ryantxr

They are showing up in droves.  They now see that it is the next buzz word.  Their old buzzwords aren't selling.  I'm talking about the instant experts in social media.  Recently, I;ve noticed an uptick in social media experts around here.  I don't know these people.  But I consider myself pretty well plugged into the local tech community.  And when these experts show up, and they have never been to a single Social Media Club meeting.  I get wary.

I've also noticed a few social media events that have an admission fee.  That is fine if you are really have a reputation and are known.  But when an advertised event purports to teach a short list of very simple things, I get wary. 

To be fair, I don't know these people.  Maybe they are the real experts.  I don't know.  But my impression is that they are showing up because whatever they were doing before has dried up.  There have been small shifts in dollars going to social media in the last year.  And this is a reflection of that.

If you are going to and event and they want money, make sure that the speakers really know what they are talking about.  Ask around. Post a message on Twitter asking if anyone can vouch for the speaker or organizer.  Many excellent speakers do presentations at free events.

Chris Brogan is doing a free webinar for job seekers.  Chris is THE expert if there is one.