I got a tweety message from a guy who wants me to follow him. His description of himself read: “ISMA founding member. Certified Social Media Specialist”.
Two thoughts occurred to me. 1. Start worrying when they start an Institute. It means six guys got together and thought, “Let’s start an Institute. That’ll make it look respectable enough to start taking serious money off people”.
And when something that’s been around for about ten minutes starts having “Certified Specialists” you’re in real trouble. Who certifies these specialists? Another six guys who think, “Hmmm. If you’re “certified” – well, that sounds great, doesn’t it? Up go the fees, right.”
Which reminds me. Can any of you remember the days before there was a coaching industry? You know, when a coach was somebody who was very good at something … so good they could tell other people how to do it? Now you just have to be good at coaching.
George Bernard Shaw said it: “Those who can, do. Those who cannot, teach.” Like most aphorisms, not entirely true, but worth thinking about nest time somebody offers to “mentor” or “coach” you.
Sorry, but too many of these people are really good at one thing only. Taking money off you.
Thank God they didn't have the temerity to name it an 'Academy'. Ho, ho. Pot, kettle, black?
Glenmore 🙂
You cheeky bugger. There's a slight difference between something that's been around for 50 years and something that arrived last week. NOTE: Pay no attention everyone else: this is between me and my old pal who is a born trouble maker. Wait till you get back from Miami, Glenmore. Hangovers all round.
Hi Drayton. Fantastic blog. I came across this a few days ago while doing work for Kenneth Roman whom you wrote about a few months ago and noticed your most recent entry on Social Media Marketing.
I gave a speech on this exact subject at a New Jersey Entrepreneurs conference. Too many people assume that any kid who grew up with the Internet is capable of devising, executing and maintaining a social media campaign. It’s not about technology or if you grew up in the digital age (even though you may have an upper-hand) but about effective strategy.
For more on the science and techniques of Social Media Marketing check out The Art, Science, and Business of Social Media Marketing, you don't need an institute!
Thanks for the laugh, Glenmore, that was much needed.
But, to be fair to Drayton, he has been around a loooooong time.
Oh, I forgot to mention, I happen to be a teacher.
And don't you dare say, “I rest my case”.
Oh, I forgot to mention, I happen to be a teacher.
And don't you dare say, “I rest my case”.