Why the Masterclass matters to socialgov: A note from GSM founder

When I invited a couple of social media colleagues to teach a Masterclass with me, I had one goal in mind — to solve the #1 pain point we kept hearing over and over again from social media professionals in government: “I’m understaffed, overloaded and trying to get all the things done as a social media team of one.”

Just to be sure, our team set out to survey our large community of govies, asking them to name their biggest challenge. Sure enough, our hunch was confirmed — being understaffed was hands-down today’s most significant problem for people handling public sector social media. 

This knowledge prompted us to do something we’ve never done before…. plan a one-day training laser-focused on solving one very specific challenge. And with nearly 200 government social media professionals already signed up for SocialGov Masterclass: Solutions for Teams of One, happening in less than one week online on Jan. 13, 2021, we know our community needs this. 

My next question was – who can help teach this? I knew exactly who to bring in – Nikki Sunstrum, a revered social media leader in higher education – with a solid background before that in leading social for the State of Michigan. She’s the woman that last spring was like, what? SXSW is cancelled due to the pandemic? Let me volunteer to organize a free, community-run virtual event with several of the speakers to give the people something of the experience they crave. And plan, execute and deliver on that vision in just days. Man, I love people who can get shit done. 

I also knew I had to tap Sabrina Merritt – a smart businesswoman who strategically brings the best private industry techniques to her government clients. And she’s one of the few who knows exactly how to balance this fantastic mashup in a way that borrows what’s working right now in private sector while keeping the integrity of the government brand. And she loves data and teaches others to see it differently, too. 

We’re planning an experience like we’ve never done before. We’ve crowdsourced the best advice from other busy professionals like you, and are drawing from years of experience. Will you be joining me, Nikki and Sabrina on Jan. 13? Time’s running out to invest in your wellbeing and make this easy decision. 

Here’s how you can be a part! 

Best communicate with the public you serve by becoming a part of the free Government Social Media network — only available to full/part-time employees of government or educational institutions. Virtually collaborate with each other, share advice, get input, tips & more by joining the Government Social Media network today. 

We support the largest network of government social media professionals in the U.S. by guiding government agencies through complex social media issues. Government Social Media helps you successfully communicate with the public you serve, protect your agency and keep public trust while finding your support community. 

Interested in submitting a blog for your socialgov community? Just reach out to Sarah with your topic idea!