You’re Not That Big a Deal

mehSo 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…

Creative Commons License photo credit: Яick Harris

        
84 Responses to You’re Not That Big a Deal
  1. AllThingsM
    November 13, 2009 | 5:52 pm

    You’re Not That Big a Deal http://bit.ly/3q4KYq

  2. bloggingtweets
    November 13, 2009 | 6:04 pm

    New @dannybrown: You’re Not That Big a Deal http://bit.ly/1PglGa

  3. WalesSMjobs
    November 13, 2009 | 6:20 pm

    You’re Not That Big a Deal http://tinyurl.com/ya5vh39 #socialmedia #news

  4. socialmediajs
    November 13, 2009 | 6:27 pm

    You’re Not That Big a Deal http://bit.ly/46K5kh #news #socialmedia

  5. sfsmjobshoot
    November 13, 2009 | 6:28 pm

    You’re Not That Big a Deal http://bit.ly/3QfAf0 #news #socialmedia

  6. sfsocialmedia
    November 13, 2009 | 6:28 pm

    You’re Not That Big a Deal http://bit.ly/3Zq7RW #news #socialmedia

  7. dannybrown
    November 13, 2009 | 6:48 pm

    Know anyone with an out of control ego? Send them to the Hype Machine ;-) http://bit.ly/cptz9

  8. miltoncontact
    November 13, 2009 | 6:54 pm

    RT @DannyBrown

    Know anyone with an out of control ego? Send them to the Hype Machine ;-) http://bit.ly/cptz9

  9. Kim Woodbridge
    November 13, 2009 | 7:37 pm

    Bragtastic is an awesome word. And thanks for the post :-)

  10. Danny Brown
    November 13, 2009 | 8:07 pm

    Touche, Weaver, touche… ;-)

  11. dmullen
    November 13, 2009 | 8:07 pm

    Know a social media guru who needs a reality check? Send them this from @dannybrown http://bit.ly/TRXfM

  12. Ari Herzog
    November 13, 2009 | 8:13 pm

    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?

  13. Danny Brown
    November 13, 2009 | 8:17 pm

    Coming soon – “douchebaginarian”, “bigheadalicious” and other delights ;-)

  14. Danny Brown
    November 13, 2009 | 8:20 pm

    Ah, now that would be telling, Rach… ;-)

  15. GeriRosman
    November 13, 2009 | 8:32 pm

    Hey you! With the rules & millions & free shit! Read this: http://bit.ly/1JY5TP.

  16. Edward Boches
    November 13, 2009 | 9:20 pm

    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

  17. Danny Brown
    November 13, 2009 | 9:30 pm

    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 :)

  18. chadrichards
    November 13, 2009 | 10:34 pm

    Love it. RT @dmullen: Know a social media guru who needs a reality check? Send them this http://bit.ly/TRXfM

  19. drthomasho
    November 13, 2009 | 10:48 pm

    RT @dmullen: Know a social media "guru" who needs a reality check? Send them this from @dannybrown http://bit.ly/TRXfM -//- being "normal" ?

  20. Wojtek Hoch
    November 13, 2009 | 7:03 pm

    Good post – I know some people will hate me for sending them this… I can't wait.

  21. Andrew Weaver
    November 13, 2009 | 7:06 pm

    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. ;-)

  22. Kim Woodbridge
    Twitter:
    November 13, 2009 | 7:37 pm

    Bragtastic is an awesome word. And thanks for the post :-)

  23. Danny Brown
    November 13, 2009 | 8:07 pm

    Touche, Weaver, touche… ;-)

  24. Ari Herzog
    Twitter:
    November 13, 2009 | 8:13 pm

    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?

  25. rachelakay
    November 13, 2009 | 8:14 pm

    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

  26. Danny Brown
    November 13, 2009 | 8:17 pm

    Coming soon – “douchebaginarian”, “bigheadalicious” and other delights ;-)

  27. Danny Brown
    November 13, 2009 | 8:20 pm

    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?

  28. Danny Brown
    November 13, 2009 | 8:20 pm

    Ah, now that would be telling, Rach… ;-)

  29. Ari Herzog
    Twitter:
    November 13, 2009 | 8:45 pm

    Who said social media?

    Marketing bookshelf. So, yeah, either Godin's name or some academic book.

  30. Danny Brown
    November 13, 2009 | 8:50 pm

    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… ;-)

  31. Edward Boches
    November 13, 2009 | 9:20 pm

    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

  32. Danny Brown
    November 13, 2009 | 9:30 pm

    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 :)

  33. NickMcMurray
    November 14, 2009 | 3:16 am

    RT @Efriedland: RT @dmullen: Know a social media guru who needs a reality check? Send them this http://bit.ly/TRXfM

  34. remarkablogger
    November 14, 2009 | 4:24 am

    Best. Fortune cookie. Ever.

    And this post is great encouragement that we need get our heads out from under the bubble.

  35. remarkablogger
    November 14, 2009 | 4:24 am

    Best. Fortune cookie. Ever.

