It’s just not winner-take-all anymore, and the ruthless and selfish are going to get left on the curb somewhere. Why? Because it’s the age of “us”, of community, of collective wisdom and thought. It’s time now to stop locking our knowledge away and saving it for the highest bidder, but rather invest in ourselves and our colleagues and lift up those around us.
It’s the step beyond talking about community, and doing your part to actually move the community somewhere (and yourself along with it).
Here are a few ideas I’ve had and used for how to spread the wealth a bit. Will you add yours?
1. Keep up with your Delicious.com links so that others can benefit from the information you find while you’re doing research or just bopping around the ‘net. Make sure you publish it somewhere prominent. (Find mine here, which I’m in the process of cleaning up and overhauling).
2. Commit to blogging about real world examples and case studies, full of executable ideas that others can build upon and learn from. Better yet, share your own best practices – and mistakes.
3. Put every presentation you do on Slideshare.
4. If you’ve got more to say than just a blog post or two, put together an ebook. Publish it free.
5. Answer lots of questions on LinkedIn Q&A. Be specific and offer real solutions, not just “call me and I’ll send you a proposal” stuff.
6. Donate an hour of your time to a non-profit who needs to learn more about your area of expertise. Better yet, tap into an organization like the Taproot Foundation and let them connect you with an organization that needs you.
7. Think of a way to use your Twitter network for good. Can you drum up some volunteers for a local conference or fundraiser? Raise money or awareness? What can you do that’s beyond fleeting conversation?
8. Find a PodCamp or a BarCamp in your area, show up, and share your knowledge. Don’t have one local? Organize one.
9. Do 10 minute phone interviews with 10 people in your network about a specific topic, like how they’ve solved a specific marketing or branding challenge. (One I’ve been asking around lately is how people are initiating the conversations about social media internally before even doing anything). Publish it as a quick article, write a blog post, or use something like BlogTalkRadio to publish them live.
10. Mentor someone new to your industry. Tap into a professional organization you belong to, or reach out to a local university to find someone young and eager to soak up all of your knowledge. Help them get plugged in and set up on the social networks you value, and make some introductions on their behalf.
So that’s a start. We’re all richer when we empower each other to be better. How do you like to give back to your community, and what are you doing to encourage others to do the same? I’d love to have you join the comments and share your thoughts with me.
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I always encourage people who feel overwhelmed by so many new apps to just pick one and spend 10-15 minutes working on it a few times a week for a couple of weeks. I think people feel they have to learn everything all at once, so I try to help them view it as a process.
Deb Robisons last blog post..It’s Hockey Season!
I always encourage people who feel overwhelmed by so many new apps to just pick one and spend 10-15 minutes working on it a few times a week for a couple of weeks. I think people feel they have to learn everything all at once, so I try to help them view it as a process.
Deb Robisons last blog post..It’s Hockey Season!
You’re a great example of someone who gives, Amber. I always find something useful in your posts. People vastly underestimate the impact giving has on relationships.
Another suggestion: Act as a “matchmaker.” Think about who in your network might benefit from making a connection and arrange to introduce them.
Lisa Hoffmanns last blog post..You were born with a personal brand
You’re a great example of someone who gives, Amber. I always find something useful in your posts. People vastly underestimate the impact giving has on relationships.
Another suggestion: Act as a “matchmaker.” Think about who in your network might benefit from making a connection and arrange to introduce them.
Lisa Hoffmanns last blog post..You were born with a personal brand
Great advice, as always. And I think the donating your time/expertise idea is very relevant, and something I’ve been thinking about as we get closer to Christmas.
Thanks for continuing to show us the way!
Great advice, as always. And I think the donating your time/expertise idea is very relevant, and something I’ve been thinking about as we get closer to Christmas.
Thanks for continuing to show us the way!
Amber,
Thanks for sharing your thoughts, this is very helpful. I sometimes forget how important saving links like Delicious are, and to make time for answering questions on LinkedIn. It is about sharing and bringing everyone along with us. All are great suggestions. I liked how you talked about going beyond mere chatter, and to do something worthwhile. I am involved with a non-profit for foster children, and am listening intently to folks who are in the non-profit sector to glean their pearls of wisdom and help shape what we do using these new tools.
