I seem to be drowning in articles and blog posts about social media these days. It’s a change from drowning in email, I suppose. Anyway, this feels like a good time to cut through all the bushwah and get down to it.

So in that spirit, as well as in the spirit of blatant linkbait, here are 10 truths about social media presented in no particular order of importance, appropriately distilled to 140 characters or less.

If you’re trying to instill Social Media 101 into a business owner wondering what all the hype is about, these are probably a good place to start:

1. There is no such thing as a social media expert. If you encounter someone who calls him- or herself an “expert,” flee.

2. Social media is media. It’s also social. Fundamentally, it’s more about the social than it is about the media.

3. This ain’t no field of dreams. Just because you build a Facebook page, they won’t necessarily come.

4. If you think social media success will come your way through hard sell, think again.

5. Alfonso Bedoya understands. Ads? We ain’t got no ads. We don’t need no ads! I don’t have to show you any stinkin’ ads!

6. Your crappy marketing will not be saved by a Twitter account and a Facebook page and a LinkedIn profile.

7. Patience, grasshopper. Building social media presence and influence takes time.

8. Having 100 fans or followers is better than having 10,000 … if they’re the right 100.

9. Just because everyone else is on Twitter or Facebook doesn’t mean you need to be there, too.

10. We’re talking communications tools. So before you pick up a hammer or a Phillips head, check to see if you have a nail or a screw.

This entry was posted on Saturday, April 3rd, 2010 at 9:04 am and is filed under Internet Stuff, Marketing Stuff, Social Media.