Your book, The New Rules of Marketing and PR, had such a profound influence on me. And, it continues influencing my thinking today. Your thoughts about how content and ideas spread via the Internet forced me to question everything I learned about traditional marketing tactics and strategy from my MBA business school training in the late 1990's.
Your book is why I started my personal blog. If I had read this important book when it was first published in June 2007, I would have started blogging much sooner (because I didn't read it until December 2008). Blogging is the most creative and fulfilling process I've ever enjoyed in my life. And, I'm so far behind because I didn't start sooner.
In pages 50 to 53 of The New Rules of Marketing and PR you shared how the best way to start blogging is by reading and commenting on other blogs. You described a two-part learning process: (1) reading blogs teaches you blogging and commenting etiquette and (2) commenting is a great way to learn how to get your viewpoint out there.
Three and half years ago, I wrote my first-ever blog comment on your post, What We All Really Want Is ATTENTION. I still remember all the negative thoughts after posting my comment. I feared my contribution was uninsightful, long-winded, and self-indulgent. I thought the worst — that I detracted from the conversation (instead of adding to it).
But, you responded with a kind, acknowledging response (literally hours later). Your response made me feel validated (and relieved) that I properly applied your teachings. You gave me self-confidence.
And, you made me feel like I was welcome at this cool party involving the smart and engaging people who are consistently part of the Web Ink Now Community. From that point on, I couldn't wait to receive your latest post on my RSS feed so I could learn more about how you think (and continue participating in the conversation by writing more comments).
I've been eternally grateful for your kind comments on my blog posts reviewing one of your books (or when you retweet one of my tweets). Your generous acts in sharing my book reviews of Real Time Marketing & PR and Newsjacking made me feel so great!
Why? Because I look up to you! I consider you a New Media Hero! I view your comments on my blog (along with your responses to my comments in your blog) as a form of coaching or mentoring (even though we've never met in-person). It's so meaningful and generous when someone you look up to, takes the time to acknowledge something you wrote or contributed and says "thank you."
It surprises me how so few people recognize and acknowledge the power of these simple, kind acts.
When you mentioned my name and linked to my blog in your post titled: Newsjacking Via a Real Time Kindle Book, it remains the biggest thrill in my brief online career as an amateur blogger. You have no idea how much this wonderful gesture means to me — Thank you David!
I hope one day to meet you in-person and shake your hand. You're the reason I passionately pursue and continuously learn about how marketing and PR strategies continue changing at Internet speed. Every opportunity to read your books, blog, or study one of your videos, is a new chance to learn.
Thank you David for being such a great teacher and mentor. Your work and art inspires me.
And, this video conversation created by Lindsey Kirchoff demonstrates how you continue inspiring and teaching the next generation of marketing and public relations professionals.
All the best,
Tony Faustino
Note: Austin Kleon's book, Steal Like an Artist and Mitch Joel's public fan letters inspired this post. Pages 108 to 109, "Write Fan Letters," and Chapter 2: "Don't Wait Until You Know Who You Are To Get Started" from Austin's book are amazing. After reading Austin's book and Mitch's aforementioned posts, I made a public fan letters list of my heroes.
Please indulge me as I periodically publish these fan letters on this blog.
From page 109 of Steal Like an Artist: "Maybe your hero will see your work, maybe he or she won't. Maybe they'll respond to you, maybe not. The important thing is that you show your appreciation without expecting anything in return."
The admiration, respect, and friendship expressed to people who've meant so much to your professional career moved me. You wrote those letters with such honesty. And, you had the courage to publish them online.
A professional colleague gave me your book, Six Pixels of Separation, as a gift around four years ago. She knew I wanted to learn and understand the impact of new media in marketing. Your book and David Meerman Scott inspired me to pursue blogging and to participate in social networks.
Two concepts from your book continue influencing my approach to blogging and social networking:
In Praise of Slow
The Golden Rule (e.g., Saying Thank You)
Whenever I write about blogging or personal branding, I usually describe and cite the relevance of these concepts.
I remember my fear of promotingmy book review of Six Pixels of Separation on Twitter (because I included your Twitter handle in the tweet). It was one of the few reviews I'd written at that time.