I’ve always found that when you give what you know away with the intention of raising others up, more good comes back to you. Cheers for sharing what you know and helping us navigate these waters.
Juliann Grants last blog post..Invitation to Join ISA Marketing & Sales Group
Amber,
Thanks for sharing your thoughts, this is very helpful. I sometimes forget how important saving links like Delicious are, and to make time for answering questions on LinkedIn. It is about sharing and bringing everyone along with us. All are great suggestions. I liked how you talked about going beyond mere chatter, and to do something worthwhile. I am involved with a non-profit for foster children, and am listening intently to folks who are in the non-profit sector to glean their pearls of wisdom and help shape what we do using these new tools.
I’ve always found that when you give what you know away with the intention of raising others up, more good comes back to you. Cheers for sharing what you know and helping us navigate these waters.
Juliann Grants last blog post..Invitation to Join ISA Marketing & Sales Group
Fantastic post! I love the generosity revolution that is beginning to develop on the Internet. Too long has greed, opacity and selfishness been socially acceptable in the business (and personal) world(s). Everyone gains when we share our ideas and hard-won experiences. Keep it up, Amber!
Fantastic post! I love the generosity revolution that is beginning to develop on the Internet. Too long has greed, opacity and selfishness been socially acceptable in the business (and personal) world(s). Everyone gains when we share our ideas and hard-won experiences. Keep it up, Amber!
Thanks for the post. Completely agree. I think the industry will advance in this area faster if we all work collectively on the challenges.
Another way to share knowledge is through sharing collective research from polls and surveys.
Thanks for the post. Completely agree. I think the industry will advance in this area faster if we all work collectively on the challenges.
Another way to share knowledge is through sharing collective research from polls and surveys.
Great post!
Find a nonprofit organization that helps other nonprofits (Greenlights in our area, for example) and volunteer to speak at one of their conferences. Last time I did this there were 80 people, representing all kinds of nonprofits, soaking up the knowledge.
When you’re speaking at a conference, ask the organizer to book you for short one-on-one sessions with attendees. I’ve done this several times and while it can be draining, it’s a HUGE service to the conference/attendees, and I usually wind up learning in the process too — because it’s real people from real companies quizzing me about their social media needs.
As you know, I did between 3 and 4 hours of 15-minute sessions at the Marketing Profs Digital Media Mixer last month. And Mack Collier did blog consultation as well. Attendees are so appreciative of your time.
Excellent idea about organizing a barcamp or othe unconference. Plenty of resources; Jennifer Navarrete (@epodcaster on Twitter) has brought several events to San Antonio (first podcamp, barcamp, start-up weekend, and now Social Media Club). She wasn’t an event organizer by profession, she just decided to do it because no one else had stepped up to do it.
Connie Reeces last blog post..Why this travel writer is going on a tech tour in China
Great post!
Find a nonprofit organization that helps other nonprofits (Greenlights in our area, for example) and volunteer to speak at one of their conferences. Last time I did this there were 80 people, representing all kinds of nonprofits, soaking up the knowledge.
When you’re speaking at a conference, ask the organizer to book you for short one-on-one sessions with attendees. I’ve done this several times and while it can be draining, it’s a HUGE service to the conference/attendees, and I usually wind up learning in the process too — because it’s real people from real companies quizzing me about their social media needs.
As you know, I did between 3 and 4 hours of 15-minute sessions at the Marketing Profs Digital Media Mixer last month. And Mack Collier did blog consultation as well. Attendees are so appreciative of your time.
Excellent idea about organizing a barcamp or othe unconference. Plenty of resources; Jennifer Navarrete (@epodcaster on Twitter) has brought several events to San Antonio (first podcamp, barcamp, start-up weekend, and now Social Media Club). She wasn’t an event organizer by profession, she just decided to do it because no one else had stepped up to do it.
Connie Reeces last blog post..Why this travel writer is going on a tech tour in China
Hi, Amber. Nice list of suggestions.
