Social Madness Contest Returns

Pacific Business News, in conjunction with its parent company, is promoting the second annual “Social Madness” contest. The local and national challenge pits businesses against each other in a battle of social media savvy and reach.

Hawaii companies interested in participating can sign up online. Since registration opened on March 1, PBN says that a handful of companies have already thrown their hats into the ring: L&L Hawaiian Barbecue, Century 21 All Islands, Discover Hawaii Tours and Hawaii News Now. The Hawaii Group is also planning on entering, with the help of an intern.

Registration runs through May 15, and the contest starts in earnest on June 3. Last year, 65 Hawaii companies participated. The Hawaii Visitors and Convention Bureau made it to the final eight at the national level, but lost out to the Hard Rock Cafe.

This year, Google+ has been added to the social networks included in the scoring, along with LinkedIn, Facebook, Twitter and the Bizjournals.com website.

There are also several new rules. Companies need to have five or more employees, and companies that primarily provide social media services are not eligible. Charitable or government organizations can’t play, either, nor can “adult entertainment businesses.”