The Kmiec Ramblings
Opinions And Ramblings By Adam Kmiec On All Things Media

Here An Expert – There An Expert

Written on April 9, 2009 by in Misc.
6 Comments - Leave a comment!

I loved this post from Beth Harte.  She asked the tough question, rolled up her sleeves, got involved with people, and was open to different points of view.  That’s rare.  Rare?  Yes, rare, because lately it seems like “leaders” and “experts” are stifling dialog to ensure only their POV is the one that’s heard and deemed “right.”

I want to get your thoughts on the comment I posted in response to her post:

There’s a great section in the book 4 Hour Work Week where the Tim Ferris discusses how easy it is to become an expert. For example join a few associations, offer to speak at a few institutions for free, etc. Essentially, you can easily manufacture the perception you are an expert.

To me this is exactly the problem in the wild wild west that is the social media space.

#1. anyone who tells you they’re an expert is not an expert

#2. having a blog and being active on twitter does not mean you are an expert

#3. written a book does not make you an expert

#4. if you can’t show tangible real business results you aren’t an expert

This space is filled with a bunch of hot air blow hards who talk, talk, talk, but couldn’t put together a basic marketing plan for a client. I know, because I’ve seen it time and time again.

You need only look at the so-called list of experts and their “body of work” or lack there of to see the proof. Tell me what has Laura Fitton actually produced? Why is iJustine considered a social expert?

I can sum up for you the talking points for every so called social media expert: the consumer is control, don’t focus on ROI, it’s about a conversation…a dialog, embrace change, engage, etc. Ok – if it were that easy, everyone could do it.

When I think of a social media expert, I think of Chris Hughes. Here’s a guy that has the credentials to back up the rhetoric: http://www.fastcompany.com/magazine/134/boy-wonder.html

Don’t show me fancy presentations on slideshare or the number of followers you have on twitter. Show me your real results, show me you understand my business, and show me you can help me grow that business. If you can’t – you aren’t an expert.

Adam

Am I wrong? Am I right?  Off base? Spot on?  I welcome your feedback.

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  • http://mattsoreco.com/ Matt Soreco

    Spot on. I’ve recently become more and more annoyed at the so called experts. I’ve had to cull my feed reader down.

  • http:/soreco.blogspot.com/ Matt Soreco

    Spot on. I’ve recently become more and more annoyed at the so called experts. I’ve had to cull my feed reader down.

  • http://www.marketingwithmeaning.com/ Bob Gilbreath

    Very direct and maybe a little bit harsh, but I agree, Adam. I think the key is to ask the question: “Show me what YOU’VE done to build a business?”

    There are lots of people that can tell brands what they SHOULD do, but few actually have gotten their hands dirty and made it happen, whether on the client side or the agency partner (not consultant) side.

    Strategy is about 1% of the work, and rolling up the sleeves and getting it done is 99%

  • http://www.marketingwithmeaning.com Bob Gilbreath

    Very direct and maybe a little bit harsh, but I agree, Adam. I think the key is to ask the question: “Show me what YOU’VE done to build a business?”

    There are lots of people that can tell brands what they SHOULD do, but few actually have gotten their hands dirty and made it happen, whether on the client side or the agency partner (not consultant) side.

    Strategy is about 1% of the work, and rolling up the sleeves and getting it done is 99%

  • http://www.thekmiecs.com adamkmiec

    @Bob-

    It needed to be said and you won’t find “leaders” in this space saying it. With rare exception (eg Kevin Flatt) they opt to simply make everyone happy. In my opinion that’s not good leadership.

    I found it interesting that no-one on my Beth’s blog, my blog, or on twitter could actually point to something Laura Fitton has actually done. Just saying…

    Your question is 100% the point of my issue. All of these experts are floating around with 0 credibility. It makes my job harder when I’ve got to explain to a client why the so called expert was wrong. They’re polluting the space and it’s impacting me :)

    Amen on the 1% / 99%.

    Adam

  • http://www.thekmiecs.com Adam Kmiec

    @Bob-

    It needed to be said and you won’t find “leaders” in this space saying it. With rare exception (eg Kevin Flatt) they opt to simply make everyone happy. In my opinion that’s not good leadership.

    I found it interesting that no-one on my Beth’s blog, my blog, or on twitter could actually point to something Laura Fitton has actually done. Just saying…

    Your question is 100% the point of my issue. All of these experts are floating around with 0 credibility. It makes my job harder when I’ve got to explain to a client why the so called expert was wrong. They’re polluting the space and it’s impacting me :)

    Amen on the 1% / 99%.

    Adam

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Head of Social Media at Walgreens. Interactive marketer, innovator, boat rocker, continuous learner, movie lover, risk taker, dad and all around good guy. I'm always up for a spirited conversation. These are my thoughts and ramblings, not those of my employer.
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