1. Social Media Challenge
Mason SBDC— Fairfax, Arlington, Prince William
4031 University Drive, Suite 200 | Fairfax | Virginia | 22030 | MS1B6 | www.sbdc.org | help@sbdc.org | Phone: 703-277-7747 | Fax: 703-277-7722
Mason SBDC is funded through the Virginia SBDC Network and George
Mason University-Mason Enterprise Center at the School of Public Policy
and through a cooperative agreement with the U.S. Small Business
Administration. All opinions, conclusions, or recommendations expressed
are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the views of SBA.

2. Mason SBDC took the social media challenge in 2009.
“Can social media solve business needs
and enhance service at Mason SBDC?”
4031 University Drive, Suite 200 | Fairfax | Virginia | 22030 | MS1B6 | www.sbdc.org | help@sbdc.org | Phone: 703-277-7747 | Fax: 703-277-7722
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3. Mason SBDC committed to a social media plan.
• Mason SBDC social media plan solved 3 major business needs:
• Facebook http://www.facebook.com/posted.php?id=119000722685
• Twitter http://twitter.com/masonsbdc
• LinkedIn Mason SBDC Client Network
http://www.linkedin.com/groups?gid=2144011
• LinkedIn Mason SBDC Volunteer Network
http://www.linkedin.com/groupInvitation?groupID=1505397&sharedKey=2EC4F1424086
• iTunes http://deimos3.apple.com/WebObjects/Core.woa/Browse/gmu.edu.2206017418
• MEC in the MEC: Making Entrepreneurship Core at the Mason Enterprise Center
• Strategic Partner Portal www.masonsbdc.ning.com
• Website www.sbdc.org
4031 University Drive, Suite 200 | Fairfax | Virginia | 22030 | MS1B6 | www.sbdc.org | help@sbdc.org | Phone: 703-277-7747 | Fax: 703-277-7722
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4. Social media provided solutions to our business need-
strengthen the Mason SBDC brand.
• Strengthen the Mason SBDC brand
– Build client awareness of services and events
– Consistent with all online intake process
– Integrated into email/phone confirmations and reminders
– Target new groups of entrepreneurs
– Supplement individual, group, and print efforts through an
online presence
– Leverage networking effects and word of mouth marketing
– Enhance search engine rankings for Mason SBDC
– Provide a means to obtain testimonials
4031 University Drive, Suite 200 | Fairfax | Virginia | 22030 | MS1B6 | www.sbdc.org | help@sbdc.org | Phone: 703-277-7747 | Fax: 703-277-7722
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5. Social media provided solutions to our business need-
establish a referral mechanism.
• Establish a referral mechanism
– Online, 24/7 resource available for clients
– Unbiased method and due diligence transfer
– Encourage business opportunities within our network
4031 University Drive, Suite 200 | Fairfax | Virginia | 22030 | MS1B6 | www.sbdc.org | help@sbdc.org | Phone: 703-277-7747 | Fax: 703-277-7722
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6. Social media provided solutions to our business need-
help clients market themselves.
• Create an option for an online presence for clients
– Marketing outlet for clients
– Establish expertise in areas when questions are posed
– Community creation between volunteers, staff, and clients
– Encouraging client partnering opportunities outside of
Mason SBDC
– Podcasting episodes
4031 University Drive, Suite 200 | Fairfax | Virginia | 22030 | MS1B6 | www.sbdc.org | help@sbdc.org | Phone: 703-277-7747 | Fax: 703-277-7722
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7. Social media solved 3 needs and taught us 3 lessons.
• Creating a social network takes time.
– Promotion is a commitment.
• Social media requires adaptability.
– Technology changes daily.
• Services/event promotion is dramatically increased.
– Referral by word of mouth electronically has shown
benefits in both our client and volunteer recruitment.
4031 University Drive, Suite 200 | Fairfax | Virginia | 22030 | MS1B6 | www.sbdc.org | help@sbdc.org | Phone: 703-277-7747 | Fax: 703-277-7722
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8. Mason SBDC committed to a 2010 social media plan.
• Youtube
• SMS
• Facebook
• Twitter
• LinkedIn Mason SBDC Client Network
• LinkedIn Mason SBDC Volunteer Network
• iTunes
• MEC in the MEC: Making Entrepreneurship Core at the Mason Enterprise Center
• Strategic Partner Portal
• Website
4031 University Drive, Suite 200 | Fairfax | Virginia | 22030 | MS1B6 | www.sbdc.org | help@sbdc.org | Phone: 703-277-7747 | Fax: 703-277-7722
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9. Questions
Mona Salisbury
703-277-7708
mona@sbdc.org
4031 University Drive, Suite 200 | Fairfax | Virginia | 22030 | MS1B6 | www.sbdc.org | help@sbdc.org | Phone: 703-277-7747 | Fax: 703-277-7722
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10. Social Media Challenge
Mason SBDC— Fairfax, Arlington, Prince William
4031 University Drive, Suite 200 | Fairfax | Virginia | 22030 | MS1B6 | www.sbdc.org | help@sbdc.org | Phone: 703-277-7747 | Fax: 703-277-7722
Mason SBDC is funded through the Virginia SBDC Network and George
Mason University-Mason Enterprise Center at the School of Public Policy
and through a cooperative agreement with the U.S. Small Business
Administration. All opinions, conclusions, or recommendations expressed
are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the views of SBA.