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Restaurants using Social Media with Yelp, Facebook and Twitter – A Network Solutions Event recap

Steve Fisher — Wed, 20 May 2009 20:30:30 +0000

This morning I was down at Busboys and Poets in Washington, DC off of K and 5th Street to attend an Networks Solutions and Yelp! co-sponsored event that included chefs, restaurateurs and food bloggers and the topic of social media. It was very well attended and successful event that began with the discussion of social media tools. Many in the room were trying to use some of the tools and others just starting. What everyone seemed to share was a sense of power that is contained in these tools especially when it comes to hearing feedback and communicating directly with patrons before and after their visit to a restaurant. Restaurants such as Indique, Equinox, Mio and Lebanese Taverna were in attendance and shared bad experiences with social media but also cited some examples of its power for good and the recognition of great customer service and/or overall experiences. Many are amazed at how these tools are bringing them new customers and taking “Word of Mouth” or “Trusted Recommendation” to a whole new level.

In fact, there were a number of food bloggers and reviewers there and their influence is felt by the restaurateurs and customers alike. Yours truly thanked DC Concierge for her recommendations because some were so good they helped get me a second date. As for the third and there after I was on my own, but I digress…

On-Demand Stream of the “Social Media for Restaurants” session below:

With Great Power Comes Great Responsibility, except for “Anonymous”

One of the biggest frustrations of restaurateurs is how the “anonymous” reviewer is at the same level that food critics are who put their names in a byline and stand by their reviews. While that sentiment is not new, the conversation changed course toward the customer service tactic of offering incentives to come back if there is a bad review or experience communicated on those social media channels. Could this give reviewers on sites like Yelp! a power trip to be nasty and get free stuff in return for their influence? I don’t think it is that evil it was a very heated debate which you can catch on the video above.

Other Coverage Around the Web:

Chefs: Should We Be Tweeting? Yelping? Facebooking? – Top Shelf Column on Washington Business Journal by Missy Frederick

Social Media for Restauranteurs – A Network Solutions and Yelp Event

Steve Fisher — Tue, 19 May 2009 19:20:37 +0000

LIVE EVENT :

This Wednesday, May 20, 2009, Network Solutions and Yelp are putting on an event here in the DC area that is focused on helping restaurants understand how to use social media tools like Yelp, Twitter, Blogs and Facebook to reach new customers and keep in touch with restaurant regulars and turn them into not only fans but promoters of their business.

The event is being held at Busboys and Poets in Washington, DC and is invite only but if you want to come, email Shashi Bellamkonda to see if space is available. You can reach him at sbellamkonda [at] networksolutions [dot] com for those details.

If you can’t make it, it will be broadcast live and replayed!

For those of you not able to attend, we will be hosting the show on our Livestream (formerly Mogulus) channel. Here is the planned format:

•    8:40 am: Introduction and welcome
•    8:45 am: Online media for restaurants
•    9:15 am: Restaurateur Round Table Discussion
•    9:45 am: Discussion between bloggers and restaurant owners
•    10:15 am: Event Wrap Up

What You Will Get from this Event

How restaurants currently use online social media tools like like Twitter, Blogs, Facebook and of course, Yelp.
- Best Practices for Twitter, FB and blogger outreach
- Using Twitter — explain followers/following, link sharing and RT
- Using Facebook – explain groups, events, etc.

Local Examples of these tools already being used
California Tortilla
Clyde’s
Eatonville

Benefits of using these tools
- Reaching a fan base/audience that already likes your restaurant = word of mouth marketing
- Reaching a fan base/audience where they are already interacting — go to the social networks where they are
- Engaging with customers, keep them coming back = customer service
- Promotions and special deals for online fans via Twitter and Facebook

So either check us out on our Livestream (formerly Mogulus) channel or reach out to Shashi to see if there is a seat left to come to the event.

*All trademarks, service marks and logos (the “Trademarks”) used are registered and unregistered Trademarks of Network Solutions LLC or their respective owners.

Rohit Bhargava and Network Solutions Beat Back the Monsoons

rajmalik — Fri, 06 Jun 2008 18:38:06 +0000

On an evening with storms right out of the movie Monsoon Wedding, Network Solutions hosted its first networking meet-up featuring author and speaker Rohit Bhargava. This was the event that sold out in less than one hour after invitations were sent out. More than 40 attendees made it through heavy traffic, tornadoes and a torrential downpour. In addition, the event was broadcast live online.
The evening featured networking and Rohit’s enlightening and educational discussion about his new hit book “Personality Not Included: Why Companies Lose Their Authenticity And How Great Brands Get it Back.

Rohit’s talk covered a wide range of issues from stories out of his book to fun facts he learned while he put together his book. Throughout the evening the in-person and online audience was super engaging and peppered Rohit with questions dealing with a variety of topics including the need today for not only large businesses and non-profits but also small businesses to create an engaging brand while also having a unique personality.

During the presentation, Rohit covered examples of companies that have effectively engaged the online community and ways for marketing and differentiating yourself as a small business.

In response to one question from the audience, Rohit provided a roadmap for small businesses that are just starting out on how to begin the process of building a brand, a unique personality and most importantly a relationship with the community.

Missed the evening for some reason ? Watch it here. http://blip.tv/file/965449/

Also do not worry, Network Solutions is planning more of these events so please say tuned. Add your name here to be notified of future events http://solutionsarepower.com/event-registration/. We want to see you at the next event.

Photos credit : Nahum Gershon

Special thanks to Jonny Goldstein for being a great moderator on Wednesday evening, Scott Stead for doing a fantastic job for coordinating the live stream on the web, Jill Foster for her super hard work pulling together all of the details of the event and finally Busboys and Poets for the wonderful set-up and food.

For those of you out there who have never been to Busboys and Poets, check it out. It is really a great place in the U Street corridor. Also thanks to all of the attendees. We know you could have easily gone home and skipped this event and stayed out of the pouring rain.
Thanks for making the event a success. Last of all, please feel free to send us any suggestions about this event or suggestions for future events.

We can’t wait to hear from you.

Blogs and buzz about the event.