Chris Pirillo » expert

How to Be a Social Media Expert

Chris Pirillo — Tue, 21 Sep 2010 10:09:29 +0000

I have been following a new account over on Twitter lately. @keyboardsnark has some seriously good things to say. One of this person’s tweets earlier caused me to hit that magical retweet button faster than my fingers could click on the mouse. It said: “You have “SOCIAL MEDIA EXPERT” in your bio, but you just joined Twitter last week? You must learn new things really, really fast.” How often have we all come across someone who claims to be a social media expert and wondered WHY? Believe me, I’ve stumbled across way too many too count.

What is it that makes people label themselves in this manner? How can anyone possibly deem themselves an expert in social media when they are brand-new to the medium? Talking a lot on Twitter or Facebook does not make one an expert. Trust me on this fact. Here’s a simple fact: People will NOT take you more seriously if you say you’re an expert. They will take you seriously if someone ELSE labels you as such. You will gain far more trust, acceptance and respect if you humbly admit that you do not know everything, but that you are always willing to learn and share what you know.

The software you will find in our downloads center are as close to being experts as they can possibly be!

How to Be a Social Media Expert

I’m a Social Media Guru?!

Chris Pirillo — Tue, 29 Jun 2010 20:48:40 +0000

I’m a Social Media Guru?!

I hate that label, but I am definitely honored that someone thinks enough of me to call me a guru. I’m already having a fantastic time in Spokane. I’m here for the Social Media and Marketing, Advertising and PR Community Event, where I’ll be talking about social media later in the day.

I’m a Social Media Guru?!

Social Media Questions and Answers

Chris Pirillo — Wed, 17 Mar 2010 20:03:09 +0000

Social Media Questions and Answers

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‘Social Media’ is the phrase of the day. Many of us were doing things socially online long before the term was even coined. No one can seem to decide what, exactly, social media really IS, anyway. Craig sent a series of questions to me from Scotland, asking five questions about social media. I thought it would be fun to record my answers as a video. Also, by having them out there this way, hopefully more people will be able to learn something – instead of only Craig! I’m always interested in hearing your thoughts and ideas. If you don’t agree with one of my answers, go ahead and leave a follow-up comment to tell us what you think!

What are the advantages, as you see it, for social media experts engaging through social media activity? – The advantages are that they can connect with other people. You’re sharing, collaborating and communicating about thoughts, ideas and anything you can think of. People are going to be talking whether or not you are a part of it. Don’t miss out on getting your two cents in.
What advice would you have for a social media expert looking to break into the world of social media engagement? – That’s a good question, honestly. You could be a social media expert just by signing up for Twitter, right? That’s what many people seem to think, anyway. My advice is that if you happen to be an expert in your field is to just sign up for an account and jump in. You want to tread water at first. Don’t go in thinking that you own the Universe. Just…. DO IT already! Join in the conversation!
What damage can be done to a brand if the social media engagement isn’t properly executed? – When I’m frustrated with a product or service that I’m using and something goes wrong, I tend to talk loudly about it. Keep in mind that I’m only talking about things I’ve paid for. People who complain about free things are just not even cool. Anyway, if you pay for something, you deserve to have your voice heard. For a brand that isn’t listening to what their customers are saying… shame on them. They’re playing on the sidelines. There really is no excuse for companies these days to NOT be on Twitter and the like. They need to be where the conversations are happening. They need to listen!
How do you see the social media environment evolving in the future? – The future is pancake media! Seriously, perhaps it will be bamboo media! Okay, okay… social media will be known as something else. However, it will still be the same thing. People will still be talking online, engaging each other in conversations. We will still network on websites, even if they have names other than Twitter or Facebook. There will be more services and ways to track what is going on. Social media is in this constant state of evolution, which is very cool to see!
If you could change anything about the social media landscape as it is currently seen, what would it be? – I wish there was certification! We throw about the word “expert” a lot. However, most of those who label themselves as an expert truly are NOT. There needs to be a bar set, which would be the base level of expertise. You cannot call yourself an expert… someone else has to! There are so many “social media experts” running around on the web. There needs to be accountability!

The bottom line is to just jump in and get started. A few of the nay-sayers may try to claim I’m just a flash in the pan. Well, I’m a flash in the pan that’s now lasted online for twelve years! I am by no means an expert at anything. However, I’ve learned a lot over the years. I do know about some of the things that work, and many that don’t!

What are YOUR thoughts?

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Social Media Questions and Answers

How Can Companies Hire Social Media Directors?

Chris Pirillo — Wed, 18 Nov 2009 23:59:02 +0000

How Can Companies Hire Social Media Directors?

I came across an interesting link today while browsing Twitter. The author writes about how companies who are new to social media are failing miserably when it comes to writing job descriptions for their newly-created social media positions. He goes on to say he used to blame the companies themselves for writing poorly-constructed ads. Then, he realized that it isn’t the company’s fault at all. They don’t know what they’re doing, remember? They are new to this whole social media scene, and may not even know what it is they are looking FOR, exactly.

How would you suggest a company create a position for this, and market it? What should they look for? How should their ads be worded to be the most effective? I think that the social media experts in our community are the perfect place to get ideas flowing, and help these companies out!

What have you read today that sparked your imagination and interest, or made you stop and think? Make sure you share the links with the rest of us, so we don’t miss out!

Don’t miss our downloads center today! There are some excellent deals for both Windows and Mac people!

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How Can Companies Hire Social Media Directors?

The World Has No Experts

Chris Pirillo — Fri, 16 Oct 2009 21:10:28 +0000

The World Has No Experts

What does it take to be an expert, anyway?

The World Has No Experts

TeachStreet

Chris Pirillo — Fri, 17 Jul 2009 15:03:00 +0000

TeachStreet

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I recently attended the WTIA Fast Pitch Forum & Technology Showcase. The conference featured two dozen of the hottest technology companies in Washington presenting their business in a competition for “Best In Show”. TeachStreet is an online community for people who love to learn, and was one of the three “Top Presenters”.

TeachStreet is an online community that brings learners and teachers together. It’s a place where people who love to learn can find classes that are right for them. They also offer a public forum that helps teachers, coaches and other experts share what they know. In the process, TeachStreet helps them grow their businesses with online tools used to promote classes, workshops and events. This allows the experts to focus on what they do best – teach!

The TeachStreet team is a bunch of dreamers and tech Geeks who want to encourage you to get out from behind your computer, head into the world, and learn something new! They support that goal by helping people find experts in your neighborhood who can teach you anything you might be interested in learning.

TeachStreet has extensive class coverage in several cities across the US, and they’re growing every day. Whether you want to learn to sew in Seattle, or how to dance in Denver – TeachStreet has you covered.

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TeachStreet