Personally, I use Delicious and StumbleUpon every day. I read copious amounts and use the info I find to solve problems. One of my favorite things to do is read someone’s good work and then share it with those I feel might benefit from it. Unfortunately many of my peeps aren’t subscribers to sites like those, so I send emails w/ lists of links to them instead. Still sharing the goodness, even if they’re missing out on the intrinsic “recall” ability thanks to Delicious tags, for example.
I think another great way to share the wealth is to talk about (and link in a blogroll, mention via Twitter, etc.) good and intriguing books you might read. From social media to marketing to management, I love getting leads on good reads from those I’ve come to trust.
Gonna give the “start up in your community…” angle some thought, just might bite. Thanks!
Heather Rasts last blog post..Corporate Twitter: Tweet This!
Hi, Amber. Nice list of suggestions.
Personally, I use Delicious and StumbleUpon every day. I read copious amounts and use the info I find to solve problems. One of my favorite things to do is read someone’s good work and then share it with those I feel might benefit from it. Unfortunately many of my peeps aren’t subscribers to sites like those, so I send emails w/ lists of links to them instead. Still sharing the goodness, even if they’re missing out on the intrinsic “recall” ability thanks to Delicious tags, for example.
I think another great way to share the wealth is to talk about (and link in a blogroll, mention via Twitter, etc.) good and intriguing books you might read. From social media to marketing to management, I love getting leads on good reads from those I’ve come to trust.
Gonna give the “start up in your community…” angle some thought, just might bite. Thanks!
Heather Rasts last blog post..Corporate Twitter: Tweet This!
Great ideas! This is a principle — giving away what you know — that anyone in KM has been struggling with for decades; how do we change the employees’ behavior/culture so that they would not hoard knowledge that they consider a competitive advantage, but rather distribute it and shine?
If social media can achieve the mentality of internet users globally, then that would be tremendous progress in changing people’s behavior locally.
Great ideas! This is a principle — giving away what you know — that anyone in KM has been struggling with for decades; how do we change the employees’ behavior/culture so that they would not hoard knowledge that they consider a competitive advantage, but rather distribute it and shine?
If social media can achieve the mentality of internet users globally, then that would be tremendous progress in changing people’s behavior locally.
At the risk of rocking the boat, I’ll say A) Excellent post and list of “how to” be a social media stud. But I’ll push back on two points. First, how does the social media stud convert that into mortgage paying capital? Sure, I have my own theories, but a map does no good without a destination circled. And B) How does the economy of free translate to the established brands and businesses?
When we start answering those questions, are we giving away too much? Or will that be the trick that turns the world on its head?
Jason Fallss last blog post..Thoughts, Impressions from Pubcon 2008
At the risk of rocking the boat, I’ll say A) Excellent post and list of “how to” be a social media stud. But I’ll push back on two points. First, how does the social media stud convert that into mortgage paying capital? Sure, I have my own theories, but a map does no good without a destination circled. And B) How does the economy of free translate to the established brands and businesses?
When we start answering those questions, are we giving away too much? Or will that be the trick that turns the world on its head?
Jason Fallss last blog post..Thoughts, Impressions from Pubcon 2008
@Jason It’s not about being a “stud”. And yes, a destination is critical – clear goals with an endgame in mind. In fact, I’m going through the brain damage right now of putting together my own goals for 2009. Because I DO have a mortgage to pay.
So it translates thusly. I can give away an e-book. I can and do post my links on delicious and volunteer my time. But 16 pages or an hour lunch n’ learn do not a social media STRATEGY make. As I know you agree, all the topline ideas in the world are worthless unless you have the capacity to integrate them, tailor them to your business needs, and execute (this being critical). My mortgage is paid by those with the commitment enough to move past the free knowledge and say ok great, how do we take this somewhere that moves the needle for our business? That’s where I come in. In part, the giveaway is designed to open people’s eyes to the possibilities, the potential. But in itself, it’s not enough. Still, I believe that it’s important and human to share knowledge. Period.
As for the established brands, it’s nothing more than what they’ve been doing for years, just on a more community-minded scale. Free samples or demos of products. Free consultation with no obligation. White papers, seminars, etc. All designed to show that when the chips are down and someone needs more than the door opened, they’re the place to go.
