The land of the misfit Social Media enthusiasts…

There’s something about walking into a room full of people that know you, that makes the Twin Cities Social Media Scene feel like, home.

My first, “Social Media Breakfast,” was an experience like no other.  Connections were established that grew my business and aspirations, people were hugged and knowledge was gained.  More importantly? I learned that I wasn’t an outcast, or misfit because people, just like me, were using Twitter, LinkedIn and Facebook, while enjoying it.  As I grew professionally, speaking nationally and passionately about Social Media, I knew that those breakfasts and events had a dramatic impact on who I was becoming.  I was an online misfit: someone who wanted to change the world with connection and showing job seekers and companies the value of one, single, status update.  And no more, was I alone.  I learned about the #SMBMSP new pay model from MNHeadhunter and truly agreed with the decision.

I’m pro-$10. I think a hug from @MNHeadhunter is worth more, and when you add in one of @KayLoire’s incredible smiles- it all becomes priceless.  Tell me that a monthly check-in isn’t worth $10?

I’ll go to SMBMSP even though I know I’ll run into the ex and I’ll have to pull an awkward hello out of my pocket.  I’ll go even if I have to get up at 5am. (Did I just say, 5am?) Yup.  Single Parentdom and living in the far SW Metro mean dropping the poor kiddo off at 6am to get on the road in time enough to grab the last piece of bacon. I’ll go, because you all supported me and I am incredibly proud to know you.

@MyklRoventine and @RickMahn have worked ridiculously hard to build our community.   Instead of demanding everything for free and becoming, “social media elitists,” we need to remember all the people who sacrificed, planned and brought us together as a community.   I have no doubt that in the upcoming months, new and “FREE!” events will pop up.  To grow as a community, we need change.  However, if we cut ourselves off from where we gathered and met simply for $10, that’s a testament to how ‘cheap‘ we really are.   Cheap things break, and often when we buy a less-expensive version of something that has been working well to begin with, we are soon disappointed.  I’m all for healthy competition and growth, but I’m not for elitism.  Yes, communication was lacking about the change.  Yes, the State Fair is not the optimal environment to charge, but we couldn’t have expected free content forever.  We’re not all really that selfish, are we?

Will the $10 change mean that sometimes, I won’t be able to make it to Social Media Breakfast?  Maybe.   Budgeting means making difficult choices.  Will it mean that I don’t support an organization and group of people who truly deserve it? No way. It means I’ll make better choices, and look forward to seeing everyone that much more.   Seriously, guys.  Let’s cut the crap and support the people that built the Twin Cities Social Media Scene to what it is.  Purely, awesome.