This year has been a pretty big one for me personally…and it’s not stopping. As if it wasn’t exciting enough, I’m honored to have been chosen to speak at this year’s Blog Indiana on Saturday, August 21 at 4pm. (IT building in room 162…IUPUI’s campus in Indianapolis.)

That’s right. Bring it.

My presentation is on ghosting aka ghost blogging. I’ve entitled it “The Art of the Ghost” because that’s what I do, and that’s what I know. Now I want to share. Despite the controversy over the subject matter…the unauthenticated accusations (missed those rules again), I’ve been blessed, having made a great business, Linzstar Inc., by writing for other people and managing their social media. My clients are all over the world, in very different industries, the best of the best in those industries, and I love all of them. No, I mean, I REALLY do. This is one of the most satisfying occupations for someone who loves to blog and loves social media.

This will be my first time presenting at a blogging conference. I’m kinda nervous, yes, but I’ve got some great speaking gigs under my belt, which include undergraduate classes, graduate classes, and a high school. The presentation will be super laid back and conversational…as most of you know, that’s how I do it. A couple of things that will be discussed:

• How I got into ghost blogging
• Industries that are grateful for what I do
• Questions to ask / Conversations to have with clients to really tell their story
• The editing clipboard
• Ethics / Honesty
• How I use blogging and social media platforms to market online
• Having the confidence to be a social media rock star

I think this is going to be great. I’d love to see you there. So, here’s the deal: I get to give my readers and the people who are attending the conference a 10% discount off the tickets. They can be purchased on the Blog Indiana 2010 website…HERE. Just enter in the code “SPEAKTOME10” to get the 10% off!

Sweet. Okay. Questions? Comments? Looking forward to seeing you if I know you, and meeting you if we’ve not yet met. Cheers!

Photo credits to the talented peeps over at Metromix Indy, Michelle Pemberton, Jonathan Boho, and Frank Espich

Don’t you ever get tired of seeing the typical “social media” blog?

• 5 things every social media marketer needs to know…
• 10 things to make you rock on Twitter…
• 8 social media rules to live by…

Blah, blah, blah…

It’s all the same. What happened to the real reason why we love social media in the first place? Because there ARE NO RULES! Sure, we all learned some type of etiquette (hopefully) as we grew up…please, thank you, excuse me…all of which are part of being human and communicating in a way that makes other people feel that you’re not all about you. (Some are better at this than others, would you agree?)

I mean, social media isn’t some grand, “need to know the rules” kinda thing, is it? Did I miss that 101 course somewhere? Did I miss THAT blog? Everyone has their own style and take on things. Social media is just another way to get it all out there. It’s like one big conference call that everyone’s involved with…some are paying attention, others are wondering what they’re going to have for lunch.

I don’t like rules. I like real. I’ve been that way my whole life (just ask my parents). I feel like if you get stuck in the social media “rule book,” you just discount every single thing that Seth Godin and Hugh MacLeod are teaching us. Communication is an art. Most everyone in the world is gifted with this art.

You can put whatever message you want out there and either people will listen or they won’t. I’m all about reading blogs. I’m much more inclined to read something that’s going to tell me about the new tech stuff (thank you tech crunch and wired). I’m all about reading about the new haps in business and social media stuff (thank you mashable). I’m just tired of all the rules.

In my humble opinion, I want to know what people are feeling, what they’re experiencing and learning. Now THAT is the stuff that makes something worth reading. Experience is where the true lessons are. And sharing?…well, that’s what makes me love you even more.

I like you. Do you like me? …

For some people growing up, making friends could have been challenging. Honestly, it kinda was for me. I went to a small, Christian school that pretty much sucked because of hypocritical parents and politics. I tried to fit in as best I could, but my parents wouldn’t always buy me the newest charms for those charm necklaces that all the kids were wearing. (Do any of you remember those cheap plastic things?) They also wouldn’t spend a bunch of money on “hip” clothes, which my friends had. I guess I could say I never really fit in…in a superficial social way. (Plus I was a kid that questioned things…which was a no no for kids to do, so most adults would say I had an “attitude” problem.)