Self-doubt consumed me. Negative thougts ran through my mind like "if Mitch reads this post, what if he thinks it sucks." Or, "what if he thinks I'm misrepresenting his work."
But, you wrote the nicest comment on my post. And, you shared the book review with your Twitter followers.
Your gesture and generosity meant so much. It gave me confidence to keep blogging. I started believing I was on the right path. It reinforced I was doing things the right way (e.g., the approach you described for building a credible reputation).
And, the books and articles you read and share — Wow! I love how you share your love of reading (especially the diversity and number of books you annually consume).
I can't wait till you publish Ctrl Alt Del in Spring 2013. I know it will be great. I love the ironic play on words (because I and your legions of fans know how much you love writing with your MacBook Air). When you to made the full conversion to Apple products, that was my tipping point to invest in a MacBook Pro.
My biggest regret: not discovering, reading, and studying your book and your blog sooner. I'm not making that mistake twice. I read and study your blog every day. It's required reading in my continuing education to understand where marketing is heading.
Plus, your podcasts demonstrate why you're "the Charlie Rose" of New Media. The conversational insights and your access to New Media's A-List are beyond compare. My personal favorites are your recent conversations with Seth Godin and Ken Wong.
Your writing teaches and inspires me how to write. Every time I read your blog, I say out loud: "Man, I wish I could write like that. I don't care how long it takes — I'm going to learn to write like that."
Letterman described how "he needed a target" (because he needed something to shoot for). His ideal was Carson.
When I write, you're my target. You're the standard I shoot for.
Thank you for inspiring me (and countless others).
All the best,
Tony Faustino
Note: Austin Kleon's book, Steal Like an Artist and Mitch Joel's public fan letters inspired this post. Pages 108 to 109, "Write Fan Letters," and Chapter 2: "Don't Wait Until You Know Who You Are To Get Started" from Austin's book are amazing. After reading Austin's book and Mitch's aforementioned posts, I made a public fan letters list of my heroes.
Please indulge me as I periodically publish these fan letters on this blog.
From page 109 of Steal Like an Artist: "Maybe your hero will see your work, maybe he or she won't. Maybe they'll respond to you, maybe not. The important thing is that you show your appreciation without expecting anything in return."
The Business of Blogging. He describes many business-related reasons why individuals or agencies choose to publish a blog. Here are some:
Attracting clients
Search engine optimization benefits
Sharing links and advice
The Love of Blogging. But, if you want to publish for the long haul, Mitch lists nine (9) reasons to pursue blogging. Here are some of the "real" reasons described:
Because you love to write
Because you have to write
Because if you had more time, you would write even more
Because you have something to say
Mitch's advice comes from his almost decade-long experiences in blogging and writing.
It's the right mindset for long term success and commitment in self-publishing a personal blog. Those four (4) reasons capture why I become frustrated when I can't invest the time in writing.
Otherwise, why do it?
I'm so happy Memorial Day Weekend is finally here. Time to get back to writing ….
The unemployment rate for the aged 55 and over workforce rose from 5.9% to 6.2%
More than half of workers aged 55 and have been looking for work at least a year
The long term unemployed are at risk of skills erosion (which decreases the probability of finding work)
Table 3 of the Fact Sheet highlights important statistics for both and average duration of unemployment and the long term unemployed for the 55+ and older group:
It Gets Harder Every Year for Unemployed, Older Workers
Last year, AARP Senior Vice President, Jeffrey Davis, released this video statement:
Older Unemployed Workers Must Overcome Multiple Hiring Perceptions
This Phenemenon Has Been Increasing Since 2005. I still have the original May 2005 Fortune Magazine issue to this article: 50 and Fired. The article states how over-50 unemployed workers battle these common hiring objections, perceptions, and responses when searching for jobs:
Out-of-touch with today's technology
Too expensive to hire (a pheneomenon referred to as tenured compensation)
Unable to work for or work with team members half their age (e.g., less flexible)
Invest in Your Personal Brand WHILE YOU'RE EMPLOYED
The Rise of The Temporary Gig Economy. But, it's not all gloom and doom. There's an emerging trend to hire older, over-50 workers (particularly in the white collar executive segment). The Huffington Post published an article titled, Patina: Experience Trumps Youth in This Economy. This Wisconsin-based placement firm specializes in placing older experience executives in temporary global assignments. Patina Solutions recognized an unmet need and opportunity for older executives:
Baby Boomers might approach retirement differently – they prefer to keep working but not necessarily in a part-time job
Older experienced executives are a senior management asset when it comese to overseeing projects
These executives have no desire to be tied down to one company (though many of their clients lost their jobs do to the ongoing recession)
Established firms are moving to on-demand employment models (which allows them to forgo paying health care benefits and vacation packages)
Read These Forbes Magazine Articles By Josh Bersin On Employment Trends. I follow Mr. Bersin because he identifies important patterns in 21st century career management. After reading these articles, it doesn't take a rocket scientist to understand how The Temporary Gig Economy will become the norm versus the exception:
Start Differentiating Yourself (Especially Online). This means competitive differentiation is vital for older executives. The competition for these temporary assignments will increase.
