Comments on: Bragging for Dummies

By: wonderwebby

wonderwebby — Fri, 24 Oct 2008 10:44:09 +0000

thanks Gavin -that’s a great practical tip.

By: Gavin Heaton

Gavin Heaton — Fri, 24 Oct 2008 01:55:49 +0000

You could always write a post titled, “Me, me, me … it’s all about me”

The thing I like about social media is that it is not about what you say, but what you do. It’s less about you and more about the communities in which you participate. And because of that participation, you are adding value to the conversations that circulate in your area of interest/expertise.

If you are going to talk about your conference presentation, share the materials. Write about what surprised you during question time. What you learned and where you need to improve. Ask questions of your readers and invite them to participate.

Same with rankings and lists. Write about the lists you are on or ones that you aspire to. Explain why. Question your motives. And muse on the answers … just like those beautiful roses, we all like a little sunshine. But not everyone wants the blazing heat that can come along with it

By: wonderwebby

wonderwebby — Wed, 22 Oct 2008 12:26:38 +0000

@matt thanks, yes I think you need to be able to laugh at yourself good point

@thinkerdog I like how you sum it up. I think you also pinpoint the crux of the issue that bloggers (like myself) need to “be aware” of

@dave totally agree with you about the authentic voice. I wonder though, what happens when good intent and authenticity might be misunderstood, for instance due little too much enthusiasm

By: Dave Onkels

Dave Onkels — Mon, 20 Oct 2008 14:47:17 +0000

Jasmin, I honestly believe that authenticity and intent will ultimately be conveyed regardless of the communications medium. In other words, you can’t fake it. There may be a few very talented individuals who can craft a seemingly genuine false image online but as soon as that online image meets their offline life, people quickly pick up on the insincerity.

My partners and I believe that personal branding is essential in today’s e-era but you cannot afford to risk destroying your credibility by creating a false image either. It’s a bit like SEO spamming. Sure, you can try to beat the search engine algorithms but eventually the mathematical geniuses in Google’s basement will catch up with you.

By: thinkerdog

thinkerdog — Mon, 20 Oct 2008 06:37:45 +0000

Good question – and one I believe goes to “intent”. This is really one of those “I can’t define it, but I know it when I see it” issues… I think there’s something to consider in the area of “self awareness” – the attitude with which the information is shared. Matt seems to do it with an attitude of “it’s all *not* about me”, even though the information is *clearly* about me. That works.

By: Matt Moore

Matt Moore — Mon, 20 Oct 2008 06:25:25 +0000

So here are a few of my thoughts:
- I share conference presentations, articles, random ideas. Each of these can offer someone some value – it’s isn’t just about me – there’s something in it for you.
- I try to give other people the props they deserve.
- People have different tolerances for promoting themselves and receiving the self-promoting activities of others. You will never get it completely right and you will never please everyone. You’ve just got to get on with it.
- I tend to take the p*** out of myself a lot – because I am egotistical but I am also (sometimes) aware of it.

BTW Love the photos.