Then we grow up. We get to make our own decisions on how we want to be, drop all the lame friends who didn’t accept us for who we WERE, and move on to bigger and better if we so choose.

When I think about then and now, I have no choice but to tie social media into who I am TODAY…both personally and professionally.  I know I’ve written in previous posts how important the people who are in my social circles are to me. We’ve all been able to encourage AND empower one another through our posts, tweets, and friendships on and off line. INFLUENCE. PERIOD.

Now think about this on a bigger scale. Think about all the awareness of non-profits that social media has contributed to.  Think of all the money that has been raised on a local, national and international level due to the efforts of those who want to help make a difference in the world.  Could this influence have taken place without social media? Perhaps to a degree…but I honestly don’t believe it would have been the same.

Back in December, one of my favorite marketing companies, Firebelly Marketing, was working with one of their clients, United Way of Central Indiana. They decided to do a little social media experiment. They took some of us local social media folks to help them out with a little video to spread the word about Live United Give United. Ch-Ch-Check it!

The response was great! It raised awareness for the cause and also increased the number of $15-$100 donations between October and December immensely. (Note, it was difficult to pinpoint the ACTUAL amount, but they did feel their efforts pay off.) Not only did it increase donations, UWCI also saw a big increase in Twitter followers and Facebook fans. That’s not to say it was ALL social media…but overall, there was a huge impact on this amazing organization.

On a personal note, I’m not a news watcher. I rarely turn my television on, so all of my news comes from the web….more specifically, Twitter. That’s how I heard about the devastating earthquakes in Haiti and Chile. I saw so many efforts from thousands of people who helped raise awareness and funds for these countries.

Social media as a whole has proven it has the power to be a game-changer…perhaps THE most influential game-changer of our time. It has taken all of YOU to be a part of that change…to be a part of each other’s lives…to be a part of mine.  Yeah…that makes me feel good.  How does it make you feel?

Not that I want to open up with a cheesy line from a film or anything, but as I’d been thinking about what I wanted to write about today, what keeps coming up over and over and over again, is: “If you build it, they will come.” The popular line taken from 1989 hit film, Field of Dreams…starring Kevin Costner, is something that often comes to mind when I am wondering about an idea, thinking about what to say, putting something out there…whatever.

I’m a big dreamer/thinker. I believe people can do anything they want to if they put true intention behind it. I’ve been that way my entire life. I’ve heard people say I’m crazy, or unrealistic, and I’ve always thought to myself, “They have no idea who they’re dealing with,” or “It must be so sad to be so closed-minded and un-ambitious.” The list could go on, but I’m sure you get the point. This could tie into one of my favorite quotes by Oscar Wilde: “Those who live within their means suffer from lack of imagination.”

I look at social media the same way. I believe HUGE things can happen when small or large businesses begin to build with social media. The key word here: BUILD.

Here we are, in a time where anything that anyone wants to say, any message that one wants to put out there, any video, song, book…you name it, there is a platform available in the social sphere to do it.

I will never understand why some still question the power of social media. Some still question what type of “ROI” they will get. I really don’t know if a number can be placed on building relationships or building a tribe.  It’s like getting the cart before the horse.  I mean, yes, there is legitimacy in when a CMO or COO needs to see the bottom line raise as marketing dollars are being spent. But these things don’t happen overnight. It takes time, commitment, and belief.

My career started as a marketing director for a small business here in Indianapolis. Someone introduced me to a social media platform where I could blog. I’m not one of those people who was on the “cutting edge” of blogging for years and years.

It was when I began blogging about the company I worked for, and really started to fall in love with social media…meeting people, getting meetings because what I was writing about placed some value on the company, that it showed me that through writing and building relationship, there was a community of supporters.  I am now able to do what I LOVE for a living, and there is nothing better than that.

