On Monday, July 25, we hosted the very first #BBSMBchat. Most importantly, we want to stop and thank every single person who participated. We’d also like to thank our guests of honor and judges of the Small Business Influencer Awards, Anita Campbell and Ramon Ray. Since this was our first @BlackBerry4Biz Twitter® chat, we weren’t exactly sure what to expect, but I can honestly say that the chat exceeded all of our expectations. The insights shared by participants were incredibly thought provoking, and we were so impressed with the conversations that took place. #BBSMBchat wouldn’t have been possible without the fantastic participants who contributed their knowledge.
With almost two hundred of you joining us on Monday, #BBSMBchat was hard to keep up with! So much expertise was shared that I had to go back and read through the transcript again to make sure I didn’t miss anything. We talked about all topics related to small and medium businesses (SMB’s), including the importance of networking, social media, technology, and what inspires SMB owners. I’d like to share some of my favorite responses to a few of the questions, but I urge everyone to search the hashtag and check out some of the conversation. While the responses I highlight below are fantastic, there is so much more great conversation that I encourage everyone to take a look at. If there is one thing that was reinforced during #BBSMBchat last night, it is that when you own a small or medium business, your peers are the best source for new information, advice, encouragement and inspiration.
Q2: WHAT WAS THE BEST BUSINESS ADVICE YOU'VE EVER RECEIVED? WHO/WHERE DID IT COME FROM? #BBSMBchat—
Research In Motion (@BlackBerry4Biz) July 25, 2011
Best advice – stay true to your passion; #BBSMBchat—
Kate Thompson (@thompsonconsco) July 25, 2011
Quality questions create a quality life. Successful people ask better questions, and as a result, they get better answers. #BBSMBchat—
James Tsimopoulos (@nationwide_co) July 25, 2011
Be yourself, believe in the product or service. If the two never meet, then it's time to move forward. #BBSMBchat—
Trina Stewart (@Trina_Stewart) July 25, 2011
A2: Best biz advice: get in touch with your inner voice, your “gut.” It talks to you. Alone time is important. #BBSMBchat—
Anita Campbell (@smallbiztrends) July 25, 2011
Q9: HOW IMPORTANT IS IT TO COMMUNICATE WITH OTHERS IN THE SMB COMMUNITY IF ONLY FOR MORAL SUPPORT DURING STARTUP? #BBSMBchat—
Research In Motion (@BlackBerry4Biz) July 25, 2011
@BlackBerry4Biz A9 – communicating with peers be they competitors or not is critical and essential for your biz growth and sanity #bbsmbchat—
Ramon Ray (@ramonray) July 25, 2011
Q9: Knowing you're not alone in your endeavor helps. Having an example helps more. Having a mentor is priceless. #BBSMBchat—
Robert Brady (@robert_brady) July 25, 2011
We’ve had lots of requests to host another #BBSMBchat. We plan on hosting the next #BBSMBchat within the next month and as soon as we set the date we will let you know. Once again, I’d like to thank all of the participants for making #BBSMBchat a wonderful success. The @BlackBerry4Biz team had a fantastic time and we can’t wait to chat with you again soon!
