Want to Build Trust via Social Media? Start by Keepin’ it Real

I am almost finished with “Trust Agents: Using the Web to Build Influence, Improve Reputation, and Earn Trust,” by Chris Brogan and Julien Smith and although it does get a bit, well, deep into the techie scene and their inner circle of social media gurus, it’s a great book on how to approach social media successfully.  In a nut shell, when it comes to social media, keep it helpful and keep it real. 

As marketers (and clients as salespeople), we tend to get aggressive with our messages – wanting responses and ROI immediately, but the fact of the matter is, that’s just not how social media works.  Personal relationships and connections take time and some giving of yourself.  So before you expect to get, start to give first.  Want to build influence and earn trust? I’d recommend picking up a copy of this book: Trust Agents.