    And this post is great encouragement that we need get our heads out from under the bubble.

  36. ApothecaryJeri
    November 14, 2009 | 5:14 pm

    Thank you @DannyBrown http://bit.ly/1JY5TP

  37. rachelvelarde
    November 14, 2009 | 6:25 pm

    You’re Not That Big a Deal http://ff.im/-btfw9

  38. joltsocialmedia
    November 14, 2009 | 9:44 pm

    You’re Not That Big a Deal http://bit.ly/1K9xzd
    #socialmedia

  39. wchingya
    Twitter:
    November 15, 2009 | 1:49 am

    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.

  40. brianspaeth
    November 15, 2009 | 10:01 am

    Amaaaaazing yet simple post from @DannyBrown – just read it http://bit.ly/1JY5TP

  41. rosehughes
    November 15, 2009 | 10:57 am

    So what- So true. Thank you Danny. I like your thinking and will be back.

  42. rosehughes
    November 15, 2009 | 10:58 am

    RT @davidisbester: I likethis too RT @brianspaeth Amaaaaazing yet simple post from @DannyBrown – just read it http://bit.ly/1JY5TP

  43. Okami0731
    November 15, 2009 | 11:58 am

    RT @davidisbester: I likethis too RT @brianspaeth Amaaaaazing yet simple post from @DannyBrown – just read it http://bit.ly/1JY5TP

  44. LesleyDewar
    November 15, 2009 | 3:37 pm

    http://j.mp/4ekqjb. Here is one for your favourites list. "You Are Not Such A Big Deal!". – Save it for a rainy day :-) Pls RT

  45. rosehughes
    November 15, 2009 | 10:57 am

    So what- So true. Thank you Danny. I like your thinking and will be back.

  46. Mandy_Vavrinak
    November 15, 2009 | 6:52 pm

    You’re Not That Big a Deal http://tinyurl.com/yjy8ud4 (@dannybrown shares some truth)

  47. pr_marketing
    November 15, 2009 | 7:35 pm

    You’re Not That Big a Deal http://bit.ly/Jh7oC #postrank #marketing

  48. Jim Connolly
    Twitter:
    November 15, 2009 | 2:56 pm

    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!

  49. CEPC
    November 15, 2009 | 2:57 pm

    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.

  50. Liz Pullen
    November 15, 2009 | 3:04 pm

    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.

  51. Danny Brown
    November 15, 2009 | 8:43 pm

    I can imagine that to very well be the case, Cindy :)

  52. Cindy C.
    November 15, 2009 | 6:58 pm

    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. ;)

  53. Danny Brown
    November 15, 2009 | 8:43 pm

    I can imagine that to very well be the case, Cindy :)

  54. Danny Brown
    November 15, 2009 | 8:44 pm

    What's the saying, “Everyone else but me”? An ostrich, head and sand spring to mind, Jim. ;-)

  55. Ct Kingston
    November 16, 2009 | 4:10 pm

    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.

  56. Danny Brown
    November 16, 2009 | 4:41 pm

    “A beautiful pirouette” – love the way that flows :)

  57. ochojoe
    November 16, 2009 | 5:21 pm

    RE: @DannyBrown Hey Danny. I had like 15,000 of my fans send me a link to this post. Since my huge following is the … http://disq.us/3vk3s

  58. Ct Kingston
    November 16, 2009 | 4:10 pm

    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.

  59. Danny Brown
    November 16, 2009 | 4:41 pm

    “A beautiful pirouette” – love the way that flows :)

  60. Joe Hafner
    November 16, 2009 | 5:21 pm

    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?

  61. Danny Brown
    November 16, 2009 | 11:23 pm

    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”…

  62. Dantomato
    November 17, 2009 | 6:43 pm

    "Stop pretending social media is rocket science – it’s not" Sweet short blogpost: http://bit.ly/1mBhR4 (via @Urbanverse)

  63. indiqo
    November 18, 2009 | 4:15 am

    So true – really enjoyed reading this "You’re Not That Big a Deal" http://shrivel.me/?OC

  64. JDEbberly
    November 21, 2009 | 1:12 am

    You’re Not That Big a Deal, by @DannyBrown – http://bit.ly/4BK0Qg

    • CASUDI
      November 21, 2009 | 1:38 am

      BIG fish in little puddle or LITTLE fish in a big lake ? RT @JDEbberly: You’re Not That Big a Deal, by @DannyBrown – http://bit.ly/4BK0Qg

  65. brighttribe
    November 21, 2009 | 1:19 am

    For all the self-proclaimed "social media gurus" – You’re Not That Big a Deal: http://bit.ly/1JY5TP @DannyBrown

  66. credit unions
    December 2, 2009 | 10:37 am

    Coming to this post it was a very knowledgeable experience.It teaches us how to stay down to earth and simple in life.

Leave a Reply

Twitter ID
(ID only. No links or "@" symbols)


Wanting to leave an <em>phasis on your comment?

Trackback URL http://dannybrown.me/2009/11/13/youre-not-that-big-a-deal/trackback/