I was (still am) a marketer who is looking for new ways to get my company’s message out, and now, the companies who hire me.

I have a business that is based in social media. I have experienced firsthand, the growth that can occur in a business sense, by being involved in an online community, be it Twitter, Facebook, LinkedIN, and the many others that are available.  But I also understand that no amount can be placed on the relationships that I’ve been able to build which have taken me to the different levels of growth. How are you building today?

Call me a ghost. Call me a copywriter. Call me an editor. (And thank you, Entrepreneur Magazine for the mention in your February issue.)  I’ve heard it all, and the debate over this thing called ghost blogging still continues, right? But really, in my opinion, that’s okay. For those of you who don’t write for a living, it takes time.

For those of you who DO write, you get that. One of my problems is actually taking time out for myself to write because as a business owner, my clients get first priority.

I’m always amazed at how authors seem to consistently blog. My friend, Chris Brogan is always writing, always on the road, and always doing amazing things for people and organizations. How he does it, and still manages to knock out a great blog nearly everyday makes me pretty much look up to him in awe. (auhhhh.)

But not everyone can do it like he does it. Not everyone can write amazing books and blogs. However, more and more people are turning to the blogging and social media realm in order to be a part of this community that has been paved for us. Reasons for this can range anywhere from someone just wanting to be heard, to someone who is passionate about their business and has beneficial information for those who need it. Here is the open platform.

That being said, I feel blogging is a necessity. (I know I need to be more proactive in this area for me, which is something I’m committing to.) So, for those of you who don’t have the time, the skill, or don’t understand how this works, here are some tips I have. These are all things I do with my clients.

• Hire a copywriter or ghost writer – If you know you need to do it, and you don’t have the time or energy, hire someone. Outsource this. You can choose to have them write under their name, or yours (and you can do this ethically…and I’ll tell you why in a sec.) Bottom line is, don’t keep talking about it or thinking about it. Get your name out there. Get your ideas out there.  Oh, and as far as budget is concerned, nearly all of my clients put me in the marketing category.

• Teach your writing style – If you are going to have someone write for you under your name, give your ghost writer a sample of previous work. This could be a past blog or a previous presentation of some sort.  This helps in the entire process. The biggest reason it’s so helpful is for little things like, some of my clients prefer to not use conjunctions. Some are way more lax in their writing style. It’s little things like that, that really make a difference.

• Schedule a weekly call – Okay, sometimes it’s not always a phone call. I have clients all over the world, so AIM and email are definitely just as useful. I hold my clients accountable to sending me their ideas. Afterall, it is their blog. I typically get the idea, the main points, and any research thereafter is my responsibility. I am also a huge fan of collaboration and linking. So, if one of my peers out there is talking about something worth continuing to share, I do. Then I give them some link love. (In other words, mention them and link back to where the content is that you’re sharing.) But the main thing…your ghost wants to work for you, so be sure to give them the points so they can craft the post to it’s entirety.

• Turn edits around quickly – (and please don’t be too controlling) Okay, what I mean by this is writers have schedules they adhere to. Or at least I do. I block certain times out for writing and I also have things like business development that still need to happen. The quicker you can get edits to your writer, the quicker we can get things posted, shared, tweeted, and promote what you are saying. I live by my calendar during the week. It’s my checklist. It’s extremely helpful to work with clients who are prompt and responsible. Then you become the dream client. Also, don’t be afraid to say what you like or don’t like. We need to know these things.

There are many great writers out there. Let us help you get your message out if you’re unable to do it. If you’re currently working with a ghost and they’re not up to par, don’t be afraid to go with someone else if you’ve had a conversation and things aren’t getting better.  I hope this list helps. Any questions?

Do you know how many times I have heard that one of my favorite bands has been in town and I had no idea? It’s always the “next day,” and I’m like, “What, how in the heck did I miss that?” A lot!

