I am working on understanding social media by reading, interacting with others, trying different things and then trying to convince our agency owners to embrace it. We have a strategic partner with this great web based social media distribution tool, www.shoutlet.com and I am responsible for connecting with companies and developing relationships with them for new business where we can use Shoutlet.
I AM ATTENDING IMU and that is what I am most excited about working on!! Thanks Chris.
Stuart Foster
· 6 months ago
Haha, Alexa already told you what I was working on: Getting in the top 100 for AdAgePower 150 with The Lost Jacket :).
Daniel Faintuch
· 6 months ago
Great post! Regarding your statement that: "Your role, should you choose to accept it, is to decide whether or not what I’ve given you is useful (part 1), then decide whether or not you want to do that for your organization (part 2), and then decide whether or not you need some professional help taking the strategy further and eventually implementing/executing (part 3)."
...I just wanted to point out that it takes great skill to get people to move from step 2 to 3. Most people, even when they recognize the value of your advice, are unwilling to commit themselves to a consistent utilization of your know-how.
Jim
· 6 months ago
I'm a Creative Director for a non-profit and I daylight for my own company. Right now I am shooting a documentary for a homeless shelter. It's been an incredible journey. Besides that and raising a family...I blog and try to interact as much as possible.
ByronNewMedia
· 6 months ago
Chris, this is wonderful. I am rebranding and developing my site right now and can see a meme inspired by this post on the about page.
Although this new world of free knowledge via Social Media has been around for a while people are still finding boundaries (both the givers and the getters).
Your contribution to the space has been gargantuan, so thank you very much for that. Dean
claudio alegre
· 6 months ago
Thank you Chris for that breakdown.
It's very important to know the entry points on how you can establish a working relationship with someone in your position. I think you've laid this out very well.
I'm still hoping to bump into you at an airport and buy you a beer....I think you drink beer?
later
Benjamin Strong
· 6 months ago
Chris, I am working on expanding our readership. I would like more people to know how the United States Coast Guard International Search and Rescue program, Amver, helps search authorities better use commercial ships during search and rescue emergencies.
I want to share the word and identify new audiences. One goal I have is to work in some features of Slide Share or another PowerPoint sharing application.
That is professionally. My charity is the Kennedy Center, Inc of Connecticut. They help people with special needs. I have a son with special needs and I want to help the organization that helps him. We are working on a social media strategy to better share our story and engage in conversations outside our local area.
Finally, and most importantly, is my relationship with my family. I want to watch my children grow, play catch, grow tomatoes, and relax. Ok, maybe that last wish was a stretch.
I am looking forward to enjoying the ride with you.
thinkmaya
· 6 months ago
Am seriously glad you are learning to say NO :>) You are a super human being along with knowing so much and that is really causing you some issues ;)
And thank you for laying this out for us. Clearly puts your priorities should be in perspective for everyone.
My startup (http://memetales.com) is showing promise. Set to release in a few weeks. I am exploring the publishing industry wildly and taking my best experiences and knowledge to create "book-centric" web2.0 experiences around children's picture books. If the first tests show promise, we will evolve the software into a platform. So far, I a have a very passionate community who have been my support and feedback system - both intellectually and emotionally.
I try to do the best learning I can for free - thanks to the many folk who share immense amounts of information for free on their blogs - and YOU for all the insights you bring into the publishing world :)
Nate St. Pierre
· 6 months ago
I am working on a site that will enable a person to summarize their talents, skills, and personal goals as they pertain to making a positive impact in their world. Once they do this, they'll be able to connect with people from all over the world who have a need in the area that they have a talent and a passion. The rest is up to them.
Starting small with a blog right now (http://ItStartsWith.Us) in order to build community and figure out what would be most beneficial, and then I'll start creating the platform.
I've interacted with a ton of people over the last six weeks, and I'm absorbing information like a sponge. It's been busy and hectic, but VERY enlightening, and a lot of fun. I've also been able to help out a bunch of people already, which has been awesome.
Chris has been one that's helped me learn a lot, so I enjoy contributing to his discussions.
Thanks!
Nate
web2marketing
· 6 months ago
Thanks a lot for your passion and heart! I simply LOVE it!
Michael Parenteau
· 6 months ago
This is a great post! I am inspired and look forward to meeting you in a week at the Ohio Growth Summit.
