By MELISSA RZEPPA, Class 23
Partner & PR Director – Serendipit Consulting
When you saw that Scottsdale Leadership started a blog, joined Facebook and started tweeting, did you ever stop to think why it was necessary? Perhaps your initial conclusion was that “everyone else is doing it” so we should, too.
Well, yes, everyone else is doing it, but importantly, Scottsdale Leadership is engaging through social media to speak out.
Like never before, people are using social media to have their voices heard. Millions of brands, organizations and municipalities are devoting full-time staff to Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, YouTube and many other outlets. Thousands of groups right here in Scottsdale are engaging in social media every day. Whether it’s the Chamber, the City, a non-profit, a multi-million dollar business or a mom-and-pop shop; you have instant access to each of them and they are listening to you.
So, how can you use social media to affect change in Scottsdale?
1. Be a grassroots activist.
Share your opinions about local issues, whether they are pertaining to education, development, tourism, politics… you name it. If you have an opinion, let it be heard! You could also support someone else’s opinion. Spread your message and share the facts so that others can educate themselves about the issue (you can do this by sharing links to websites or blogs with key information).
2. Promote events and meet people.
Social media is a perfect opportunity to share community events that you’re planning or attending. It might help you sell tickets, raise funds, or meet attendance goals. You may also generate media attention by promoting your events creatively through social media. Plus, when you share the events that are happening in Scottsdale, you’re helping to promote our amazing city to the world!
3. Say “thanks” to leaders who rock.
In Scottsdale Leadership, we learned the value of a simple thank you note (and of course, we shouldn’t forget that). But, you can also say “thanks” to leaders that you believe are doing a great job through social media. This is great because it’s not private and personal, it’s a public acknowledgment that you think someone has stepped up to lead our community.
Do you already use social media to speak out in Scottsdale? If so, how?
The Scottsdale Leader 
Awesome and right on. So glad you mentioned the opportunity to “thank” — a oft forgotten art. As a non-profit we have found social media more useful in connecting with our existing members and developing deeper relationships. Our socmed strategy has been to “pull and stay” rather than “spray and pray”. Personally, socmed has helped me develop greater relationships with my peers, secured speaking opportunities and maintain my relationship with CLASS 23 (of course). Thank you for the great post Melissa.
Thanks Mike! Saying thank you publicly through social media is a great way to show appreciation and to create lasting relationships.
Melissa,
Thank you for the great article on Social Media. This applies not only to business in general but also to non-profits!
Have a great day!