Here’s another great resource and discussion on social media… Sean Nelson asks the question and gets terrific responses on LinkedIn… click here to read it. (you have to be a member of the Linked Strategies Group on LinkedIn)
If you want some hands-on training from me, check out my newly announced program.
I found Kyle Lacy on Twitter recently and really like what I saw. There are a number of his blog posts that are great.
In light of yesterday’s announcement I wanted to share his 25 tips on choosing a social media consultant, and MY thoughts on each of them:
1. They need to use the tools they are teaching.
I totally agree – they have to eat their own dog food. I’ve seen social media experts who have made a lot of money (stay with me) selling products and coaching on how to use social media… but they haven’t ever sold any non-social-media stuff. They have jumped on the bandwagon at the right time, made TONS of money, but haven’t really done it themselves.
2. They communicate with their audience.
True. I’ve been not-as-great as this as I’ve wanted to… at the same time, I hate seeing a blog post where every other comment is from the blog author saying “thanks!”
3. Do they call themselves a Social Media Expert? Ask about the 10,000 hours rule.
I’ll typically let others call me an expert (in anything) rather than me saying I am one. Same with guru, etc. Let others give you the title.
With regard to the 10,000 rule, considering someone has spent the last 4 years immersed in social media (at 40 hours a week), they still wouldn’t have hit 10,000 hours… I doubt that some people who we all admire have 10k hours, but I get the point… a newbie vs. a veteran… 🙂
4. Ask them their definition of social media.
Kyle says: “If they give you a list of tools. Fail them.” Oh my gosh. I can’t agree more. I work with very busy people… they don’t want a list of 25 places to go, or tools to use, or accounts to have. Give me a break – social media is not a list of the hundreds of places – think more about strategy and tactics.
5. They will run your Twitter account for you.
Kyle says: “It is impossible to ghost a Twitter account.” I agree. Twitter has to have a genuine person, with a personality, behind it. There are techniques to take the pressure off of constant updates, or posting daily, or whatever, but I would not suggest ghost tweeting if you are marketing your own stuff.
6. Their blog is less than six months old with no comments.
Considering blogging has been around for a long time I mostly agree… however, there will be many new blogs starting now, or that have started a few months ago, that are quite credible. One way to get around this is to develop the persona of “I’m a newbie learning – won’t you learn along with me? Let’s go!” … I’ve seen that work quite well.
With regard to no comments, I mostly agree there, also… although getting comments on blogs has gotten increasingly difficult because some people might comment on Twitter or Facebook or other places and that might now show up on the blog post… more on that here.
7. Ask them about social bookmarking. Do they know what it is? Do they use it?
I don’t use it. Oops. Or not oops. I think it depends on your product/service and audience… for me it hasn’t hit my radar much, considering I have limited bandwidth.
8. Have they taught a class before on social media? Even a webinar?
I can see this point… I’m guessing that a “coach” in social media will have done multiple presentations.
9. Are they a Just-add-water expert?
Not sure what that means but I’m guessing it refers to all the people who have read a book or article and say they are an expert. LOTS of those.
10. They actually have a personality and GET people.
Yep, agreed. Kyle says to not go to the extreme – either no personality or TOO MUCH. Yeah, totally.
11. They blog more than once a week.
Totally. I say your blog is the anchor of your social marketing strategy for a reason, you BETTER blog more than once a week!
12. They are linking and being linked.
Yeah, being known is good. Although there are “experts” out there who are known but still don’t have real world experience… selling their own stuff….
13. Ask their opinion on viral marketing.
I don’t get what Kyle writes in his original post on this, but my thoughts go to “viral videos.” You don’t make a viral video, you make a video that goes viral. You don’t send a viral message, you send a message that goes viral.
Regarding “viral marketing” in general, this is one of the most amazing aspects of the internet.
