Public Relations Pros "AskAsheville@sociability" with Gary Charles

Effectively communicating in social media requires one key element, according to Gary Charles of G Social Media, which assists businesses and missions increase exposure, extend audiences, and make connections.

What’s the key? Sociability.

Known for his effective, aggressive tactics and internet successes, including the popular local blog, “AskAsheville,”and a Twitter feed that never sleeps, Charles will share insights with members of Public Relations Association of Western North Carolina in a program “Effectively Using Social Media to Build a Following” Friday, June 25, from 11:30 a.m. – 1 p.m. at Asheville Chamber of Commerce.

A 15-year veteran of Internet marketing, he brings to bear experience including website optimization, email and newsletter communications, social networking, and now, social media. A self-taught social media guru, Charles is thought to be light years ahead of traditional education in his work with new media and communications, thanks to systematic trial and error.

“We watched and experimented with just about any new form of social media that came out and weighed the possibilities,” he says of his method.

“The number 1 rule I have made for myself is to ‘Be Sociable,’” he says. “You cannot effectively communicate in social media without this key element. I show people and businesses how to be sociable online and then maybe even blend it into their real life experiences,” he says.

And being social works wonders for Western North Carolina businesses.

“Money is not my motive,” he explains. “I thrive knowing that social media is working for my clients. I try to make it as painless and profitable as possible.”

Public Relations Association of Western North Carolina hosts Gary Charles and “Effectively Using Social Media to Build a Following,” at the Public Relations Association of Western North Carolina quarterly luncheon from 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m. Friday, June 25, at Asheville Chamber of Commerce. Members $15; Non-members $25. For more information or to RSVP, email finance@prawnc.org.