Christina Katz
· 6 months ago
I like what you've done here. You've outlined what you give freely and you've outlined what your limits are. You've outlined what's important to you and that means in the bigger picture than just work, work, work. I like that you have a newsletter. And I like that you are always very cool and collected with dealing with the masses...which I'm not sure is a skill that can be taught. But if you have thoughts on how to do it, I'd love to hear them.
cyuskoff
· 6 months ago
I'm working on building an inbound marketing business from the ground up. In past positions, I helped engage communities via the social web and outreach. The plan is to keep consulting while working on upcoming side projects. e.g., an online cooking show and a social media blog. I just joined the board for the OC AD Federation, today! They will be hosting a panel on mobile marketing, http://www.ocadfed.org/ (shameless plug, I know). Good luck to everyone here on your endeavors.
Deb
· 6 months ago
First of all, I would like to thank you for all the help and useful information that you provide. Seriously, thank you. I am working on 2 really big projects right now. The first is my new interior design website, Fresh Nest Design, where I am trying to showcase my talents in hopes that I can help people out, and find new clients. The second project I am working on is Toolulu which is a VERY new site where we are focused on teaching people about blogging and social media and how they can use these in the business to network and build relationships.
I have to say it's a little crazy right now, and we will see where this road goes. It's a lot of fun, I have to say!!
Grits
· 6 months ago
I have yet to see how to integrate social media into what I'm doing but everyone says it's the coming thing so I keep reading about it.
AdamPieniazek
· 6 months ago
Loved your three part breakdown. I operate under a similar 3 part method, though I usually work with local small businesses, not massive ones. Helping people help themselves is so damn powerful for both parties I struggle to describe it. Thanks for so explaining it so well.
AngelaConnor
· 6 months ago
I am working on two new amazing opportunities that have come my way because of a session I held at the High Point Furniture Market called "Making Social Media work for You." Someone in the audience told their boss that they'd finally met someone who helped them understand some of the real benefits of social media and he contacted me to speak to a group of CEO's. Unreal. That happened yesterday. Big companies. Two followed up after our great session and gave me projects. One mentioned a need for my services in about a year when the company expands even further. And, after reading my blog and other things about me on the web, someone else contacted me to consult on a project and we have a conf. call tomorrow. am so beyond psyched and clearly pleased to be able to share such good news. I know I'm in good company here though. So, after more than a year of speaking for free and sharing all of my knowledge and consuming every bit of wisdom folks like Chris and others so readily dispense, I am seeing some real returns that actually involve cash. I've got three paid engagements, and two long-term projects. Thanks for allowing me to share and thanks for always being a source of inspiration and information. Angela Connor | @communitygirl
Suzanne Vara
· 6 months ago
Great post and insight on the time and effort that goes into helping companies.
Information and how to is readily available but having companies implement and keep up is always a big challenge.
What am I doing?I am rebuilding my company through working hard to learn all that I can to be better positioned in the social media realm. Looking forward to attending IMU and trying even harder on getting to Boston in the fall for IMS.
Thanks a bunch for all your hard work and efforts and education!
frank barry
· 6 months ago
I've read a lot of your stuff and it's helped me get me feet on the ground and my arms around social media - I'm using it more than ever. You are a 'jump start' for a lot of people. Thanks for that.
I think the biggest thing you do to help folks is spark ideas based on sharing real practical advice/insight.
What am I doing? Well ... I'm trying to do my thang in the nonprofit space. Similar to you i'm trying like a mad man to spark ideas, make folks think, share ideas and give nonprofits legs to do things on their own. It's challenging. It takes work like no other (on top of my 'other job'). But it's worth it and it's exciting.
Keep doin' what your doin' man. I'll keep learnin' from ya.
Some day I'm gonna get on this Blog to talk about one of your charity projects with you!!! :)
This is a great demonstration of communication; client need and want to know the structure of a relationship. I do the same thing when I sit in front of a client the first time. Goal #1 is to establish a definition for our relationship. Dual acceptance is required to move forward.
I'm in a bit of an intersection right now. I'm in need of a refinement; a brand and focus refinement that brings my activity and energy together in a more effective, cohesive message.
I run an intimate financial planning practice for select families and small business owners. I also manage the 20 Something Bloggers Network and volunteer in a Digital Media Director role for a local playwrights network. And I consult with local Ad and PR firms on Social Media strategy.
That's a bit of a diverse set of activities, and building a cohesive 'message' around it is tough, but I think the most valuable move I've made as of late was to use a feedback tool to gather ideas from clients, friends, thought leaders, and other digital citizens as to what comes to mind when they think 'about me'.
Josh
· 6 months ago
I am usually a lurker here. I work for a cause marketing agency. We partner with our clients to put charity auctions on eBay. They have been a very effective tool for generating PR and brand awareness.
