Comments on: A Flip Mino, a Twitter account and a little social media knowledge will not make anyone a marketer

By: Tyler Hayes

Tyler Hayes — Thu, 25 Jun 2009 19:17:25 +0000

It’s funny that Jonathan should up the notion of becoming an expert in some specific Internet-related marketing tactic (or even strategy as a whole), and then Stuart Foster comments on this article as well

Don’t worry, I’m not trying to call out Stuart! He’s obviously a guy who knows his stuff, there’s no doubt about that. But Stuart did also come from the Digg/social bookmarking world, and his blog The Lost Jacket is a great example of applying the world he came from to the world he wanted to learn & talk more about.

I expect we’ll see much more hybrids of what Jonathan and Edward both are talking about, like Stuart, rather than the “old world meets new” sorts like Gary Vaynerchuk, Seth Godin, and Robert Scoble.
.-= Tyler Hayes´s last blog ..Why Generation Y doesn’t use Twitter =-.

By: edward boches

edward boches — Wed, 24 Jun 2009 01:48:20 +0000

Michelle,
Thanks so much for the kind words. I agree with you. There are lots of people talking but I’m not sure they’re all doing. The line I think of is from Watergate. “Show me the money.”

By: edward boches

edward boches — Wed, 24 Jun 2009 01:44:57 +0000

Jonathan:
Agree there are tools and tactics for generating traffic and sales. I guess when I think of marketing I’m more focused on creating and building a brand with real lasting connections to consumers. The tools and techniques you mention are powerful, and I suppose if you use them well you’re a marketer, just a different kind of marketer.

By: Michelle Lamar

Michelle Lamar — Tue, 23 Jun 2009 02:52:15 +0000

Best post about social media—ever. Thank you for writing what’s been on my mind for the last few months. It seems like everyone is a social media expert. Thanks for writing such a good post.

Your post reminded me of Joan Cusack’s line from the 80′s flick, Working Girl:
Sometimes I sing and dance around the house in my underwear. Doesn’t make me Madonna. Never will.

Just because you giveaway a Flip camera doesn’t mean you’re an expert.

By: Jamie Favreau

Jamie Favreau — Mon, 22 Jun 2009 23:35:05 +0000

I think with out great content you will fail every time. So you would have to be a great marketer to know your audience and to figure out what works and what does not.

Skill mixed with social networking skills will make you stand out in a digital space!

By: Jonathan Fields

Jonathan Fields — Mon, 22 Jun 2009 21:42:31 +0000

I agree, but…there’s an interesting thing that goes on in the online info-marketing world that adds a bit of a twist.

Rather than starting with core product or service then building a marketing funnel around it and integrating things like social media as a channel on the dial, many web-based info marketers do the opposite.

They master a particular strategy in one channel like online video, PPC or list-driven JV promos, then spend most of their time looking for products to back into that specific approach. Once that strategy reaches a point of oversaturation in a market and ROI declines, they move on to another market/strategy and do the same thing.

Interesting, though, while I know many people who consistently generate 7 & 8 figure nets using a variety of channels, I have yet to see any of them master social media as a standalone “marketing product” on the same level.

By: Amy Shropshire

Amy Shropshire — Mon, 22 Jun 2009 15:45:55 +0000

To jump on Guy’s comment, I went to one of those conferences Saturday (free-I refuse to pay to attend!) and was amazed by just how many ‘social media gurus’ there were presenting who up until 6 months ago had never used any type of social media platform, or any other marketing tool.

And I like Stuart’s comparison to color by numbers and Michelangelo. Very well stated!

By: edward boches

edward boches — Mon, 22 Jun 2009 14:47:03 +0000

Guy,
That’s a funny observation. There sure are a lot of conferences. I’m sure some of them are quite valuable if the speakers are accomplished and have actually created successes. BL Ochman always keeps a tab on how many people have “social media guru” in their bio on Twitter. Over 5000 so far. As I counsel clients all the time, whatever you do, don’t hire someone with the word “guru” in their title.

By: Guy LeCharles Gonzalez

Guy LeCharles Gonzalez — Mon, 22 Jun 2009 13:24:55 +0000

Nice demystifying of the most common social media success stories, Edward. Without a good product and fundamental communication skills, it doesn’t matter what new marketing channels are available.

Now if we could put an end to the cash-grab conferences promoting social media as a magic bullet, we’d really be making some progress!
.-= Guy LeCharles Gonzalez´s last blog ..Crowds vs. Gatekeepers: Not a Zero-Sum Game =-.

By: Susan Getgood

Susan Getgood — Mon, 22 Jun 2009 13:13:15 +0000

100% agree.

Always and forever, it’s the idea, not the tool.