by Sarah

So, yesterday the idea that Tim, Paul and I had to start a social media cafe in Derby (and indeed around the county) became a reality.

The first meeting of was held, informally, in the cafe bar at Quad Derby yesterday (1 October 2009)- and a big thanks must go to them for hosting us and supporting this idea.

The conversation was flowing, just as we hoped it would, and we’ve had a great response so far – there will definitely be more meets!

Some of the things I talked about with people and found really useful / interesting included: Google Sidewiki and Wave; promoting and getting organisations to move forward online; monitoring social media both from a ‘knowing your audience’ and a ROI point of view; managing reputation online; being and managing online workers and of course, how the social media cafe is going to continue.

How is the cafe going to continue?

Well, it will definitely meet again in Derby and at the moment I am thinking it might be nice to meet in early December.

I’d propose we meet in a dedicated space this time and have something more formal to head up the session – a case study or debate for example – with an informal networking event afterwards.

What I’d like people to let me know (either comment here, tweet me or through the Facebook group) is:

• What day of the week and time is best for you? A few people have said evening would be better – how do people feel about this?
• Do you have any suggestions for the ‘formal’ part? Would you like to volunteer to run a session on something?
• Is there anything else you would like to do to be involved with the cafe?

I’ll set up some sort of event listing where people can register their interest and then we can look at a suitable venue and get the date and time organised.

The Derby meet will be alongside taking the cafe out around the county. There will be a meet in Matlock on 3 December and I’d really, really appreciate hearing from anyone who would be interested in coming along or help organise this one!

Who came yesterday?

I said I’d post the attendance list up so people could follow each other and continue conversations online. If I’ve missed anyone please forgive me and give me a nudge to add you on! Most people seem to be using Twitter as their main online identity at the moment but if you have another space you’d rather use (or think we should look at) then let me know. Here’s the list:

• Sarah Lay
• Paul Cole
• Tim Cooper
• Alistair Smith
• Russell Tanner
• Ben Spiller
• Nik Hewitt
• Darren Holden
• Nigel Brunsdon
• Sophie Ballinger
• Lee Flanaghan
• Dan White
• Neil Cauldwell
• Emily Robe
• Graham Pyman
• Richard Mackney
• Simon Mackney
• Robin Morley
• Sian Hoyle
• Ruth Myring
• Jessica from Quad

I’d like to say a massive thanks to everyone who came and turned our idea into a reality. I look forward to continuing the conversations online and seeing you all (and more people too!) at the next meet.