This week we wanted to get away from the computer and head back into the real world to check out the local LA crypto scene. Marketing online to promote Steemit is one thing but getting out into the world is a great way to gauge where steemit stands in the world of blockchain.
The event was well attended with an estimated 80 people at various levels of experience in Crypto listening to a couple of speakers. The subjects ranged from Blockchain 101 to how to get on an exchange. There was a lot of good information, especially for noobs but it was the question and answer session that got interesting.
No matter how the moderator wanted to steer the conversation, everyone just wanted to know how to make money.
Don't Focus on The Money
That was the answer every time someone asked. No matter how they angled their question the speakers shut them down. Most of the questions were about this and that ICO, others were about when to sell and when do buy.
So finally the moderator said "look folks, change your focus". If you want to invest in crypto that's awesome but invest in ideas. My eyes lit up because I realized I was in the right place. He went on to say, invest in ideas that you believe in and have utility. Invest in ideas that disrupt the status quo and truly decentralize.
What He Really Meant Was Steemit!
Well, in theory he meant that lol. But it's true. Steemit does all of those things. Then like out of a movie script, the next question was about Steemit. I was in my happy place and listened to the answer. He said, "I like Steemit". And that was it lol.
The audience member pushed him further and asked if he should invest.
Of course the moderator said he doesn't give investment advice but Steemit is not an investment. It's decentralized Social Media. He asked the audience member if he spent time on social media and said that should answer the question. Then it was on to complaining about Bitcoin.
But, I scanned the room during the Steemit question to see who was paying attention and reacting. At the end of the talk, I made sure to speak to everyone of those people. After 10 minutes there was a crowd of 10 to 15 people asking about Steemit.
I got a lot of business cards and will guide these folks onto the platform and to an investment in Steem when they are ready.
What we learned about Steemians in the Wild
- Go out into the real world. Meet Ups are fun and they are profitable
- Literally nobody in the general public knows about Steem
- Everyone who is intimidated by Crypto, is relieved to know they can participate in Steemit
- If you are a member of Steem already, you are one of the lucky ones. Steemit will grow by leaps and bounds.
Promote, Engage & Help!
"Go out into the real world." it really is the most important point at there.
It really is word of mouth marketing still works!
"So finally the moderator said "look folks, change your focus". If you want to invest in crypto that's awesome but invest in ideas."
Top marks from me. Like it.
Thank you!
Good stuff. I wish he would have said a bit more about Steemit. But hey it's definitely a start. I think when you get out there in public it should eventually be an easy sale for all of us : Social Media that pays you for Content and interacting with the Community.
That's a great Market differentiation and a Game changer, imo :).
Thanks @steemmarketing for detailing your experience at this LA meeting
P.S. Nice hustle with the cards @steemmarketing. Wow, haven't really thought about that. But what a wonderful way to continue building this wonderful platform called Steemit ;)
Thank you so much. We have so many great steemit promotions happening offline this year we will be sure to share!