Title and author: Platform: Make a statement in a noisy world by Michael Hyatt
Content Synopsis:
The secondary title of this book is “A Step-by-Step Guide for Anyone Who Has Something to Say or Sell” and it is a very succinct summary of the book.
Hyatt was in the book publishing business and has been forced to adapt to using social media to “market” its products, books. He is also the author of several books and has learned to promote his own work on social media. While he uses many posting examples, his methods are applicable to products, services, public speakers, as well as many other reasons to get the message across.
He spends most of the book’s time on Twitter. He started out as a skeptic about Twitter, but is now a devotee. He offers a step-by-step process for getting noticed in a noisy social media world. Those steps include:
Start by developing a compelling product or message that generates a “wow” reaction. There is no substitute for a high quality product.
Create a plan to launch your product with goals and tools.
Build a base of operations that includes a good website.
Expand your reach using a list of subscribers and social networks.
Engage your “tribe” – those who follow you on social media – to create a buzz about you and your product or message.
Hyatt uses many real-world examples based on its experience, as well as what others have done and written about. While he now likes Facebook, he has had reservations about its use and clearly favors Twitter. He also offers a lot of information about other programs and tools that allow you to use social networks more effectively.
It is largely based on his own experiences and that he has a self-hosted blog using WordPress software with some custom design work. He also offers a lot of great advice on branding and how to position yourself in the market. He talks about all of this in the context of Web 2.0 with an emphasis on offering a lot of free stuff to attract his followers.
Utility:
Anyone looking to use social media to effectively market an idea, message or product will benefit from the practical advice offered here. The experienced marketer who has relied on more traditional marketing devices will learn how to use social media to expand or even replace traditional methods. Those without experience can learn to use social media for marketing without much cost.
Readability/Write Quality:
The book is clearly written and well organized. It is also well edited.
Author’s Notes:
Michael Hyatt has spent his career in the publishing business, spending much of that time with a Christian publisher, Thomas Nelson Publications. He says it is the oldest continuously operating publishing house in the United States. He served as its chief executive officer and is now president. He now spends a lot of time teaching others how to use social media through his Platform training business.
Related Websites:
Michael Hyatt’s blog on intentional leadership is at http://michaelhyatt.com/
Three great ideas you can use:
1. You must have a compelling product to be successful in social media marketing; there is no substitute for that.
2. You must create an “elevator pitch,” a concise description of what you offer and how it will benefit others that you can use in the media and in interviews.
3. There is no substitute for engaging your audience with social media. This requires time and persistence. You must maintain a constant presence to build your message and your audience.
Disclosure Information:
Platform: Get noticed in a noisy world by Michael Hyatt
Copyright: 2012 by Michael Hyatt. Published in hardcover by Thomas Nelson, Inc.