Take it From a Geeky Chef… Social Media Marketing is the Way to Go (Plus Lots of Advice for Small Businesses Seeking to Engage on the Social Web)

Chef Tony gabs it up with me about all things social media this past Saturday

So as shared this past Saturday morning, I spent a few of my afternoon hours with the super-down-to-earth Chef Tony, aka Tony Marciante, proprietor and chef-owner of Visions Restaurant in downtown Bethesda, Maryland.

Entering Visions Restaurant in Bethesda, Maryland in search of @cheftonyFolks, you should know that this “chef” is sooooo much more than merely someone who can whip you up a sensational meal. Tony is a self-proclaimed “chef-geek” in love with all things technology, computers and social media.

Tony and I just dove right into things. There was so much to cover, share and learn from each other.“I’ve always loved computers and technology,” says Tony. “I’m pretty lucky to be able to combine my passion for preparing meals, owning a restaurant and connecting with others online together. Somehow, it all clicks well.”

“Everyone likes a story. They want to know the details. Social media is a warm, soft sell. You really have to be comfortable with being exposed.”Clearly, Tony’s restaurant’s web site, Facebook and Twitter feeds and his blog underscore just how deeply immersed he is in the web 2.0 and social networking space.

Above and beyond maximizing opportunities to share information about his restaurant with others online, Tony finds blogging and participating on social networks to be a favorite pastime.

“The restaurant business is known for 60-80+ hour work weeks. After a long day, people think I go home and crash but that couldn’t be further from the truth. I actually go straight for the computer, get online to blog and chat up with friends, fans and followers on social networks. Being online helps me unwind after a long day.”

Great social media marketing convos

Well I could write all day long about all the things Tony and I discussed but luckily, I don’t have to. We took some (very) rough, raw clips of three (3) of our conversations covering some really solid ground regarding small business usage of social media.

Check out the video clips below…

More to come

I spent two and half hours with Tony on Saturday afternoon and left his restaurant with more than seven pages of handwritten notes. So believe you me I have much more to write and share about this super good guy and socially savvy chef.

Tony and I had the opportunity to discuss a wide range of topics but of particular interest were Tony’s words of very sound advice for entrepreneurs and small business owners … you know, the kind of real-world, practical advice you can only get from someone who’s totally been there and done that.

I will continue to transcribe my notes from that afternoon over the next week or so and hope to have a “part 2” blog post about my Tony the Chef encounter soon.

Tony, thanks so much for taking some of your free time on a Saturday to share with me and all of us about your social media marketing advice, tips and wisdom and catering it to ther small business proprietors like you. Your time and effort are deeply appreciated!!Tony, if you are reading this, you rawk!
Thanks for being you.