Building a Personal Brand Involves a Significant Time Investment. I'm entering my third year in blogging. I love writing (which is why I do it for free). And, my passion for writing and sharing is yielding returns in important professional and personal opportunities.
The Paradox of Digital Media Is It's Slow (Not Fast). The results don't happen overnight. Despite a real-time Internet, digital content is an asset that becomes more valuable over time because:
Search engines will index it
Social media sites will share it and spread it
Other websites (including social media networks) will link to it — which increases your Google Authority
2011 was an important year for this blog. A few months ago, I published my 100th post. And, each post represents an opportunity to learn, improve, and experiment.
Social Media ReInvention Blog's Most Popular 2011 Posts
And, She Weighed in at a Happy and Healthy 6 Pounds, 9 Ounces. From mid-August to early November 2012, I literally dropped out of sight from any new blog posts or social media participation (you may or may not have noticed). The birth of my daughter is the reason why. My wife and I also have another daughter who's seven (7) years old.
Our family grew. And, we are so blessed.
But, Little Blessings Can Be Mentally and Emotionally Consuming. Fatherhood with a newborn is both humbling and rewarding. You learn quickly how sleep deprivation makes it difficult to construct a coherent thought or sentence.
It took four (4) months / early November to start feeling normal, productive, and effective.
The Epiphany: Blogging Really Makes Me Happy
A Newborn Quickly Imposes Prioritization (Whether You Like It or Not). During that four-month time frame, I realized I couldn't maintain my past routines in working on this blog. And, that frustrated me a lot.
I Missed the Process. I felt something missing. And, I had to keep reminding myself this sacrifice and setback is temporary.
I missed everything about the writing and blogging process:
It's a great way to practice writing (which is important in my full-time work)
It's introduced me to interesting, smart, like-minded people
It's not to make money (because I make no revenue from blogging)
It makes me happy
Yes, It Makes Me Happy. And, I hope the time you spend reading my blog makes you happy (or makes youfeel like it's time well-spent). With each new post, I hope you feel the content is improving.
And, I hope you'll continue sharing the content with others. When something I write is shared on Twitter, LinkedIn, or Facebook, I'm always surprised (and humbled).
Thank You. Thank you indulging me in sharing a memorable year. Thank you for subscribing to this blog and sharing its content with your social network connections. And, thank you for sticking with me when I temporarily dropped out of sight.
Here's to a safe, healthy, and happy 2012 for all of us.
I studied Six Pixels of Separation by Mitch Joel from cover to cover. And, I loved every word. My one regret: I didn’t start reading / studying it sooner.
An Important and Valuable Book. Don’t make my mistake. Six Pixels of Separation belongs in the digital marketing and leadership library of any Fortune 500 executive, small business owner, or entrepreneur who is driven to forge an organization on the principles of trust and community.
This review focuses on seven (7) pearls of wisdom from the book. But, there are so many more.
I hope this review inspires you to:
Purchase the book and study it
Share it with your family, friends, and colleagues
A 3-Pronged Approach: Building, Differentiating, and Auditing Your Personal Brand. Chapter 7: You Are Media (pages 124 – 142) is the most important chapter of the book. It focuses on how individuals can create, promote, and differentiate their personal brands by publishing digital content.
