A convenient way to spread the word? Social media. An effective and interactive way to unite fans and followers for local causes and businesses? Social Dragon Media.

Social Dragon Media, owned by Grand Rapids ambassador Jimmy Le, is an expansion on the service he’s been providing for the past two years: managing Facebook and Twitter accounts.

While social media is trendy for reaching an audience, few people know how to effectively use online platforms to their advantage. Le’s passion for advocacy, established reputation and skills in Social Media Management actively engage his audience. “It’s not enough for a business to create a Facebook page or Twitter account,” said Le. It’s about connecting with the audience while consciously upholding the brand integrity, Le said.

Le’s energy is seen throughout his posts. “He has a good sense of community and advocates for what Grand Rapids needs,” Cara Ontiveros said. When Ontiveros helped manage ‘Dancing with the “Make a Wish” Stars’ last May, she turned to Le for help with promotions. “One day, we sold 60 tickets, the next day, over 300 were sold. Jimmy really got our name out there.”
His enthusiasm is so contagious; it caught Google’s attention when they searched for cities to install the new, ultra fast Google Fiber last spring. Le’s advocacy helped generate awareness, which led to 29,000 fans joining the “Google Fiber for Grand Rapids” Fan page, the largest Facebook Fan page of its kind, in six weeks.

How does the Grand Rapids leader do it? Le says it’s his “passion to make a difference” that fuels him. It’s a passion that stemmed from his younger years. Le helped lead the Grandville Dawgs’ football team to the state championship in 1996. The passion continued throughout his professional career when he earned the position of Senior Field Technician in his second year for Macy’s retail stores in West Michigan. He also credits his mentors and peers for challenging him to always raise the bar.

It also helps that he’s always been social media savvy. Ever since MySpace was launched, Le has been using interactive Web platforms to spread the word. By the time Facebook and Twitter were created, Le had developed a good-hearted reputation, which has led and continues to lead thousands of fans and followers.

His success has followed him to earn local corporate partnerships. Le is an ambassador for the JW Marriott hotel, as well as its numerous events. “He is consistent in his posts, and most of all, he is genuinely enthusiastic about the things he supports, which helps generate business,” said George Aquino, general manager of the JW Marriott.

Both Le’s business and personal character coincide, which makes for a consistent and reliable partner. “You want to hang out with him whether he is representing a company or just chatting with him at an event. He has a loyal character and is true to his commitments,” Aquino said.

Le is currently managing several Facebook pages for charities such as the West Michigan chapter of the March of Dimes. Social Dragon Media is a sponsor for the March of Dimes’ Grand Rapids Signature Chefs Auction on November 8.

Le is one of the most followed on Twitter in Grand Rapids. He is also a member of the United Way Street Team, MI SuperFriendz, who won “Most Innovative 2010” from the West Michigan Business Review.

Social Dragon Media is set to launch November 2010.