I have always said small businesses have the biggest potential in building communities through social media. It is not that they have the most to gain but rather that so many small business are built around real passionate communities. It is going to take a while for many larger brands to ‘get it’ since they have long ago made the divide between customer engagement and marketing whereas it is often the fundamental base of most small businesses.

I came across this interview from John Nese of Galco’s Soda Pop Stop in Los Angeles and it absolutely lit up my eyes with excitement. Not because of his website (it is nothing more than an eyesore) or his (nonexistent) social media strategy but rather the innate passion and sense for storytelling that makes for winning small businesses and great social media strategy. John’s passion for unique sodas with diverse tastes such as cucumber, rose and every variant of root beer and cola just captures your attention and calls you to explore what he has to offer.

Galco’s Soda Pop Stop is the perfect case for a small business that could thrive through social media. I have seen similar cases in the pets and baby industries and it is amazing how these communities explode and become advocates for the business. Of course the roadblock for small businesses is time, resources and a plan to put together any kind of campaign.

I would hate to see Galco’s watch this one from the sidelines as they have so much potential. Do you know any small businesses that have an equally passionate community?

If they send me over an email at daniel@orangerhinomedia.com telling me why they have the most passionate community, I will offer to take them out for lunch and get them started with a sound social media foundation from me and the boys at Orange Rhino Media.

Who are your favourite small businesses using social media?