What else can I say but I am one lucky guy.
Thanks to twitter I now know 23,000 authors, 55,000 Speakers, 11,500 CEO’s, 31,000 Presidents, exactly a million Social Media “Gurus,” and more VP’s than Citigroup, Chase, and Bank of America Combined.
Even better, every one of these authors is a best seller, each speaker is a globetrotter, the CEO’s of course run “Near” fortune organizations, and so on and so forth.
Bottom line…Thanks to the Twitter Bio, (And Social Media in general) we’re all stars now at the “Twitter” show. (Thanks Marilyn Manson)
Social Media is the great equalizer. The platform provides a great opportunity for small businesses and individuals alike to compete on a level a playing field. It gives access to markets that were once not accessible to most people and companies.
While this is a great thing, it also comes with red flags. With the unbelievable number of people out there marketing themselves, their companies, and their ideas, it comes at a cost.
Your TIME!
Endless dialogues fill the Social Sphere about how to utilize your time online. Here is a simple recommendation, try to make sure those you are being “Guided” by have done more than written a good bio.
The moral of the story –> Buyer beware. Social Media is the wild wild west. A place where bio’s don’t require verification and a place where if you are persistent enough you can become a pundit (go ahead and substitute thought leader or expert if you prefer) prior to actually accomplishing anything.
I’m not saying that people are lying, I’m just saying that no one is forced to prove they’ve accomplished anything. Some of these folks are like magic diet pills. They make for a great story, but the the results don’t lie!
Nevertheless, there are some brilliant minds out there that we can learn so much from. But this space is also full of frauds, faux experts, and shiny objects. So if you are here to network, learn, build meaningful relationships, and grow, be sure your not sucked into the hype…
Trust me when I say there is a lot of it out there!
prosperitygal nevertheless, you still need to do it. People like, especially in their twitter bio's LOL
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Shall I begin, Daniel, or bit my tongue (off). Is strong language discouraged?
murnahan speak your mind amigo!
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But,,, but... these gurus and authors and speakers can get thousands of followers with no more than 100 tweets (or sometimes even less)! They have to be good at what they do!
Great stuff as always, Daniel. 'nuff said!
janwong it was fun to write...
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Orlando's Best Rock, The official supplier of coffee, The #1 Insurance company, the list is endless and was around long before anyone claimed to be a best selling author or the world's premiere expert on the art of tweeting. How would that go if we all focused on what we didn't do well. One of Orlando's radio stations that plays rock music, a coffee company some people seem to like once in a while, we sell insurance and we hope you buy some. After 27 years in business, leadership and media, I'll get back to finding collaborative relationships where I can grow and learn. I am not a social media expert and neither are you, I am a social media expert and so are you. There, let's get back to work.
{Thank You.} No really, thank you. Something that no one has said is... "stop acting like you've made it." Life is journey, success is a process and the moment we glue the box shut on what we perceive, we also don't allow other experiences in. I'm Kate, sometimes I do a bit of social media, a bit of speaking, but most the time I'm learning. That's what I dig the most.
girlmeetsgeek yes - exactly. Stop "acting" and start doing. And btw Kate...it is a pleasure to have you stop by!
Not only is it the Wild West, but the tornado of social media can be a huge thief of time. When you find out the pundit is really a poser, there's no way to get that time back. There's still no substitute for real relationships, real referrals...and real results. I love this post and the message, great observations!
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westfallonline I always feel better when trusted IRL friends are on the same page. I agree by the way about "no real substitute" you are spot on!
Yes danielnewmanUV ! I am so tired of the self proclaimed "gurus" of everything and even more tired of the people who "live for customer service." Social media simultaneously demands authenticity and makes it easy for people to falsify their credentials (heck even their photos). The same rules that apply in every realm of business apply in social media, but it seems that whenever something is new anyone who looks like they know what they're talking about gets play. For me, if I don't see something unique, real, and honest in your bio I won't engage.
ShennandoahDiaz does that mean I'm all good? I guess it is good to see that people share my sentiment here. I just feel like there is no way there can be this many "SuperRockStars" living in one square foot. (proverbially speaking)
You know me, DN...and I invented Social Media. I also came up with the PC - those IBM folks ripped me off. Soon, I'll finally have the cure for cancer, too. But, in the meantime, I'm going to take your advice and tweak my bio!
BruceSallan Bruce - I do know you. aren't you one of my 22,500 author friends LOL. In all serious,I know you are the real deal.
So true, navigating the Internet is like navigating the Wild West with blindfolds on. We generally don't meet the people we interact with in person. We can't shake their hands or look them squarely in the eyes. All we can do is rely upon our gut instincts and the recommendations of others.
Gini also has a good point. Google someone before you do business with them. Unless they have a stellar reputation, move on.
wonderoftech you are absolutely right. And yes... ginidietrich generally does make good points. But don't tell her I said that or I will have dannybrown to answer to.
The Internet is actually the wild wild west, social media just makes up one small dusty town that is expanding rapidly in size. You've aptly described what the biggest challenge of the modern social media is to a tee -- how to shovel through the muck and actually find something or someone worth following. The proof is in what's accomplished, not what someone can write in a profile. Well said.
John_Trader1 good point on the internet being the wild wild west...I'd say SM is a large town a this point :). But yes...what have you DONE!!! Cheers Mate!
"Thanks to twitter I now know 23,000 authors, 55,000 Speakers, 11,500 CEO’s, 31,000 Presidents, exactly a million Social Media “Gurus,” and more VP’s than Citigroup, Chase, and Bank of America Combined."
That made me laugh out loud!
I always tell prospective clients to Google us, read our blog, talk to some of our clients. We walk the walk and it's not hard to find the kinds of things we're doing. The same can't be said for some of our competitors.
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ginidietrich It is your actions more than your words that has driven your success. Glad you get it...just hope that your prospects (the ones you want) do!
danielnewmanUV Sometimes they like to go for the shiny penny firms before they realize they're full of it. I don't mind the leftovers.
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Daniel, it is so simple to cross verify facts in one's bio, you check LInkedin for one and pay attention to see if they are consistent in their "walking the talk".
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