Besides, Karma is a bitch. 🙂
Great post Amber, and in fact, I’ve just added it to my delicious bookmarks!
Great post Amber, and in fact, I’ve just added it to my delicious bookmarks!
Great list here Amber. Some very actionable items to give back to your community (something that many forget to do).
Sure you have plenty of value but what good is it if you don’t care about the people around you that got you to that point and share with them.
Personally, it feels great helping others as I’m a firm believer of karma and how you treat others. No matter what life may throw at you, it’ll all come back to you for the better in the end.
Sonny Gills last blog post..Unwrapping A Gift For You
Great list here Amber. Some very actionable items to give back to your community (something that many forget to do).
Sure you have plenty of value but what good is it if you don’t care about the people around you that got you to that point and share with them.
Personally, it feels great helping others as I’m a firm believer of karma and how you treat others. No matter what life may throw at you, it’ll all come back to you for the better in the end.
Sonny Gills last blog post..Unwrapping A Gift For You
Amber, I love the community pay-it-forward vibe of this post. And to take it one more step, what I read from your tips is that you’re advocating authenticity within social media – a critical component that people sometimes forget in the pursuit of internet-fame & fortune.
When it boils down to it, you get as much from the social media circles as you put in. That means contributing to the conversation and putting value into others. Without authenticity, people may burn bright, but often burn out.
Right on! Now…let’s see if we can get more of that pay-it-forward happening IRL 🙂
Jess Sanderss last blog post..The rules have changed: How will your organization evolve as Millenials enter the workforce?
Amber, I love the community pay-it-forward vibe of this post. And to take it one more step, what I read from your tips is that you’re advocating authenticity within social media – a critical component that people sometimes forget in the pursuit of internet-fame & fortune.
When it boils down to it, you get as much from the social media circles as you put in. That means contributing to the conversation and putting value into others. Without authenticity, people may burn bright, but often burn out.
Right on! Now…let’s see if we can get more of that pay-it-forward happening IRL 🙂
Jess Sanderss last blog post..The rules have changed: How will your organization evolve as Millenials enter the workforce?
Great article and I have been working my best to share as much as I can on everything from Twitter to Jacob Morgan’s Social Media Marketing section on business exchange. The more we share the better. It helps us as a human race grow more.
p.s. I added to you my network on delicious
Josh Peterss last blog post..Tagger or Public Artist. Which are you?
Great article and I have been working my best to share as much as I can on everything from Twitter to Jacob Morgan’s Social Media Marketing section on business exchange. The more we share the better. It helps us as a human race grow more.
p.s. I added to you my network on delicious
Josh Peterss last blog post..Tagger or Public Artist. Which are you?
You keep up the attitude and you’ll go places. Yes, there are ways to do it, but I am convinced that this energy leads to great things, regardless of execution.
Geoff Livingstons last blog post..Social Media Communicators Don’t Read Cluetrain
You keep up the attitude and you’ll go places. Yes, there are ways to do it, but I am convinced that this energy leads to great things, regardless of execution.
Geoff Livingstons last blog post..Social Media Communicators Don’t Read Cluetrain
Wow, this is meaty. I’m missing the boat on lots of this.
I will say I’ve gotten a lot out of LinkedIn Answers, both from just a sense of helping out and in terms of more traffic to my blog/interest in what I do.
Thanks for these tips.
Brett Duncans last blog post..Marketing Like a Church – Too Good Not to Share
Wow, this is meaty. I’m missing the boat on lots of this.
I will say I’ve gotten a lot out of LinkedIn Answers, both from just a sense of helping out and in terms of more traffic to my blog/interest in what I do.
Thanks for these tips.
Brett Duncans last blog post..Marketing Like a Church – Too Good Not to Share
Amber, you have some really great stuff here. I like the idea of giving and giving, it sure helps to spread the word, everybody likes free stuff!
I need to spend some more time here, soon.
Amber, you have some really great stuff here. I like the idea of giving and giving, it sure helps to spread the word, everybody likes free stuff!
I need to spend some more time here, soon.