Mitch provides detailed guidance on these key branding activities:
Build a 3D Personal Brand (pages 134 – 135)
Differentiate Your Personal Brand Via a 15-Point Personal Brand Questionnaire (page 129)
Audit Your Personal Brand in the Online World (pages 139 – 141)
In the following video (timestamp 1:53 to 3:10; note there's a short advertisement in the beginning), Mitch describes how organizational brands or individual brands can market themselves in online channels by:
Participating in online conversations
Providing valuable content
Helping other people connect and engage with others
You Are a Broadcast Network. Page 137 states why we are all individual media companies:
“Individuals are creating content; the individuals are the media. The media they are creating are also a form of advertising.”
“It made me wonder: why would Robert Scoble accept a “friends invitation” from people he does not know? Why do you want to be connected to people you don’t know and alert them to stuff you’re doing? And then it hit me! Robert Scoble is media. He’s building his own broadcast network. He understands that media is completely fragmented and, by participating in all these new social communication vehicles (blogging, Twitter, Pownce, Facebook), he’s aggregating readers and viewers, thereby increasing his penetration and his worth as media.”
2. We Are All Intrinsically Connected
Six Degrees of Separation Applies to Traditional Media. On page 4, Mitch explains that today's technology and digital channels enable people to know everyone because:
“We are all intrinsically connected through technology, the Internet, and our mobile devices.”
“We are all a click (or pixel) away from one another.”
“This means that building relationships and turning those relationships into an online community is more important than ever before.”
He describes the Six Pixels of Separation Concept in the following video (timestamp: 0:08 to 1:37; note there's a short advertisement in the beginning):
Geographical Boundaries No Longer Apply. Watch the following video. It describes the true story of how the rock band, Journey, found its new lead singer via YouTube. The new lead singer lived in the Philippines (and didn’t speak a word of English). The story starts around 40 seconds into the video:
3. Digital Marketing Is About Being Slow
In Praise of Slow. Pages 31 – 34 contain my favorite Six Pixels quotes. Why? All of the lessons reinforce a long-term approach / attitude in building a credible digital presence. The misconception about digital marketing versus traditional marketing is digital results could be achieved faster and cheaper:
“Yes, you can make fast decisions, see fast results, and optimize and change things on the fly, but real tangible results take time. You can’t quickly start a blog and get results right away. It takes time to build your content, find your voice, develop a community, and earn trust and respect.”
Time Invested Drives New Media Opportunities. On page 5, he describes how the time invested in building online communities and reputations determines success in online channels (not how much money is dumped in advertising and PR):
“The new online channels will work for you as long as your are working for them by adding value, your voice, and the ability for your consumers to connect, engage, and take part.”
Eight (8) Years of Blog Posts and Hundreds of Podcasts. Mitch started publishing the Six Pixels of Separation Blog in 2003. At the time of the book’s 2009 publication, the Twist Image Team published 200+ podcasts.
On pages 184 to 185, Mitch comments on the time and and work invested:
“None of this was easy to accomplish. It was (and is) hard work and very time consuming, but we have achieved great results from these efforts, and it has differentiated us and brought us out of the bloody red sea of interactive agencies and into a blue ocean (even though, on some days, it feels more lie a pond) of what the agency of the future should look like.”
Watch This Interview About In Praise of Slow (time stamp 2:30 to 5:00). Pay special attention to what Mitch says about In Praise of Slow along with his blog’s role in lead generation and client acquisition:
4. Influencers of Content Value: Time, Search Engines, Linking, and Sharing
Content’s Slow, Steady Process and the Link to Search Engines. Page 33 contains an important lesson on how content earns favorable search engine rankings:
“The older the content, the longer it has been online and searchable through the engines, the more people who have linked to it, shared, and tagged it, the more valuable it is. Content that ranks at the top of Google does not get there because of how new and fresh it it is. Content rises to the top of Google based on how long it has been available and how valuable it has been to the online community.”
“It’s a slow and steady process that makes content rise to the top of the search engines.”
Speed Is a Search Engine Optimization (SEO) Tactic. Page 33 discusses why speed is important in online publishing. Key points about speed include:
* Speed gets your content is indexed in search engines as fast as possible.