14. Check out their website.
yeah… if they don’t have a website, that might be a problem :p
15. What do other people think about them?
I think it might be hard to really figure this out – online I see a lot of ego stroking… people are pretty quick to say nice stuff and endorse… unless you are young and immature… but there are places to see this, like LinkedIn Recommendations, etc.
16. They advise you to start a Facebook page as the first step.
I would never suggest that – FB is so very misunderstood and even though they are beyond huge, they are not the first place I’d recommend for most businesses.
17. The instant success test.
Kyle says “If they promise instant results.. You should probably find another consultant.” Agreed – if you are looking for instant you might want to go back to your day job. Let’s think about long-term… networking and relationships is LONG TERM.
Instantly results can lead to instant failure.
18. What do they think about traditional marketing and advertising?
He makes good points here. I have strong opinions about this… 🙂
19. Ask them about Radian6.
Kyle says “If they have no idea about Radian6. FAIL.” I totally disagree. I have heard of Radian6 but couldn’t tell you what they do (well, I know now). At the small business, entrepreneur level where you don’t want to spend thousands of dollars on their types of services they are irrelevant – not knowing who they are is not a fail, it just means that they have impressed Kyle and he thinks they have awesome services (which they probably do).
20. How long have they been using Twitter?
Mostly important, but I’ve seen some social marketing practioners who have been using other tools well but have small followings on Twitter. Twitter is not the be-all, end-all. Powerful, important, etc. but not critical for all businesses.
I think this point suffers from the “when all you have is a hammer, all of your problems look like a nail” syndrome.
21. They believe in actually listening to your problems instead of convincing you about the world of social media.
Agree – because sometimes your important solutions might not even be social marketing.
22. If they are still using an @aol.com, @aim.com, @comcast.net, or @att.net email. Fail them.
LOL. I have to agree with this… I know plenty of successful business people who use those email systems, but if you are in the social space, as an expert or consultant, that would be a red flag for me.
Notice he didn’t put gmail on the list? I’m sure that is intentional.
23. Listen for new approaches to strategy.
Creative doesn’t always mean better or good… too many times I see these “new approaches” tried by early adopters … who always seem to be jumping from one thing to another… I like principle-based stuff and prefer not to jump all over the place, on all the networks.
24. Are they a used car salesman? Do they seem genuine?
Kyle says: “Do not work with someone you do not trust. Period.” Yep, trust your gut. And if their sales page wears out your mouse scroll wheel.. um… 🙁
25.Do they have any success stories?
Success stories OF THEIR OWN. That could be an increase of sales, a media gig (getting on TV or print), etc.
Thanks Kyle, for giving me stuff to think about and the opportunity to comment on stuff that’s also been bugging me a for a while!
Check this out – JibberJobber.com mentioned by a federal entity:
Let it not be the last time it’s mentioned officially 🙂
As a disclaimer, I learned why they mention stuff… this is a survey they are doing, and when any one tool gets 25 or more votes, they mention that tool…. so we got a mention not because we are cool, or because they know who we are, but because we had 25 people register and vote – very nice and very cool… !
It’s been a long time coming, and today’s the right day to announce this. Today I’m announcing my 12 month social marketing training program for entrepreneurs and marketers. This is not geared towards job seekers, although job seekers can sign up.
I’ve done a lot of social training. I’ve written two books and have spoken probably 300 times in the last 2.5 years. I’ve done my own webinars, I’ve been on the road from California to Washington D.C, and even to Istanbul. I’ve done teleseminars, webinars, and articles. I’ve been the expert for social marketing training systems that other people have put together.
And I never get to share all the stuff I want to share. Not anymore. Now I get to share it all.
I know there are a lot of social marketing programs out there. I don’t consider any of them competition – not because I’m better than them, but because this is not my core business.
Instead, this is stuff I’m sharing based on WHAT I’VE DONE in my own business, with my own revenue streams. From moving product (books, DVDs) to getting subscriptions (on JibberJobber.com) to building a brand as a SME and thought leader, I’ve lived it. Each of those things have produced $ for me, and it is really the only reason why I have my own sustainable business.