Well, first off, I don’t put myself in the ‘tech geek’ category (no offense anyone), because I don’t consider myself one. I’m not the ‘all-knowing’ Foursquare girl either. I’ve just begun playing with it. I immerse myself in social media because I love people and creating relationships. Much of my world is online. I’m writing this because it makes sense to me.

Secondly, if I want to find out if a good band is playing in my area, sure, I could pick up the local alternative newspaper, NUVO, and see what’s happening. I typically have one each week. The problem is half the time, I don’t read it. This is mainly because I’m crazy busy with writing, working, and playing in my own band.  I typically hit up the local music scene once a week, but I hear about these happenings from my friends, bandmates, and Facebook.

Okay, that being said…enter…Foursquare (and yes, I am addicted and still a newbie). Not everyone knows what Foursquare is. If you do, please skip this next section…I’d hate to bore you. For newcomers, Foursquare is a location-based social network to help you connect with friends using GPS via your mobile device. Jennifer Van Grove wrote an extremely informative post about Foursquare back in July, 2009. (This is a GREAT post and she really explains the history of location-based social networking (LBS), which I won’t go into), but I’ll give a short summary on what Foursquare is: You have an application on your mobile device, much like Twitter. Every time you go someplace, you check in. You earn points. It’s like an adventure…a game. The more you check in, the more badges you earn.

You grow your friend base, just as you do with every social network. Folks can accept you, or not. Once your friends are connected to you, you automatically get their updates (or you can choose to not) when they check in places. I choose to get the updates because if I’m at Trader Joes, and so is Justin Keller, I’m going to keep my eye out to say hi and give him a big hug (because Justin is super cool). Or, if I’m at a movie theater and my buddy, Joel Smith happens to be there as well, I can pop him a text to see what he’s seeing. Perhaps he’s seeing the same movie I am. My night just got better because we would end up connecting and watching it together (because that’s what friends do). It’s actually a really fun way to stay connected. Foursquare also allows you the option of posting your updates on Twitter.

Another way you can earn points is by recommending something at the place you are. For example, let’s say I’m eating at Zest, which is one of my favorite local restaurants here in Indy. I would recommend on Foursquare, that everyone should try the fish tacos because they are heaven in your mouth. No joke. If I recommend this, and Chad Richards sees that he has to try these fish tacos, he can put it in his ‘to do’ list. I earn points for the recommendation, he’s earns points for checking off this particular ‘to-do’ that I’ve recommended. AND we’ve contributed economically to the local restaurant scene.  

Now, if I’m getting ready to head off to Chicago.  I can change the city location in my mobile phone, and all of my friends in Chicago can know where I’m at and vice versa. I can have friends all over the country, and my phone isn’t blowing up all the time because my location allows me to only receive the updates of my friends in that same area. Make sense? If it doesn’t, read Jennifer’s article. She does an excellent job at really explaining it.

What I see with Foursquare is that it has HUGE potential for bands and artists. If underground up and coming musicians build a fan-base via Foursquare and go on tour, this is a perfect way to connect with their fans who don’t know they’re going to be in town ahead of time. If The Ting Tings are playing at the Vogue theatre in Broadripple, you can pretty much bet that I’m dropping what I have going on and heading to a show.  Let’s say they’re in town for half a day prior to the show beginning. You see they’re in your neighborhood, what a great time to pop by where they are. Make some friends and let them meet their fans. (Not stalker-style…that’s just not cool.) I’m talking about artists connecting with fans and other artists. I don’t see this working for snotty musicians. I DO see it working for personable ones who want to be involved with their fan-base (like me).

My new band, (we’re still deciding on a name…any input would be great at this point) which is playing its first show on Friday, March 5th at Talbott Street, is going to eat this up. (And BTW, that show is a Girls Rock! Indy benefit show…more on that later.) Bottom line, we will create the music, build the foundation, and connect with our fans via Foursquare, all over the country. My suggestion…if you are an artist, hop onto Foursquare and start building. Start playing. If it gets one or two more people out to your show, and then they go back and share with their friends how rockin it was, it was well worth it.

