Paul Gillin wrote the book on influencers (The New Influencers). His new book,Secrets of Social Media Marketing continues the exploration of what’s different about the new world of social media. You can hear what this social media deep thinker is thinking about these days is during the upcoming webinar, HOW TO BECOME A THOUGHT LEADER FOR $0.
What do you think is the single most important concept most marketers miss when they start thinking about adding social media to their traditional marketing programs?
Gillin: Viewing it as just another channel. Social media requires an entirely different view of marketing, one that emphasizes give-and-take instead of messaging. If you see it as just another way to deliver a press release, you’re missing the whole point. This is about conversations, not messages.
Why is important to consider becoming a thought leader as a way of helping to market your brand?
Gillin: People buy brands that they trust, so what better way to establish trust than to position yourself as a visionary and a thought leader? Show prospects and customers that you have a vision for where a category is heading and that you can help them realize the optimum value from their investments. Advising them and helping them is a much more effective way to gain their trust than messaging them.