I have lived it every day for almost four years – not just talking about it, but DOING IT. And now I’m ready to share. Here are the details of the program:
What it is
The focus of this program is to help you, the entrepreneur or marketing manager or CEO or founder, or speaker, or author, better utilize current online marketing tools to help you build your business. The emphasis will be on strategy+tactic=growth. You will understand the tools and different strategies, and you will know what tasks, techniques or tactics to employ.
Each month (see schedule below) you will have at least four hours of instruction and/or discussion, as follows:
Week 1: You will get a video to watch that will help you understand the month’s topic, including strategies and tactics, around that topic. You will have things to DO.
Week 2: One hour webinar/call where we talk about the things you were supposed to DO, how you did them, what results you got, any questions you have, any suggestions, etc. This will be an open, collaborative meeting.
Week 3: same as week 2 – the emphasis is on DOING things as well as answering any questions, following up on exceptions, etc.
Week 4: Open webinar – we can discuss anything you want from this month’s topic, or any month. I left this open so if you have a question about something we aren’t talking about for 9 months, you don’t have to wait.
Each of the 4 weeks will be recorded and available for review (unless we have technology glitches) at your leisure – you don’t have to be on the calls but I suggest you are.
There will be a private Yahoo/Google Group where we can discuss things at any time – ask me questions, ask your peers questions, share wins and victories, etc.
This model of training (video and discussion and accountability) with the email forum to top it off.
In addition, each person will get a premium JibberJobber account, as relationship management is key, and we’ll use JibberJobber as a baseline CRM tool.
Tentative Schedule
- February: LinkedIn Marketing
- March: Blog Marketing
- April: Twitter Marketing
- May: Facebook Marketing
- June: video marketing sites (YouTube, Vimeo, etc.)
- July: Newsletters Marketing
- August: CRM / JibberJobber
- September: Website and SEO, shopping carts, etc.
- October: speaking and Webinars
- November: Products: books, DVDs, recorded webinars, etc.
- December: Article Marketing
- January 2011: Press Releases (includes $249 Killer Online Press Releases DVD if you have paid for at least 3 other months)
Price
One Person: $99/month, paid monthly. No long-term obligation.
Discount if you buy 6 months (one month free) or 12 months (three months free) upfront.
Discounts for companies with multiple attendees – email for details.
To sign up simply go to the JibberJobber payment page and make any of the following payments:
One month, one time: $99 (make sure to put a comment that this is JUST for January)
Monthly subscription: $99 (make sure you say it’s for a subscription, and to bill you monthly (monthly draw will be on the first of each month))
Six month, one time: $495
Twelve months, one time: $891
I regularly charge $250/hour for consulting, so to get 4 hours * 12 months for $891 is a steal of a deal.
Refund Policy
If you are not satisfied with the course we will refund your money as follows:
Monthly payments: anytime during the month, if you are unsatisfied, cancel and ask for a refund for that month.
Six/Twelve month payments: We’ll refund the month you are not happy with and then cancel the rest of the plan.
I am using Google Docs to write something and did the spell check… of course JibberJobber was flagged… surprisingly here are the options:
Hm. Not even close! When I have some time (yeah right) I’ll go check those out to see what they mean :p
I just finished reading one of my birthday present books, a Calvin and Hobbes 10th Anniversary. Bill Watterson is a genius, seriously.
Since I don’t yet have Nicholeen’s almost-400 page parenting book, I have to take parenting lessons from Watterson (who, at the time of putting the book together, said he didn’t have any kids.).
There was a strip where Hobbes broke his dad’s binoculars and he felt really, really bad (not a common feeling for the boy). Really bad. Finally he told his dad, who freaked out, and then in a show of fatherly love, forgave his son and told him it wasn’t that big a deal.
