You’re Not That Big a Deal
So you’re on a couple of thousand Twitter lists. So you write for on online social media news portal. So you got a couple of hundred Diggs of your latest blog post.
So what?
In the grand scheme of things, you’re not that big a deal. If I share your name with Joe Public, they raise eyebrows and look puzzled. If I compare your “claims to fame” with those that are really famous, there’s a huge difference in perception.
You may own a little piece of the Internet, but the Internet’s a pretty big place and your little piece is swallowed up by it.
So… get over the hype. Stop believing you’re someone you’re not. Stop using the same buzzwords and the same tired reasons why you get it and everyone else doesn’t. Stop pretending social media is rocket science – it’s not.
Start being real and less bragtastic and we might stop calling you out on your claims, then you won’t have to write about it to elicit sympathy. Really, you’re not that big a deal.
But you could be.
If you want to.
And we believe you…
photo credit: Яick Harris
28 Responses to “You’re Not That Big a Deal”
Spot on. I'd ramble on about how brilliant this post is, but I don't want you to get the big head and think you're a bigger deal than you really are.
Bragtastic is an awesome word. And thanks for the post
Touche, Weaver, touche…
Touche, Danny, touche.
Perusing through a Barnes & Noble bookstore a few days ago, I browsed to the marketing bookshelf and saw titles by people named Shel Israel, Chris Brogan, Mitch Joel, Gary Vaynerchuk. I recognized the names for what I presume is the same reason you would.
But if I pulled over a store clerk and asked which book they could recommend for a marketing manager, what would the clerk say with an alleged unknown recognizance of those names?
Danny,
I love this. I'm sure (hoping) a lot of people will read this and see themselves. Wondering if a certain someone or something prompted it!
Rachel
Coming soon – “douchebaginarian”, “bigheadalicious” and other delights
Agreed. What I find interesting, Ari, is that Seth Godin might be someone that the clerk would recommend. And he's probably the least active on social media. Kind of telling a little, huh?
Ah, now that would be telling, Rach…
Who said social media?
Marketing bookshelf. So, yeah, either Godin's name or some academic book.
No-one said it specifically (although I touched on it in the post). But it does make me wonder a bit when social media “fame” is used as a barometer, yet offline the names don't have anywhere near as much sway. Another reason why it's not the Universal Saviour of Planet Earth…
You may not be important but at least you can write a good post. Short, tight, to the point. Perhaps people should spend less time pontificating and simply attempt to offer real value, occasional wisdom or simple expressions of their passion. My new favorite blog, by a 12-year old. He will matter some day, I assure you. http://bit.ly/4nv47v
Ah, but pontificating and expanding where no expansion is needed is how may “experts” make their money, Edward. And thanks for the nod about The Happy Chicken Blog – working my way through it now
Best. Fortune cookie. Ever.
And this post is great encouragement that we need get our heads out from under the bubble.
I wonder if this post is one of those coincidence factors: I just came across an opinion about how Twitter Lists is not that big of a deal, but a problem which will cause unsatisfactory to some tweeps who are not on the lists that they think they should be. Hmm.. maybe people should just get over whether or not should be on people's lists (since obviously, we are not that big of a deal either), just treat Lists as a grouping feature that we embrace gladly. =) Seriously, it's just an organizer for user, just in case they need it. Don't like it? Move on, it's really no big deal.
Is this story suitable for this context in some ways? lol.. Thanks Danny.
So what- So true. Thank you Danny. I like your thinking and will be back.
Great post Danny. I bet anyone who spends a little time on Twitter studying the 'social media rock stars' knows exactly who you are referring to.
I bet 'they' have no idea they are being referenced though. After all, 'they' tell their fans (they don't have readers like we do), how humble they are all the time – right?
Keep up the good work Mr Brown!
Great post!
I am not saying that just because I'm on very few lists. If I didn't care about this, my self-esteem would be in the toilet. Lists may have been created for the common good, but it so easily turns into a measurement of popularity, and who doesn't want to be popular?
Funny world we live in.
It's just been my experience but most of those typically called “gurus”, “experts”, or “rockstars” don't call themselves these titles but are called these names by other people who are trying to gain their favor & attention. I've also see small level consultants adopt these titles in their Twitter bios but I don't think people take their claims seriously because they don't have the track record to back it up.
I agree that it's satisfying to see pompous people taken down a peg. But I don't think anyone will see themselves in your description. When people see someone basically called a jackass, they will think you're talking about “that other guy”, not them.
Great post, once again. Freely admit I'm a nobody and I'm okay w/that. To the people that really matter…I matter. Nothing on the web beats “Mommy's home!!!” at the top of their lungs, arms flung wide.
I can imagine that to very well be the case, Cindy
What's the saying, “Everyone else but me”? An ostrich, head and sand spring to mind, Jim.
Great post Mr. Brown. That fortune cookie tells the true story of social media fame
Thanks for keeping everyone on their toes. Some people do their best work while on toes… leading into a most beautiful pirouette. Keep dancing.“A beautiful pirouette” – love the way that flows
Hey Danny. I had like 15,000 of my fans send me a link to this post. Since my huge following is the second most important thing to me, and roughly 1% of them think this is worthy of my valuable time, I figured I'd take a look.
All kidding aside, this post is a fun read. Isn't it interesting how we tend to compare ourselves with others, regardless of which end of the scale we fall?
Hey there Joe, and thank you for following such numerical advice
Perhaps it's time we stopped the mindset of “no-one remembers second place” and accept there's a place for all levels of “competitors”…
Coming to this post it was a very knowledgeable experience.It teaches us how to stay down to earth and simple in life.
Good post – I know some people will hate me for sending them this… I can't wait.