the social of the media

If you did something really, really well, would you consider yourself an expert? A guru?

Maybe. Let's explore. But by the title of this post you likely know where I'm going...or suspect.

I'm really good at math, but I'm not an expert - it's more like an aptitude for understanding math than any wealth of knowledge I hold. And I don't hold any such wealth of knowledge; if I did, I might be a mathematician. It wasn't a popular career choice when I was sitting with the guidance counselor in the 10th grade.

My friend is really good at websites. He got me hooked up and hosts mine. He has an understanding of what I need and a sound knowledge of the technical stuff. But I wouldn't call him a guru. Sorry, Jim.

When I think of experts, I think of witnesses in trials and hired guns selling something. Gurus bring a whole other disturbing image to mind; predominately creepy dudes in robes. Dirty robes. And I mean absolutely no disrespect to anyone who is taking the word guru at a literal translation. I'm not.

Aside from writing and blogging I've been spending time on Twitter, building what some would say is 'brand recognition' but what I call relationships. I'm the new kid on the block. I need to get to know people and let them get to know me. That's fine. It's fun and I've met loads of great people.

Something is disturbing about what I think is social media, though. The fact that I'm not even sure I know what it is disturbs me. There's a penchant for people to gravitate to those calling themselves experts or gurus without looking around at the wider circle. It feels a bit like the telemarketer - but more insidious. Because it's a whole new electronic world out there. Kind of like international waters.

I think of social, and I think of relationships, connecting and sharing. Then I think of media and I imagine platforms and ways through which to share news and information - writing, broadcasting, etc. Pen and paper are media, too.

A relationship platform news and information sharing guru? Expert? Doesn't have as nice a ring to it as "social media expert", does it?

There are oodles of people who have a lot of experience with social media and can help with marketing your brand as you sail through these troubling waters. In the short time that I've been on Twitter I have discovered many of these people, including Bradley Cooper, Cameron Herold and Un-marketing. They are informed, active in the areas of which they speak and are willing to share knowledge with you. Without asking for your credit card.

Maybe that's the real guru: the one who will share their knowledge, on any level. Yes, at times for profit (a person's gotta eat). But at other times they share just to share.

Anyone else calling themselves a guru or an expert is just a shill. Don't get taken in. There's no such thing as a passive income (despite my wish for it to be true), because someone somewhere is doing something to make that happen.

I'd like to send a big thank-you out to the people who are making my social media experience a nice one. I hope to have to hire one of you soon, and I will when I need it. Because I know I'm no expert.

Just don't show up wearing dirty robes or the deal's off.


~Jeannette