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I had a chance to spend some time with, community strategist, Connie Bensen last month. Connie was in town for a social media strategies conference where she was part of a panel discussing building community at the enterprise level. Connie has made a name for herself as a real leader in community building and social media. I’ve learned quite a bit talking with her and reading her blog http://conniebensen.com. She successfully transitioned her decade long career in the public library system into new media and online community building, networking and branding.

Online community building is a growing field. As more companies get savvy to crowd sourcing, using social sites for customer relations and brand building it’s an opportunity for social media geeks like me who enjoy working with people to use their twitter, facebook and other web skills to get paid. If a company or brand decides to enter the online social scene, they better do it right otherwise, they’ll run the risk of being an uninvited guest to a cocktail party. From what I could tell Connie’s experience and philosophy for being successful include two things I believe it whole heartedly; listen and take care of your people, both your community and your employees.

I met Connie and her husband Stuart for a cup of coffee at Cheesecake Factory on top of Macy’s in San Francisco’s Union Square. We had a great talk and Connie was kind enough to let me film a quick interview. She shared some tips for anyone who would like to be a part of the social media and community building world.

I must also note, that I met Connie initially on Twitter. She pushed my follow after I left Seesmic and thru some very nice 140 character (or under) direct messages, lifted my spirits and helped me feel excited about the opportunities that are ahead. I in turn gave Connie and her husband a crazy Punjabi taxi ride in my Mini Cooper on their first night in SF! For me it is another online friendship that has lead to a real world bond.