{"id":23228,"date":"2025-05-09T14:16:02","date_gmt":"2025-05-09T18:16:02","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.sanctuarymg.com\/academy\/?p=23228"},"modified":"2025-05-13T14:35:25","modified_gmt":"2025-05-13T18:35:25","slug":"north-canton-social-summit-2025","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.sanctuarymg.com\/academy\/strategy\/north-canton-social-summit-2025\/","title":{"rendered":"What We Learned at the 2025 North Canton Social Media Summit"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

In April, I had the opportunity to moderate the North Canton Social Media Summit<\/strong>, hosted by the North Canton Chamber of Commerce. It was a packed house filled with local small business owners, and it turned into one of those rare events that was equal parts energizing, educational, and immediately useful.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

First, a huge thank-you to Santana Lopez and her team at the North Canton Chamber<\/strong> for organizing a top-notch event. Their work made it easy to show up, learn, and connect.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Meet the Panel<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

We had an incredible lineup of panelists from across the social media landscape. We also recorded one-on-one interviews with each panelist, listed below.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\n
\n

Amy Mucha<\/strong>, Founder of Daisy Pops<\/em> and Daisy Makes<\/em>, who turned cake pops into a booming eCommerce business through community feedback and content. See Amy’s interview<\/a>.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

\n
\"Amy<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n
\n
\n

Sean Reed<\/strong>, Owner of Reed Creative Management, LLC<\/em> and Global Social Media Strategist at Eaton Corporation<\/em>, with deep B2B expertise. See Sean’s interview<\/a>.
<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

\n
\"Sean<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n
\n
\n

Bridget Linton<\/strong>, On-air personality and sideline host for the Cleveland Browns<\/em>, who knows what it takes to be confident, credible, and compelling on camera. See Bridget’s interview<\/a>.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

\n
\"Bridget<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n
\n
\n

Danielle Huff<\/strong>, Creator of Where to Go Ohio<\/em>, a hyper-local content brand that helps small businesses get noticed. See Danielle’s interview<\/a>.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

\n
\"Danielle<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n
\n
\n

Dereck Malone<\/strong>, Viral content creator with over 1.5 million followers, known for helping small businesses explode (sometimes literally running out of product!) through engaging food and travel content. See Dereck’s interview<\/a>.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

\n
\"Dereck<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

What\u2019s Actually Working Right Now<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Social media changes by the minute, but when asked what\u2019s working right now<\/em>, the consensus was clear: authenticity, consistency, and clarity of audience<\/strong>. Whether it was Derrick putting in 80+ hour weeks to build viral content, or Amy using feedback from customers to build an entirely new product line, the through-line was connection. Each panelist shared how they\u2019ve stopped chasing trends and started leaning into what their audience actually cares about.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Don\u2019t Have Time for Social Media? You\u2019re Not Alone.<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
\"Don't<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

A recurring theme: most small business owners don\u2019t consider themselves content creators\u2014and that\u2019s OK. What the panel made clear was this: you don\u2019t need to post every day or be a TikTok wizard. But you do need a plan.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Bridget talked about presence and pacing. Danielle shared how she balances content with life as a mom. And all agreed: if you wait until the day-of to come up with your content, you\u2019ll lose your voice and story arc. Think in seasons and themes. Batch ideas. Build around your values and your customer\u2019s needs.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Borrow Like an Artist<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

When asked what a small business owner could do tomorrow<\/em> to improve their social presence, my advice was simple: look at what your peers are doing.<\/strong> See what\u2019s getting traction. Look for patterns. You\u2019re not copying\u2014you\u2019re adapting. What fits your voice, your audience, your culture? Start there.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

And most importantly: know your audience. Name them.<\/strong> The more specific you can be, the easier it is to create content that resonates. Speak to the person you\u2019re trying to reach\u2014not the masses.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

A Launchpad for Ideas<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

One moment that stuck with me was Amy\u2019s story. She started in her kitchen, grew Daisy Pops into a local favorite, and eventually found herself fielding questions online from other bakers and hobbyists. Instead of just answering, she saw an opportunity\u2014and launched Daisy Makes, a business creating 3D printed tools for cake pop makers around the world. That evolution came because<\/em> of social media\u2014not just from promoting her business, but from listening.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Tips from the Pros<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n