2010 April

Robert “Bob” Stanke

I met him in the Social Space. I believe I was looking for like-minded advocates of Health Club Social Media. As I was conducting a Twitter Search, I came across him.

His Twitter Bio read: “Community & Social Business Manager at Life Time Fitness, Inc. Die-hard fan and future owner of the Minnesota Timberwolves.” Based on that alone, I knew this would be the perfect “Social Media-ship.”

I respect and appreciate Robert “Bob” Stanke because he offers valuable advice and opinions consistently and constantly. Each time he puts a new Blog post up via his Website, I’m sure to read it within the day.

Not only do his personal networks thrive, but so do his Life Time Fitness, Inc. networks. He manages about 35 Brand Pages for Life Time on Facebook. You can see the primary one HERE. And you can view the Life Time Fitness YouTube Channel he manages HERE.

A few weeks ago when I decided to come back to Minnesota for a visit, he was one of the first people I contacted. Even though we had never met in person, I knew he’d help me coordinate a Minnesota Tweetup. This past Monday it was executed. I could not have been happier with the results!

Bob is as great (if not more) in person. He is extremely personable, energetic and full of great ideas. He knows a lot about sports and the health and fitness industry in general. For anyone who knows me, you know that those also align with my own passions. We are currently in cahoots to merge our brains with these passions. We’re looking to produce big things!

If you don’t already follow Bob, take the time to do so today. This isn’t about “Follow Friday” anymore. For me, it’s about recommending someone new to follow that will add something to your life every day of the week. And that, is Mr. Robert Stanke!

It’s dangerous for me to be in public and at a coffee shop for a few hours on end. Why? Because people do a lot of “coffee-shop-business-talk.” And this category of talk, I’m finding, will typically at some point lead to a Social Media conversation.

Yesterday was no different. I overheard three men conversing about their new business. They were brainstorming about the business in general when the subject of Social Media came up. The conversation sounded similar to this:

Man 1: “I’ve heard we need to do Social Media. I guess it’s going to be important for the future of business.”

Man 2: “Really? Like Twitter and Facebook?”

Man 3: “How about LinkedIn and Google? Is LinkedIn Google?”

Man 1: “Well I use Twitter. I basically send out what they call, “Tweets.” I mostly send quotes or other bits of information someone might find important. I take the links and put them into this program called BITY. And BITY is great because then you can see how many people are clicking on it.”

Man 2: So we should probably start doing this.

Shortly after, I got up to leave. But before I did so, I knew there was no way I could leave without at the very least stopping by, introducing myself and letting them know that it was actually bit.ly.

Businesswomen conversing in conference room, one using mobile phone

I hope they weren’t offended by me “up in their social media business.” The truth is that I am glad I stopped by, even if it was just for a second. For many people, Social Media may be “old news.” These beginning stages happened for them 5-10 years ago. But I think it’s very important to remember that for the General Population, this is a relatively “new age” form of Marketing. I appreciate the effort and Social Media acknowledgment.

And besides, (I told them) I’m always happy to help fellow Minnesotans!

Robert “Bob” Stanke

Up in Your Social Media Business

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