In addition to talking about BView and tools we can add we also talked about PR, the changing role of PR and what PR means to businesses at either end of the size spectrum.

Jonathan Hopkins was with us and his general views on PR are captured well on this post on his blog. In summary: the Internet has/is changing the function of PR and those that work within the industry from an external, arms length agency to a day-to-day advisory role. This is scary for large businesses but awesome for small businesses where PR can be done more easily and more directly using sites like BView where businesses can connect and talk directly with customers. Another interesting point made was that working with the platforms now that will facilitate engagement in the future is far better than trying to work on those platforms in the future i.e. get in early and be part of the team that helps build the platforms people use.

Oh, and the food was good especially the Prawns and the Lamb Sula. The Leaf has always been a favourite haunt of ours and they have treated us well.

We’ll be having another get together soon and if you’d like to come a long and get to know us a bit better or add some ideas to the mix then contact me via private message.

Although this event was initiated by Lloyd Davis, a blogger on the Social Media scene, it is a partly self-managed affair where anyone with an interest in social media can contribute to its future development via the wiki. It’s a good example of how offline events can help sustain online relationships. Perhaps in not-too-distant future BView will be able to host their own “offline” events to enhance the “online” community. Suggestions for the 1st BView meet-up anyone??

As always, the value of this kind of event is to see how other people are building/nuturing their communities; exploring potential business opportunities with people working in similar areas and perhaps more importantly spreading awareness of the BView site with REAL people! Definitely worth a visit for anyone interested in these areas.