Thanks to dancing Rihanna GIFs, soul-stirring philosophy and appearances by top creators, #blkcreatives has established itself as the lunch table for cool visionaries on the internet. Founded by Melissa Kimble, the popular Twitter chat started with a dream and a need to speak to hustlers who wanted to dominate the inner work just as much as the projects they worked on. Almost five years later, #blkcreatives has separated from the pack of Twitter chats to create a breath of fresh air for young Black bloggers, designers and artists.
Twitter chats have become a new and innovative way for people to connect in real time. Picking a designated day and time, the moderated chats use a common hashtag to discuss a variety of topics in different industries. Unfortunately, few companies have been able to successfully sustain a community through it. We chatted with Melissa Kimble about how she created a voice that stood out and how businesses can take advantage of social media groups to elevate their brand.
What was the journey like in building a successful chat like #blkcreatives?
Girl, so difficult [laughs]. In 2012, I started off with my brand My Creative Connection and created #blkcreatives as a way to connect to the audience I was trying to reach. After many trial and errors, the chat finally began to take off into what you see today. But it was far from easy. As creatives, a lot of times we want immediate results but if that’s what you seek when creating something impactful, don’t create a platform. Things that definitely helped me were consistency, having a supportive circle and staying open to feedback from people I valued. I had to really get clear about what I wanted to achieve out of #blkcreatives and staying true to that mission has resonated with the people we attract.
What makes Twitter chats important for entrepreneurs and companies to get involved in?
Twitter chats and social media groups as a whole are amazing to connect with your target audience and other creatives in your market. They allow people to connect in real time while also learning more about their industry.You are starting to see more companies involved with social media communities like Facebook private groups, live video and webinars. This is going to change how customers experience businesses and it’s important to stay up to date on where this type of communication is going.
Is it possible to build a social media community without having a following?
Absolutely. When I started my brand, I didn’t have a platform that I could pull my audience from. One thing that helped me was that I worked hard to involve my circle of influence from the very beginning. If you don’t have a following, start with your immediate network. Find ways to partner with people in your industry and collaborate on projects. Just remember that people need genuine connections. Take time to build your relationships and create content that is worthy of sharing. Eventually, you will begin to see a rise in engagement.
Where do businesses go wrong when attempting to create a social media community?
I see so many companies copying what everyone else is doing without creating fresh concepts. Most ideas aren’t new ideas but many people miss the opportunity for success by not adding their unique perspectives and experiences. In order to be successful, you must also focus on finding as many ways as possible to give your audience what they need. I think that’s why we have attracted so many people to #blkcreatives. I understood the audience I was serving and spoke to an area that wasn’t being addressed. You absolutely have to create genuine content.
How can businesses create lasting relationships with people they connect with online?
“Oftentimes we make networking so hard but it’s simple – treat people how you want to be treated. Be intentional and find authentic ways to help people without immediately asking for favors. When we don’t dedicate time to building those relationships we kill opportunities for meaningful ideas, projects, and even mentorship. Don’t be afraid to set meetups or invite that connection to a local event they may be interested in. Finding out what they like will go a long way.”
While Kimble assures us that the process for #blkcreatives hasn’t been a glamorous one, she is proud to have created a project that has become much bigger than her. To participate in these amazing chats, stay connected by following @blkcreatives, @Melissa_Kimble and checking out their website.