“Really?” sniffled Calvin…. expecting worse. His dad said something like “yeah, in the big picture, binoculars is nothing – I’m sure in a few years you’ll wreck my car :s”
I was able to have this discussion with my 8 year old son… he was doing an experiment with the microwave and placed a hot plate on the table. You know, the table with the BRAND NEW table cloth.
I wasn’t there, but I heard him trudge down to my basement office and he came in with a really, realy LONG face. Almost in tears (just like Calvin).
He was holding said hot plate. On one side was the experiment (a totally melted candy cane). On the other said of the plate was part of the brand new table cloth, which had melted.
Poor kid. He ruined mom’s new table cloth.
“That’s okay,” I told him.
He said it looks horrible, and would only look good if we put something on it to cover it up (like, forever).
I suggested we put a dollar bill there…. that would cover up the spot.
I hugged him, and as he was walking back up, shoulders drooping, I said:
“Don’t worry, I’m sure you’ll do worse things than that! Does that make you feel better?”
He nodded, murmured yes, and then went upstairs.
Thank you Bill Watterson – I’m an awesome father 🙂
I wonder what Nicholeen would have suggested?
I blogged about Nicholeen’s experience with BBC a few weeks ago… I just found out her book is out and shipping. It’s a whopper of a book, too… 383 pages!
You can get it here: A House United: Changing Children’s Hearts and Behaviors by Teaching Self-Government.
I started my business with lots of money… no wait, no money. No money. Lots of time, but no money.
No one wanted to talk to me, because I was a nobody and people were waiting to see if I was a flash-in-the-pan entrepreneur.
So, with no money, and nobody wanting to talk to me, and lots of time, I wrote.
And I wrote, and I wrote.
I wrote blog posts and articles, and I wrote lots and lots of comments on other blogs.
This became what I now call part of my Blog Marketing Strategy.
If you want to get your name and brand out there, and find evangelists and customers, and get traditional press and new media buzz, you NEED to incorporate blogs into your marketing strategy.
I put together a video recording, about 2 hours, of what I did as part of my blog marketing strategy. You can get it for $50. It is one of my favorite recordings, because I LIVED this stuff.
And it worked for me. And it can work for you.
Here’s what Kathy Bitschenauer, Certified Career Management Coach, had to say about it:
GREAT webinar, loved the way you presented it, and gained a ton of new information and explanations of things that I had not understood, such as what’s the value of Technorati, or the ways to use Google Alerts to your advantage. This is one I’ll review over and over. And I learned how important it really is to get going on creating a blog and writing in it.
Tools. Your own blog. Other blogs.
Strategy and Tactics.
This webinar is AWESOME (yeah, I’m biased).
If you want it you can order it here. Or learn more here.
(update: 12/28/09 – had to turn off comments as something with blogs and marketing gets a TON of spam comments.)
Last night for family night we were talking about being chaste (according to thefreedictionary: Morally pure in thought or conduct; decent and modest)… I asked my kids what it meant to be chaste and my five-almost-six year old daughter was anxious to tell us… she is the one that wants to answer all the questions… her response went something like this:
“you know when you are playing tag, and someone is “it” and they are chasing you… whoever is the runner running away from the one who’s it is the one who is chased.”
ROFL
Kids.
I have a lot of thoughts on marketing books. I have two books and I have two published authors in my series and soon will have at least two more.
Yesterday at Thanksgiving I was talking to someone who has a brilliant idea that I want to put in front of all of my JibberJobber users. And I thought of some new marketing ideas specific to that book.
Here are some miscellaneous, not comprehensive, thoughts on book marketing, in response to an email I got asking what to do to market books. The email indicated the publisher and book distributors were pretty much doing what their role was, but once that’s done, what do you do? (FYI, the book in the email is a novel, which is quite different than my own books)
What are your ideas? BTW, none of these ideas touch on how I’d market this new book that I talked to someone about last night.