I’ve had Trust Agents for a while and have just now had a break from other books to get it read. And boy, am I glad I did.
What I enjoyed about this book, compared to other books about social media, is that the authors didn’t talk about specific platforms, i.e. Facebook, Twitter…since specific platforms may come and go over time. They created a timeless book by focusing on how organizations can get the most out of social networking by building Trust Agents, or networks of influence. This strategy is at the heart of leveraging social media for business.
The New Edition, which is what I read, features specific first steps for businesses and organizations entering the world of social media. Really good nuggets
From the back cover:
Trust Agents has been widely acclaimed for its new approach toonline marketing. Now, in this revised and updated edition, social media veterans Chris Broganand Julien Smith show you how to tap into the power of social networks to build your brand’sinfluence, reputation, and profits. Combining high-level theory and practical advice, they deliveractionable strategies and real case studies that show how social media can positively impact your business. Let Trust Agents give you the keys to building customer loyalty online so your business can succeed in new markets and channels today!
Have you read Trust Agents? What did you take away from the book?
I took a call this morning from a gentleman with Oxford Film & Television who is making a “state of the nation” film looking at big issues facing the US in light of the impending Presidential elections. He’s interested in my work with Unemployed in Des Moines, will be in Des Moines in a few weeks for research and may or may not decide to use us in his film…we’ll see.
We spent a half hour talking about the unemployment situation in Des Moines, my opinion of it and how members of Unemployed in Des Moines feel about their future.
His last question really made me reflect:
“Do people in America think differently about the ‘American Dream’ than they used to because of the current state of the nation?” Particularly as it relates to unemployment
Woah…
Having lived in Germany for two years, as an American, you’re viewed as someone with limitless opportunities at home. His question really made me reflect on life in general in a very different light. Am I taking advantage of what the world calls the “American Dream”?
The American Dream is a national ethos of the United States; a set of ideals in which freedom includes the opportunity for prosperity and success, and an upward social mobility achieved through hard work. In the definition of the American Dream by James Truslow Adams in 1931, “life should be better and richer and fuller for everyone, with opportunity for each according to ability or achievement” regardless of social class or circumstances of birth. Wikipedia.org
Speaking to an Englishman on the phone, his view of the American culture is that we have no limits on what we can achieve, how much money we can make and a future that we mold. If we want to go out and start a business, we can. If we want to go out and find a job, we can. No matter what, we can make it.
Whether you’re employed, unemployed or underemployed, are you taking advantage of the “American Dream” afforded you because you live in the United States?
What do you think:
“Do people in America think differently about the ‘American Dream’ than they used to because of the current state of the nation?”
I read another great book which I would recommend to anyone interested in exploring Free Agency and monetizing their passion. In Crush It by Gary Vaynerchuk, you’ll learn how to use the power of the Internet to turn your hobby/passion into a real business.
I enjoyed how Gary shared with us his rise to fame which began as a helper in his immigrant parent’s wine shop which led to the creation of the nationally recognized Wine Library TV over several years – and he used the Internet to get it there…In this book, Gary talks about the exact steps he took to transform his life by building his personal brand. He wants readers to have the tools necessary to do exactly what he did using their own niche.
Gary talks about using video as his primary vehicle to get his personal brand out there with his blog/website as the hub. He also uses Facebook and Twitter to build community. If these platforms are foreign to you, fear not, for Gary explains how to leverage them to their fullest.
The purpose behind Crush It is to recognize that the Internet 2.0 and social media have revolutionized the advertising world and has really leveled the playing field for anybody wanting to monetize their passion and gain access. The four Myths Gary dispels in his book:
- I’m not passionate about something sexy or popular like wine, so these lessons don’t apply to me.
- My business already has a Twitter account and a Facebook page, we’re set in the social media department.
- I’m happy at my job so this book is irrelevant to me.
- I need to quit my job to take advantage of this book’s entrepreneurial lessons.
In Crush It, Gary Vaynerchuk shows how anyone can build a career around what they’re passionate about. Are you ready to get started?
Now that the Meyvn Group’s Business Book Club is on its summer hiatus, I have the chance to read some of the business books I have laying around. I recently picked up Me 2.0 by Dan Schwabel.
Even though I read the October 2010 Revised edition, I felt that some of the points made were outdated. In his book, Dan Schwabel shows job seekers and professionals how to leverage the power of digital media to manage their personal brand. So you can see why the content can quickly become obsolete.
There’s no security in a job (and there hasn’t been for some time now). The only thing that differentiates you from your competition (which is everyone) is your personal brand (unless you want to become a comoditized widget which definitely won’t afford you any job security or a living wage). And now, in the age of Web 2.0, you are in a position to develop and manage your own online personal brand.
Me 2.0 gives you all the tools necessary to develop and manage your own personal brand online. It’s a great beginner’s guide to branding and social media that includes case studies and excerpts from Dan’s personal journey on how he arrived at where he is today.
How are you managing your online personal brand?
Whether you’re in sales and making cold calls to drum up business or a graphic designer following-up with a client on a project, you’ll make a GREAT impression if you practice professional telephone etiquette:
Identify yourself – Don’t assume that the person you’re calling will recognize your voice.
Ask if now is a good time to talk – Most of the time, I only answer the phone if I seriously have the time to take the call; but on that rare occasion when I do answer the phone, the caller gets extra points if they first ask if now is a good time to talk. I can then tell the caller that I have 5 minutes to chat and they can tailor their message to fit that time, or we can find a time that works best for us to talk for a longer period of time.
Longer conversations – If you have a phone call to make and you know the conversation is going to take 20 minutes or more, consider scheduling this phone call in advance and email a short agenda. You will have the undivided attention of the person you’re calling and they will also be more prepared for the call since you’ve indicated what you want to discuss.
Stick to the topic at hand – Everyone’s time is valuable. If you’re initiating the call, have a clear idea of what you hope to accomplish/learn and be concise with your language.
Voicemail Message – Start your message with your name and phone number, indicate the reason for your call, the action you would like the person you’re calling to take and wrap up the message with your name and phone number. Speak slowly and clearly when sharing your name and number. Nothing’s worse than having to listen to a voicemail 2-3 times.
How do you like to make and receive phone calls? Any tips that I’ve missed?