But we are always looking for ways to improve. So I come here and join the discussion about social media and the various ways that it can be applied to business. I am a big believer in listening to the wisdom of the crowds, so I appreciate what you are doing.
Mark W. Johnson
· 6 months ago
I have been doing what you do since 1999 but in the political sphere. Trying to give advice on how the internet and social networking can more effectively reach an audience and get them to engage.
My first e-mail newsletter, The Almanack: An Internet Journal , launched in April 1999 and was sent out twice a week to over 5,000 people until March of 2002.
Keep up the good work and maybe one day I can have you speak at a political conference retreat I would like to have for social media.
Suzy
· 6 months ago
I love the honesty and clarity of your message! Running a non-profit small business incubator for women in the Netherlands is my day job. People expect an extensive amount of support from me for free, which leads me to take on other paid day and night jobs. I obviously need to spell out more clearly( for them and me too) where the boundaries are. Thanks for providing a great template.
BetterListen!
· 6 months ago
Hey Chris,
Liz Strauss told me about your work a year or two ago and I've been following you ever since. I'm a serial entrepreneur and have enjoyed life on the leading and (and sometimes bleeding) edge.
I've been streaming audio on the web since the 28.8 modem. In the past year I've launched BetterListen! and audio/media publishing label. I'm committed to creating a web 2.0 audio publishing company. (any constructive ideas on what that what might look like are welcome.)
I've enjoyed your mentions of your kids ( not really sure how many you have) I have 2 boys 6 and little guy turns 4 (on Tuesday).
BetterListen! is off to a great start - with the basics working now onto building the community - loved you post on audience, community and which way the chairs face. Also enjoyed your workshops on video from the Tools of Change conference.
Thanks for your consistent and useful work-
Steve
NancyScott
· 6 months ago
Hey, Chris ... As the sole proprietor of a writing/PR business, lately I've been feeling drowned in social media, so my favorite thing about your post is the tone. There's a warmth and humility here that's appealing and encouraging -- a reminder that it's still about people helping people. Thank you.
Mig Pascual
· 6 months ago
I'm enjoying reading your writing style. Its great that you laid the cards out here to let people know how to work with you. I'm new to blogging and your site is an inspiration.
debtconsolidation
· 4 months ago
The Thesis Theme for WordPress ,If I use with travel blog it good or not?
Chris Brogan
· 4 months ago
Very good. It's pretty no matter the content. You can post to it in mobile form, like most blogs. Should work just great.
web tasarımı
· 4 months ago
Great post! Regarding your statement that: "Your role, should you choose to accept it, is to decide whether or not what I’ve given you is useful (part 1), then decide whether or not you want to do that for your organization (part 2), and then decide whether or not you need some professional help taking the strategy further and eventually implementing/executing (part 3)."
...I just wanted to point out that it takes great skill to get people to move from step 2 to 3. Most people, even when they recognize the value of your advice, are unwilling to commit themselves to a consistent utilization of your know-how.
All Comments
I AM ATTENDING IMU and that is what I am most excited about working on!! Thanks Chris.
Regarding your statement that:
"Your role, should you choose to accept it, is to decide whether or not what I’ve given you is useful (part 1), then decide whether or not you want to do that for your organization (part 2), and then decide whether or not you need some professional help taking the strategy further and eventually implementing/executing (part 3)."
...I just wanted to point out that it takes great skill to get people to move from step 2 to 3. Most people, even when they recognize the value of your advice, are unwilling to commit themselves to a consistent utilization of your know-how.
Although this new world of free knowledge via Social Media has been around for a while people are still finding boundaries (both the givers and the getters).
Your contribution to the space has been gargantuan, so thank you very much for that. Dean
It's very important to know the entry points on how you can establish a working relationship with someone in your position. I think you've laid this out very well.
I'm still hoping to bump into you at an airport and buy you a beer....I think you drink beer?
later
I am working on expanding our readership. I would like more people to know how the United States Coast Guard International Search and Rescue program, Amver, helps search authorities better use commercial ships during search and rescue emergencies.
I want to share the word and identify new audiences. One goal I have is to work in some features of Slide Share or another PowerPoint sharing application.
That is professionally. My charity is the Kennedy Center, Inc of Connecticut. They help people with special needs. I have a son with special needs and I want to help the organization that helps him. We are working on a social media strategy to better share our story and engage in conversations outside our local area.
Finally, and most importantly, is my relationship with my family. I want to watch my children grow, play catch, grow tomatoes, and relax. Ok, maybe that last wish was a stretch.