Some people may call it a “game” but it is way more than that if you really think about it. There’s a reason why Foursquare has been said to have the potential to be the “Twitter” of 2010. Are you connected? What are your thoughts?

I need to open this up by saying how humbled I was yesterday by the amount of emails, direct messages, phone calls, and texts that came in to see how I was doing in light of some things that were said about my profession and business.  I want to thank you all for your support and love. My community lifted me up and for that, I am entirely grateful.

When I decided to write about what I do for a living last week in my blog, there were no defenses up. It was not a post defending my profession at all; it was simply one to inform you on how I run my particular business. It was to inform you of how I work one-on-one with my clients to package THEIR message. This was a direct-result post following a national magazine interview on the subject of ghost blogging. This, however, has not been the beginning of the debate. A few months back, Jason Falls interviewed me for an article he was doing on the same subject entitled, The Ethics, or Lack Thereof, of Ghost blogging. I would like to mention a few things from this article as well as a quote by me.

“Doug Karr, an outstanding Internet marketing consultant and social media thinker in his own right, wrote in reaction to my aforementioned talk, “Ghostblogging isn’t a dirty word nor is it a dirty profession, it’s an incredible one. A great ghostblogger investigates the source and accurately writes the posts on behalf of them.” He continues, “As long as the premise of those blog posts are your message, why would anyone care that someone else typed it up?”

Jason goes onto say,

“I know what Doug is shooting for here, but there’s a big difference in someone who takes dictation and writes for you. I would stipulate that if the named author is actively involved in writing the piece — dictating outlines, emphasizing points to cover and actively editing the document — I have much less of an issue and would consider the writer a copywriter/editor rather than a ghost writer.”

Similarly, Lindsay Manfredi of Linzstar, who blogs for several clients and bills herself as a ghost blogger, told me this:

“I don’t encourage my clients to hide, I am simply assisting in the bigger picture. Ultimately, it’s their ideas that are being blogged. And I also have clients who write their own, give it to me to edit and expand on, and then post away to the community they are marketing. Everyone is different, and everyone has a say. At least that is how I operate my business.”

Back to Jason:

“Still, there are some fantastic and talented writers out there not only writing materials for companies and their executives, but selling their wares as “ghost blogging,” or “ghost writing.” They are honest, ethical, genuine people earning a living loaning their talents to those who don’t have the aforementioned time, acumen or intelligence to compose pieces for their audiences.”

I’ve said it before, and I’ll say it again, as a ghost writer, I work with my clients. I always will. I am not just handed someone’s blog admin and told to “go for it.” I hold my clients accountable to sending me ideas and points, and I create the content around it. Once again, THEIR content.

Chris Brogan wrote a piece today in his newsletter about authenticity. He says the following:

“Authenticity and transparency mean being clear about what matters to you, being clear about your intentions, being open about what you’re asking of your clients, your employees, everyone in the circle around you. There are times when matters are meant to be handled in private.

There are many circumstances that don’t belong in the bright light of the public, not least of all on the internet. Examples can be anything from helping an employee find drug treatment solutions, to loaning money to a struggling entrepreneur. There are many situations that deserve to be kept between the parties that matter.

Authenticity isn’t about raw, open exposure. In my mind, it’s about presenting the story the way it is. It’s about being clear about goals. It’s about sharing all sides of the equation, and it’s about trying to be consistent.”

I have always been, and will always be clear in what it is I do. I built my business brand around me and my passion of music. Kyle Lacy and his company, Brandswag, helped me with branding and web design. When I came into corporate Indianapolis over two years ago, I was completely freaked out on whether or not folks would accept me because of my nearly full sleeves. Here I am, this tattooed girl, who plays in a rock band, and has this grand idea to incorporate rock n’ roll into business. Hence, social media rock star.  Indianapolis…the people and the businesses here have been amazing, accepting, and so gracious. I love this city.