* The sooner your content is available through search, the sooner people will find it, and the sooner it will become valuable.
* Posting your content fast means you can gain the efficiencies of content’s slow, steady process faster.
5. Attention Does Not Equal Trust
They’re Not the Same. Think about celebrities, politicians, athletes, etc. who garner significant attention. Do you trust them? Probably not. Being the center of attention is not a sustainable long term strategy.
Digital Marketing Is Not a One-Night Stand (page 34). It’s about TRUST. It’s about building real, genuine relationships with both your current consumers and potential consumers.
“There’s no such thing as an overnight sensation. Everything you’ve seen in business as an overnight sensation was, in effect, decades in the making.”
“The digital social spaces are built on trust and trust alone.Trust is always built slowly over time.”
Earning Trust. Pages 167 to 169 discuss earning and sustaining trust once your online participation receives attention. Mitch writes “to use the Web in a human way.”
* Be Helpful. Helping others online is how you turn attention into trust. Remember, the Web is built on reciprocity.
* Be Sincere. Helping others without expecting anything in return is the right attitude. Helpful and sincere people are valuable community members – just like in the real world.
6. Traffic Does Not Equal Community
Be Wary of The Mass Media Complex. Driving more traffic is good. But, the ultimate goal is not solely about achieving large numbers.
In the following video, Mitch discusses the mass media complex (e.g., appealing to everyone or trying to attract millions). Pay attention to his explanation from time stamp 0:40 to 0:57 (especially about how Six Pixels of Separation targets the digital marketing and social media community):
Focus on Building Community. The thought here similarly applies to the one about attention does not equal trust. On page 166, Mitch writes:
“Keep in mind that many people who have lots of traffic really don’t have much community at all. In fact, hunting for the traffic can be a game of diminishing returns. To really evolve and maintain, focus on the five new community members (who will, we hope, become lifetime customers) versus the 55,000 who might float in and right out simply because of an orphan link that someone posted somewhere. Namely, they were interested in your content for about five seconds, but now they are gone.”
“The long-term game of sustainability in the online channels is one of quality versus quantity.”
7. The Golden Rule
Say Thank You. Pages 41 to 42 and 210 to 212, reinforce the importance of (1) monitoring mentions of your product / service AND (2) expressing thanks to the people sharing your content:
If someone mentions you, it is now your duty — at the very least — to leave a comment back on their blog (or email them directly), letting them know you are reading, paying attention, and most importantly, appreciative of their mentioning you.
As much as you physically can, respond and be thankful to everyone who takes the time to mention you.
Make this your golden rule, and make a commitment that you will never break it.
It Shows You're Human. Practicing The Golden Rule shows others you're listening, responsive, and appreciative. In all human interactions, isn't that the goal? Make it the norm not the exception in your digital interactions.
And, Mitch Joel is a Man of His Word. These acknowledgements from Mitch show how he practices The Golden Rule:
The Deepest Human Need is the Need to be Appreciated
Insightful Advice from William James and Tom Peters. Watch this Tom Peters video about the power of Thank You Notes (specifically time stamp 1:20 to 2:34). In addition to the William James quote, Mr. Peters shares:
"Recognition and Appreciation. Nothing gets you further in your career. And, it also makes you a better human being."
Digital Thank You Notes. When someone links to your blog, tweets your post on Twitter, or shares your work on LinkedIn News, do you say thank you?
If someone cites your content in his/her blog, show appreciation and demonstrate listening by:
* Commenting in their Blog Post. Doesn't it feel good when someone leaves you a blog comment? When someone takes the time to find your post, read it, evaluate it, and share it in their work, they are giving you a generous gift.
* Tweeting This Person's Blog Post. Publicize this person's blog post to your Twitter followers. Help drive readers to this person's blog. Sharing builds community on The Web. Isn't building community the goal?
* Tweeting A Quick Thank You Note. Thank you notes are important on The Web. Why? You show you're listening. You show your appreciation. You show you're human.
Demonstrating humanity and humility in 140 characters (or less) is a good thing.
