasts, speakers, bloggers, industry experts, digital agencies and organizations who have immensely contributed to the growth of social Media in Kenya. SocialPro clubs will also create a platform that will enhance product and consumer engagement through creativity and innovation. The core objective of these clubs is to teach, educate students, create awareness, and impart knowledge & skills on social media. These clubs in a nutshell will unlock the limitless possibilities and potential on social media.
Below please find features online we've gotten so far on SocialPro clubs to acquaint yourself with SocialPro clubs. To support this initiative in kind or in cash or be part of the team drop me an email through Nateford@socialedge.co.ke



http://www.capitalfm.co.ke/campus/social-media-clubs-to-help-uni-students-network/

Tuesday 11 September 2012

24 Business & Life Lessons-The Best of The Best!

I thought it would be cool to share "What's on my mind" with those that didn't get a piece of the cake on my birthday. If you were lucky to have both then thank God for it-)). I have written 24 lessons, things I know or basically a few tips here and there that may be of help to you. Why? I love sharing what I know with YOU. It kinda makes me feel better plus it's my small way of passing knowledge; do enjoy my 24 tips!


1. Family is and will always be there for you. Don't burn bridges at home, your parents and siblings come in handy when no one else wants to talk to you! They are the people who will always receive you with open arms when the whole world turns against you! 

2.If you want to learn how to fly don't spend the day with ducks. The company you keep determines how far you can go, how connected you are to ideas, opportunities and deals. Well, not just that, something changes in you when you spend a few minutes with a smarter, more intelligent and brighter person. Spend time with such people and they'll open you up!

3.When life gets too tough think about these three things, 
1.Stop doing and observe,
2. Keep working harder or 
3.Look at the past and see what you could have done wrong! 
Should you stop and look back ensure you make the decision faster on whether to move on or quit! Don't hold on for too long to things that do not work! Pick the lessons and keep walking! Women for example tend to hold on for years on ideas, businesses and men that won't work! Blame it on pastors and motivational speakers -))

4.In life you get paid by two coins, cash will never come before experience not unless its a lottery! In short you've got to struggle, learn, be patient and be passionate about what you are doing and CASH will definitely follow you LATER!

5.The world doesn't owe you anything...the government is not your dad....your bank is not to blame for your financial woes.....the recession affected every business in your industry so quit complaining and plan ahead!

6. Don't worry; skills are cheap, passion is priceless. If you love and enjoy doing something then you'll be good at it very soon! Keep learning!
7. Capital is overrated. Money was invented to facilitate exchange of goods and services, not to limit ideas. We have what we need to make things happen. We just choose to think we need money to make it happen. ~ Evans Muriu. Let me not add anything here....this is the best quote I have come across in recent times!
8.  When someone says NO to you, take it as an opportunity to learn something new. Could be a girl, boss, parent or whoever....handle rejections positively. Don't drink or do weed 'kutoa stress' you'll get into more shit after that! I cannot count the number of times I have prepared slides or reports overnight to get "THAT'S CRAP MUTHURI" on my Gmail when I wake up! Please and I repeat PLEASE...learn how to positively handle these!
9. If you are a start up the only edge you have over the big boys is customer service. Don't start competing on price and huge discounts.....the bigger brands will easily fry you out with their huge budgets. Build a great product, deliver an excellent service, keep the clients happy and word about you spreads like bushfire. Should you choose to buy attention (advertising) as a small business rethink! Why? the bigger guys are on print, outdoor, digital and in all malls! You can't beat them on this!!!!
10. A good business is as good as the people it keeps. Don't hire monkeys and expect to get anything done! Work with smart guys, they don't come cheap though!
11. Never under estimate the power of PR. Nothing is as great and powerful as the media, certain influential guys and thought leaders saying you are nice or your product is AMAZING! 
12. If you still believe the world is unfair and only the rich get richer then you are as good as dead because you've given up on LIFE!
13. Work in the brand called YOU! That is what people buy first...if people can't trust you no matter how great your product or service is no one will buy! 
14. Don't go to school to get good grades, there's something called getting 'an education'. I hope you know the difference! Paper brilliance will get you a job but not a career!
15. When you turn a year older like I did yesterday look back at the 'old year' and see what you've achieved. I hope you've written down your goals or resolutions then match them to what you've achieved! Don't lie to yourself, be honest!
16. When you've looked at the past failures, successes and milestones covered then plan ahead! Lay down the strategy, plan for the new year and START working on it there and then! Start moving...keep walking...all you need will fall in place on the way!
17.  The best way to grow as a person is to invest in your skills. If you don't want to 'expire' soon keep reading more, learn new skills and acquire new knowledge. It doesn't have to be from a school; GOOGLE is all you need my friend! Download stuff...consume knowledge...listen to tutorials... and if you obey the good book ......give back! Create content and share it online to benefit others. You may have a simple blog where you share your thoughts, opinions and arguments on various issues...someone somewhere will find it useful!
18. Never underestimate the power of networking. The people you know matter or better still the people who know you well matter most! Getting to be known and in the right way is critical. Remember it's not what you tell people you are but what they tell others YOU are! So please ensure people say something positive about you when you are not around! In the world you'll never miss 2 or 3 people who passionately hate you, so a few guys will try pin you down!
19. Celebrate your small successes in a big way, NEVER talk about your problems to people who will not help YOU and finally always work on your weaknesses and bad habits one by one! (This is my game plan in LIFE)
20. Save the best for the last!!! What do I mean? This is a competitive world, where some businesses thrive while others are collapsing. I am just trying to say just ensure your enemies and friends don't know what's cooking!
21. Social media is here to stay...it's not a FAD, nor a dating site...these are networks that could change your life.We are launching SocialPro clubs to unlock the limitless possibilities on social media....make a date with us...25th Sept it is and experience this in person!
22. Drop and unfriend guys or people who fill you up with negative energy. Run away from guys who don't believe in your potential and are always talking about how this is or that is very hard to do or achieve! Walk away from people that laugh at your dreams and ideas. Keep the company of people who believe, people who want to see you succeed and support you in their small ways....hang out with people that discuss ideas and want to involve you on their projects....Seek platforms that develop the 'lion' in you because its your time ROAR!
23. Are you still with me? I hope you are.  The devil is in the details! Read the fine print! To add on that kindly ensure your engagement with your clients is legal and bound by a contract! People change so do not overlook the importance of having an agreement written down on paper and signed! It may not seem important at the beginning but when things go wrong you'll wish you had something signed!
24. Put GOD above everything! This had to come at No.24! Why? We always tend to think that sleeping and waking up is normal, breathing in and out is kawaida.....well there's someone up there who maintains the servers that make you function well! God is powerful and he's the author of our lives. He has good plans for each one of us...always keep that in mind and PRAY! Before you think about the other 23 points think about the role of God in your life! Do follow me on Twitter  @KenyanMarketer  and leave your comments, compliments, late birthday wishes and such on handle.
With the 24 lessons allow me to introduce my latest project or undertaking; the SocialPro clubs! What are they? kindly check the links below and be part of the platforms that will change and shape Africa in decades to come.
 
The launch of SocialPro clubs event on Facebook
https://www.facebook.com/events/268556733256155/
Resourceful links
Introducing social media clubs in universities
SOCIAL EDGE AFRICA SET TO LAUNCH SOCIAL MEDIA CLUBS
 http://muthurikinyamu.blogspot.com/2012/09/benefits-of-social-media-clubs-to.html

How Social Pro clubs will enhance learning in universities