At the end of the day, I have a beautiful, 5-year-old daughter to support, a community to lift up, a business to run, and music to create. I will not stop doing what I do because I am extremely passionate about it. After all, “all we have are our love and our guts, baby.”

Opening title credited to “Traffic,” by the band Bitch and Animal

There has been so much “controversy” and discussion over this whole idea of “GHOST BLOGGING.” In my opinion, it’s quite ridiculous. The things us “ghost bloggers” hear from social media purist?

• It’s not being truly authentic
• It’s not ethical
• It’s not real if it’s not from the actual person

Well,  just for the record, does it really matter? I kind of think the above ideas are BS. Here’s why:  What I offer is a service to those who understand the value of good content (message) to create relationships and brand value via the web. I also understand the value of a good social media strategy to get that message out. It’s not being inauthentic at all. It’s being an online marketer in many ways. I help companies piece together what they have to say. It’s not always right the first time. They approve it or I make changes to make the message clearer. It’s not rocket science, it’s a SERVICE. I just happen to love writing. I also happen to love seeing others succeed and grow by a process I’m part of. I mean, how awesome is it that I get to do something I love to do? And make money at it?

Let’s put some things into perspective. Who do you think writes Obama’s speeches? NOT HIM! Tell me, does that fact make the message any less real? Is Obama “inauthentic” because he has bigger things to do (like run a country), rather, he doesn’t have time to just sit around and write great speeches?  My buddy, Erik Deckers, also a ghostblogger, made mention that “No one complains that Ford doesn’t make their own car commercials.”

I brought up Erik because I was just interviewed on Friday by a writer from Entrepreneur Magazine and he was also. The writer is doing a piece that will be out in February about the rise and hype behind ghostwriting/ghostblogging….why folks hire them, what’s in it for them, whether or not it’s ethical, how I carry out the  process personally….those kinds of things.  My answers to him?

• Folks hire ghostwriters because they are shifting their ideals. With the rise of popularity with social media platforms and building business based on relationships and trust, they understand the need to give their customers helpful and useful content. However, the issue many folks are running across is that it’s time consuming.  That being said, just for the record, my clients create the ideas, I create the content around those ideas to help tell their story.
• Another reason I may be hired? The person who hired me doesn’t have a strong writing style. In other words, they suck at writing and will be the first to admit it. Or some are actually GOOD writers, they just don’t have the discipline to do it on the regular basis they would like to. I am hired to keep them accountable as well as make sure their blog awesome. (Because I like to make things awesome.)
• Another reason…they don’t have time to fully understand “all this social media stuff” (I’ve heard it, and it’s OKAY!) That’s why they hire people like me! Social media is the space I play in, I love it, and I am more than happy to assist companies with their strategy. Some have me carry the strategy out, for others, I teach and they have someone in-house carry it out.  Either way, I do my best to help strategize and educate.

I don’t just write ghost-write blogs either. I have assisted on an e-book, and I am currently assisting on another book project.  There are some companies that have me blog on their behalf. If you’ve not checked out McGruff Safeguard, that is a blog I write for focusing on keeping children and teens safe online.

Bottom line, I don’t find ghostwriting unethical or inauthentic. I find it helpful and useful…which are the exact goals the companies who hire me intend to be with their clients and customers.  In my next post, I’m going to piece a bit together on the process of understanding the folks I work for.  In the meantime, I would be totally open to a healthy conversation on your views and thoughts on ghost blogging.

A few months back my friend, Annie Sever-Dimitri, sent me a great card. On the front was a quote by Eleanor Roosevelt which said, “Do something every day that scares you.” Months later, I am amazed at how her kind gesture and perfect card choice continue to speak to me. So, here’s my story…

I just moved to Indianapolis about five weeks ago. I know a lot of people here and have worked in the Indy area for nearly two years. Nevertheless, it has still been scary. My personal life has been out of sorts and my ways of seeing things have changed quite a bit over the past few months.  Life and growth have a way of doing that to you, right? Do you get that sometimes?