Mitch Joel's Golden Rule
Advice from Six Pixels of Separation. On pages 41 to 42 and 210 to 212, Mitch Joel reinforces the importance of (1) monitoring mentions of your product / service AND (2) expressing thanks to the people sharing your content:
If someone mentions you, it is now your duty — at the very least — to leave a comment back on their blog (or email them directly), letting them know you are reading, paying attention, and most importantly, appreciative of their mentioning you.
As much as you physically can, respond and be thankful to everyone who takes the time to mention you.
Make this your golden rule, and make a commitment that you will never break it.
Conclusion
Success Requires the Help of Others. Achieving successful outcomes is a team sport. Teachers, mentors, coaches, teammates, family members, colleagues, clients, or someone else helped us accomplish something really worthwhile.
The Digital World Is Different. Why? Everyone I previously mentioned is someone I know personally. In the digital space, there's a higher likelihood that you don't personally know the people who spread your content. That's a key difference. Folks from any part of the world may have linked to your blog post, liked your content on Facebook, or tweeted about your service on Twitter.
Whenever you can, recognize these people and express your appreciation.
A Final Thought. I've thoroughly enjoyed publishing this four-post blog series on Tom Peters' Personal Branding Lessons. Readers shared these posts on LinkedIn News, curated them on websites, and tweeted the posts to their followers.
I appreciate you taking time to read these posts. And, you're so generous to share them.
Making a Difference by Leveraging the Internet's Power. Doesn't this video make you feel good about truly making a difference in other people's lives? Isn't the audience's standing ovation and Bill Gates' appearance at the end of the video uplifting?
Salman Khan's passion and vision to reinvent and reimagine education (e.g., "create something of social value") inspires tremendous possibilities. What he's currently achieved took courage, passion, and blind faith because he initially financed the entire operation himself.
All That's Good About The Internet. The TED / Salman Khan video highlights all that's good about The Internet. Khan's actions represent the values Mitch Joel discusses about online media in his Six Pixels of Separation book:
Being Helpful and Being Sincere (pages 168 – 169; a repeated theme throughout the book)
You Can't Fake Sincerity / Passion (pages 130 – 131; another important repeated theme)
Online Digital Channels are All About Transparency and Trust (a quote snippet from page 126)
What's Got Me Worked Up: This Spammer's Veiled Sincerity
Flushing Away Your Credibility (in 23 Words or Less). The article generated and attracted a number of comments. And then, this comment appears …
When I read this, I thought "doesn't the commenter realize the Salman Khan he's referring to is not the person in the TED video?" I clicked on this commenter's name (the hyperlink was enabled at that time), and up pops a spammy website for some shady, loan business.
Spam Ready for Table 5! Apparently, the spammer did a Google search on "Salman Khan." But, he quickly and mistakenly decided the first two results are the person in the TED video.
Apparently, he didn't have time to click on the search results and read the extra details. I guess that happens when you're too busy cooking spam and serving it while it's still hot!
Conclusion
Justice is Served. I checked Mitch's article a few days later and he disabled the hyperlink to this person's website — VINDICATION! And, I'm glad Mitch published the spammer's comment to expose his real name and uninformed comment so others can witness and promote this person's credibility loss FOREVER. If you go to Mitch's article, you'll see this commenter's inbound link is the only one disabled.
Attention Does Not Equal Trust. Mitch explains this concept on page 167 of Six Pixels of Separation. This spammer did catch my attention (and for all the wrong reasons). And, I know better now not to trust him in the future.
More, importantly, I hope others will spread the word about this person's lack of credibility.
Am I Overreacting? Maybe, I'm taking this too seriously. Please tell me what you think. I'd like to know.
Here's the eMarketer graphic showing a demographic breakdown of the Harris Interactive data:
The survey results show 76% of Gen X'ers (34-45 year olds) are either "very confident" or "somewhat confident" their privacy settings in social networks are functioning properly. I'm part of Generation X so this result interests me. Also, I actively participate in social networks. I agree with the Harris Poll based on my participation in The Big 3 U.S. Social Networks (Facebook, Twitter, and LinkedIn).
Will Something Bad Result From Tweeting, Blogging, or Sharing?
Not So Much. The survey represents 2,331 participants. Based on the research, only 7% of respondents had gotten in trouble at school or work or lost a job opportunity because of social network activity.
