Monday, January 26, 2009

Intimidation from the Alleged “Social Media Expert”



Already this morning, I’ve read so many interesting and educational blogs. The social media guru population grows by outrageous #s every day…just as the debate grows of what actually depicts a social media “guru” or “expert”.

Recently I’ve read from some of the SM pros (that have been doing this for awhile now) complaining that social media “wannabes” are coming out of the cracks and tarnishing the reputation of those who are actually doing it right. I certainly agree with this to a point. Sure, there are those who don’t really get it, but think it’s a hip or cool trend they should be participating in. Or—even worse—those who believe it’s a quick, easy, and economical way to get rich and popular fast. Read 6 Dangerous Fallacies of Social Media if you believe that notion.

However, there are some of us out there, like myself, who actually do practice the original rules of the social media foundation. We listen, research, participate, share, engage and act as humanly possible to learn the evolving methods, tools, etiquette, and regulations of this bureaucracy. We may be newer to the field than some, but we take it very seriously and want to play the field respectfully, fairly and by the rules. As I start my social media consultancy, I know I don’t have to label myself as an expert, but a savvy PR professional with many years of both traditional and new media experience.

So before some of the so-called SM experts judge us newer to the industry, you may want to look, listen and learn whether we are real or phony.