Well, I’m a workout junkie. I love to go to the gym. I’ve been a member at the SAME gym in my fairly small town for nearly seven years. I knew everyone there.  I went to the same classes, always saw familiar faces, and felt very comfortable.  Because of the move, I’ve joined the lovely LA Fitness…new classes, new faces, semi-intimidating…to me. (Thankfully, my great friend and short-term roomie joined with me.)

This past Saturday morning, I wanted to go to spin class. This was never offered at my previous gym, so therefore, I’d never done it before.  I’m begging my friend to come with me. My excuses for why she MUST come: I don’t want to go in there all by myself, I’m not going to know anyone, I’ve never done this before, what if I totally suck, and I think I may have even said she had to come because she was my friend. 

She didn’t come. She made me go it alone. What I learned: First and foremost, I FREAKING LOVE SPIN CLASS! I made a NEW friend since I was all by myself, and I gained just a wee bit more confidence in who I am as a woman (awesome). But most importantly, I did something that scared me, and I was able to overcome that lame obsession. (And pick up a new spinning one while I was at it.)

Life can be scary, whether you’re transitioning into a new phase, a new town, or a new gym.  I encourage you to do what Eleanor Roosevelt said and jump into those things that scare you every day. Self esteem and growth are two beautiful things.

cheers.

I am in love with my community. I’m not just talking about my community of Indianapolis. I am speaking of my ENTIRE community…my family, social media, business,  Rainmakers, my music community, etc.  I feel a deep sense of responsibility to lift these people up.

That being said, it absolutely cracks me up to hear someone in the social media world talk about how social media conversation is nothing new, it’s just regurgitation of old stuff that has been said a thousand times throughout history. Wow. That’s all I can say…until I say more.

Upon sitting back and listening to this negative person’s story, it makes me think of this concept of community. It makes me think of how important it is to spread a message that is essential for evolution (I freaking love that word). Leaders…ideas…tribes…community…growth.  You know, sure, we hear many different ways to better build our businesses. We hear different ways to make that sale. We hear many different ways to get a good workout regimen, and really, how many freaking books are out there on eating healthy?  The important point though is this: We respond differently to messages depending on who it comes from.  Just ask any teenager who rebels.

One of the things I absolutely LOVE about social media is the platform for folks to be able to learn different things from DIFFERENT people. If we had one certain type of professor in college, how lame would that be? My point is that in social media, perhaps there is some of the “same” out there.  But yet, it really isn’t if it’s coming from someone I want to hear the message from. Same message…different messenger…different “aha” moment.”

For example, Chris Brogan and Julien Smith talk about building trust online in their new book Trust Agents, which is all the rage right now, as it should be.  This book goes so much deeper than just trust. However, trust is the point and trust is nothing new. Most humans know that trust and reputation can make or break a person, a business…yes, especially a business.  Yet, this book is amazingly insightful and offers useful tools for someone looking to build trust online.  It takes a concept and expands on it…makes it so much more. So what if trust has been talked about before.  So what if there are other books on trust.  I can bank on the fact that thousands/millions of people will get an “aha” moment given who the authors are.  They have a community. They have a tribe.  The word will spread, and it really doesn’t matter whether you’ve heard it all before.

It is our responsibility as writers (bloggers/social media folks/authors), as musicians, as humans, as folks who live in a community… I feel in my heart, to support them in every way. Buy their books, buy their albums, tell their friends, retweet, regurgitate their schtuff, and freaking help others who may not know by pointing them in the right direction. Regurgitate if it’s a message worth regurgitation and don’t be ashamed.

Perhaps you’ll capture a whole different audience. That is what social media is about in my eyes. There’s a huge playground out there…play nice and be a true community.