I led quite an interactive social media discussion and workshop last Sunday afternoon in Huntington, West Virginia (more info here). It was a 3-hour seminar and I have to say, it was rather intensive. I purposefully did NOT have Microsoft PowerPoint slides because I really wanted to just engage attendees in a strong exchange of ideas, thoughts and commentary. And boy ... did I get what I had hoped for! The workshop was really interesting. Attendees had some super questions, were very hungry about the topic of social media marketing and really had many of their own comments and opinions to share which was just great.

But as always, not just in this workshop but in practically every single class, course, seminar, workshop and conference I've ever organized and/or led ... there's always at least ONE person (sometimes more than one but always one) that, no matter what you have to share, impart and contribute, they are just not "sold" on new ideas or a new way of thinking, in general. Sometimes, they just don't get it ... meaning the subject matter may have been a bit ambitious for them to take on and perhaps really needed a more basic foundation or course.

Other times, however, you may experience The Pocahontas Effect, a term I am coining after having been inspired by one of the attendees last weekend. This attendee, a well meaning gentleman and Baby Boomer who lives in Pocahontas County, West Virginia, was ... I think by far, to date, absolutely the most skeptical person I have come across with regard to the specific topic of social media.

So strong was this man's skepticism that he used very strong words in an effort to express his view towards mostly anything related to social media. Words like "hype," "fad" and "fickle" were some of various adjectives he used to describe his thoughts and opinions. Later in the workshop, he even expressed his belief that targeting folks on social networks with any messaging is unwelcome and even down right manipulative. Wow! That was new for me. Still, the man continued. He shared with the attendees that "this stuff" was being "sold" to everyone as the way to go online but who really has the time, who's really on these networks, why should anyone care, who wants to receive all this information (if they didn't ask to) ... and oh yes ... who is patrolling the information being shared to make sure things aren't so skewed.

Yeah ... ok.

Here's the deal ... this man -- whom I'll simply refer to as J -- is just precious. He meant well ... and despite his intensive, inquisitive nature, he really wanted to understand what this social media stuff is all about. But let's back up for a second. I need to give you some perspective first. You should know this man lives in a very rural county of West Virginia. He indicated that the age of the population in this county is, on average, 50+ and most folks do not have access to the internet. So ... HOW can all this social media stuff work in a place like Pocahontas County?? Huh?? Huh??? Huh??? Tell me, Mayra ... tell me now! LOL :)

OK ... actually, I've been asked these kinds of direct questions before. The answer, my answer, is not a perfect one. Basically ... it (social media) can work ***IF*** you let it. Yes, it may be challenging to reach folks in a rural area BUT that should NOT be a deterrent nor should it be the reason to NOT engage or embark on social activity and conversation. Just because the majority of folks are unable to access the information due to limited or lack of broadband issues, this does not mean that EVERYONE has limited internet access. Even if that minority of folks who do have internet access is really a super small group, say ... less than 5% of your population, hey ... that is *something* to work with; this segment is a wonderful niche community and could offer a solid starting point so why not start there? Why negate social media engagement and ignore this small segment of folks with internet access only because the masses do not have access??

offer various options for ALL parties, not just the majority

Call me crazy. No ... better yet, how about a crazy optimist :) but I just don't think that "limited broadband access" by the masses is a good enough reason to NOT attempt to communicate via social means. Clearly, in such extreme cases such as the one the man described in Pocahontas County, communication is ALREADY happening without social media. Social media should not and could not replace existing communications means given the spotty broadband in this county... but it could help complement and augment existing forms of outreach because, again, there is a small micro population that does have access to the internet. These folks could even assist in the delivery of the information to the masses through word-of-mouth because they would help to disseminate information to their fellow neighbors, family members and friends.

mature people *are* online ... just fyi

Additionally, I must say that another point of resistance J had was the age population of his county, which he stated is a much older demographic. But in the audience was another gentleman, Pete, who was clearly an "older man" ... I would have to guess in his 60s (Pete, if you are reading this and you are YOUNGER than 60, please forgive!!! LOL).

Pete was/is a live, breathing example (sitting just 3 seats away) of a mature male who was/is clearly quite active on Facebook, MySpace and other social networks. So the claim that "older folks" aren't out there engaging socially was rather debunked somewhat by Pete who was very vocal during the workshop, sharing specific experiences he's had online via his own engagement on the social web. Moreover, most recent research about traffic on social networks clearly indicates that a growing segment on Facebook in particular is by people 55 and older (more women than men but definitely an older population as a whole).

not much headway, it seems

Alas, much of what I or other attendees shared with J did not to penetrate through his adamant position but that's ok. In the end, you can't win them all, right??? Plus, my job was not to push any agenda; rather ... I was there to share, educate and impart information about social media engagement, outreach and communication. Bottom line: social media engagement in all kinds of communities *is* happening, like it or not, want it or not, agree or not.

hmmm .... this is interesting!

I wanted to learn more about Pocahontas County after my J experience so when I got settled into my hotel for the night, I did a quick Google search for the keyword term "Pocahontas County WV." The very first item to come up in the organic search results is a link to "Pocahontas County, WV - Nature's Mountain Playground" which takes you to http://www.pocahontascountywv.com. And wouldn't you know it but smack dab on the home page (above the header, in fact), this site showcases links to a WordPress blog, a Twitter account and a Facebook page. AND ... the Facebook page has 630 fans!!!

Ok, I feel somewhat validated :)  ... J had me thinking for a few minutes there that I was absolutely nuts to ever think for even the smallest nano-moment that perhaps at least *some* folks in Pocahontas County might already be engaging socially ??? I mean, c'mon people ... I know that I am nuts, this is true LOL ... but there's always a method to my madness, trust me!