But, Always Think Twice. Use common sense as your guide. Similar to when email entered our 1990s professional lives, think twice before selecting "send, publish, or share" when posting something on your social network or blog.
On the Worldwide Web, You Are What You Publish
It's a Cold, Hard Fact. That headline is one of my favorite David Meerman Scott quotes. It also explains why 90% of my social media / social networking participation represents a professional purpose:
Networking with other like-minded professionals (i.e., LinkedIn, Twitter)
Providing links to useful articles / research / blogs about social media, technology or the pharmaceutical / biotech industry (i.e., Twitter, this blog)
Commenting on industry blogs or social media thought leaders' blogs to expand my professional connections and build my online reputation
The other 10% of my social network participation represents a personal purpose (i.e., Facebook). I made the choice to restrict my connections on Facebook to personal friendships only. In Facebook, I connect and share with only a select, few individuals from my professional life. I have a trusted friend who works in the Human Resources function, and this is how she manages her Facebook account.
Here's a direct quote from Mitch's post: "While you retain the rights to the text, images, audio and video that you post online, always consider that the content is now public and shareable forever."
Forever. That's a long time.
Conclusion
There is a Personal Cost Associated with Online Participation. When I made the choice to start actively participating in social media / social networking, I understood this cost. Always be mindful, someone is reading and reacting to your online activity (either positively or negatively). Always be aware of what you tweet, what you post, and who you connect to.
But, The Benefits Outweigh the Costs. Online participation provides access to professional and personal development opportunities traditionally reserved for select individuals:
* Publishing a blog provides an opportunity to demonstrate and build your reputation and thought leadership on a global scale
* Tweeting and connecting provides an opportunity to professionally network on a global scale
* Commenting on industry and thought leaders' blogs provides an opportunityto demonstrate your knowledge and augment another person's research, thoughts, and opinions on a global scale
Sounds Globally Opportunistic, Doesn't It? It is! And, I wish I'd started sooner. And, I'm running as fast as I can to make up for lost time.
(30 hours per week) x (52 weeks per year) = 1,560 hours
(1,560 hours) x (1 day / 24 hours) = 65 days!
We Flush Away Two (2) Month Per Year in Social Media Productivity
Instead of watching two month's worth of tv, here's what I'd like to accomplish in 2011:
1) Publish sixteen (16) additional blog posts. That estimate is based on my historical production from November 2010 to December 2010. For Mitch Joel or Chris Brogan, an extra month translates to 30 - 84 additional posts. Note: Mitch Joel publishes six (6) times per week, and Chris Brogan gives advice on how to publish three (3) times per day (see below).
4) Read two (2) extra books on social media and digital marketing. Here's a link to my recent post on 19 fabulous social media and digital marketing books. Please keep in mind, this is based on my personal reading / studying speed. For many, I'm sure this translates into reading four (4) or more extra books per month (and I envy your reading speed and comprehension).
5) Learn how to create, edit, and publish podcasts. This is something I've toyed around with as a new idea for 2011, but my priority is currently on getting trusted advice to undertake 1) through 3).
Chris Brogan, Adam Singer, and David Meerman Scott Don't Watch TV …
These A-Listers productively publish content and generously share advice on writing and improving blog content. Here's some of their best advice on maximizing personal productivity:
Important Note / Correction: When I originally published this post this morning, I mistakenly said Mitch Joel doesn't watch any TV at all. He absolutely does. It was sloppy of me to make that leap after reading his post.
Please see Mitch's comment below. I modified the post to reflect his input. Thanks Mitch!
Conclusion
November 2010 and December 2010 was my most productive month since I started blogging almost a year ago. I attribute the productivity increase to following the previously mentioned advice. More experience with the blogging process, increased discipline in recording blog ideas, and waking up earlier also contributed to more posts.
I still watch at least one hour of tv per week. For my wife and I, The Good Wife is a DVR'd guilty pleasure. And, I personally consider Super Bowl Sunday a national holiday.
Yet, I don't miss tv. Researching material, coming up with blog ideas, and publishing this blog are more fun and mentally fulfilling. Blogging is a genuine labor of love (and I wish I'd discovered it sooner).
So, how would you invest an extra month of time in social media marketing?
Please share your fun and creative ideas for 2011. I'd love to hear them!