I am looking forward to enjoying the ride with you.
You are a super human being along with knowing so much and that is really causing you some issues ;)
And thank you for laying this out for us. Clearly puts your priorities should be in perspective for everyone.
My startup (http://memetales.com) is showing promise. Set to release in a few weeks. I am exploring the publishing industry wildly and taking my best experiences and knowledge to create "book-centric" web2.0 experiences around children's picture books. If the first tests show promise, we will evolve the software into a platform. So far, I a have a very passionate community who have been my support and feedback system - both intellectually and emotionally.
I try to do the best learning I can for free - thanks to the many folk who share immense amounts of information for free on their blogs - and YOU for all the insights you bring into the publishing world :)
Starting small with a blog right now (http://ItStartsWith.Us) in order to build community and figure out what would be most beneficial, and then I'll start creating the platform.
I've interacted with a ton of people over the last six weeks, and I'm absorbing information like a sponge. It's been busy and hectic, but VERY enlightening, and a lot of fun. I've also been able to help out a bunch of people already, which has been awesome.
Chris has been one that's helped me learn a lot, so I enjoy contributing to his discussions.
Thanks!
Nate
I have to say it's a little crazy right now, and we will see where this road goes. It's a lot of fun, I have to say!!
Angela Connor | @communitygirl
Information and how to is readily available but having companies implement and keep up is always a big challenge.
What am I doing?I am rebuilding my company through working hard to learn all that I can to be better positioned in the social media realm. Looking forward to attending IMU and trying even harder on getting to Boston in the fall for IMS.
Thanks a bunch for all your hard work and efforts and education!
I think the biggest thing you do to help folks is spark ideas based on sharing real practical advice/insight.
What am I doing? Well ... I'm trying to do my thang in the nonprofit space. Similar to you i'm trying like a mad man to spark ideas, make folks think, share ideas and give nonprofits legs to do things on their own. It's challenging. It takes work like no other (on top of my 'other job'). But it's worth it and it's exciting.
Keep doin' what your doin' man. I'll keep learnin' from ya.
Some day I'm gonna get on this Blog to talk about one of your charity projects with you!!! :)
http://twitter.com/franswaa
I'm in a bit of an intersection right now. I'm in need of a refinement; a brand and focus refinement that brings my activity and energy together in a more effective, cohesive message.
I run an intimate financial planning practice for select families and small business owners. I also manage the 20 Something Bloggers Network and volunteer in a Digital Media Director role for a local playwrights network. And I consult with local Ad and PR firms on Social Media strategy.
That's a bit of a diverse set of activities, and building a cohesive 'message' around it is tough, but I think the most valuable move I've made as of late was to use a feedback tool to gather ideas from clients, friends, thought leaders, and other digital citizens as to what comes to mind when they think 'about me'.
But we are always looking for ways to improve. So I come here and join the discussion about social media and the various ways that it can be applied to business. I am a big believer in listening to the wisdom of the crowds, so I appreciate what you are doing.
My first e-mail newsletter, The Almanack: An Internet Journal , launched in April 1999 and was sent out twice a week to over 5,000 people until March of 2002.
I have re-launched the Almanack brand so to speak with my new blog at markwjohnson.wordpress.com.
Keep up the good work and maybe one day I can have you speak at a political conference retreat I would like to have for social media.
Liz Strauss told me about your work a year or two ago and I've been following you ever since. I'm a serial entrepreneur and have enjoyed life on the leading and (and sometimes bleeding) edge.
I've been streaming audio on the web since the 28.8 modem. In the past year I've launched BetterListen! and audio/media publishing label. I'm committed to creating a web 2.0 audio publishing company. (any constructive ideas on what that what might look like are welcome.)
I've enjoyed your mentions of your kids ( not really sure how many you have) I have 2 boys 6 and little guy turns 4 (on Tuesday).
BetterListen! is off to a great start - with the basics working now onto building the community - loved you post on audience, community and which way the chairs face. Also enjoyed your workshops on video from the Tools of Change conference.
Thanks for your consistent and useful work-
Steve
Regarding your statement that:
"Your role, should you choose to accept it, is to decide whether or not what I’ve given you is useful (part 1), then decide whether or not you want to do that for your organization (part 2), and then decide whether or not you need some professional help taking the strategy further and eventually implementing/executing (part 3)."
...I just wanted to point out that it takes great skill to get people to move from step 2 to 3. Most people, even when they recognize the value of your advice, are unwilling to commit themselves to a consistent utilization of your know-how.
++