I was privileged to have a chance to meet Paul Chaney last year when he was the keynote speaker at the Houston RE Barcamp. I was impressed with his use of video and pictures to make his points about social media. In fact, I think that might have been the first time I ever saw one of BlendTech's "Will it Blend?" videos (it did, and it was an iPhone reduced to powder - here's the link).
At any rate, I knew Paul from when he co-wrote "Realty Blogging", which was the very first book on new media that I ever purchased. When I heard a few months ago that Paul was working on a new book, I was anxious to buy a copy. Thankfully, Paul sent me a signed copy instead. Cool!
Paul was a guest on our online radio show on the same day that his book was officially released (September 22nd), although I got my copy in October. During our talk, he spoke of the book as a field guide, which is a terrific description. The full title is "The Digital Handshake: Seven Proven Strategies to Grow Your Business Using Social Media".
This book is suitable for newbies to social media, and it gives a great view of this topic from 30,000 feet, so to speak, while also providing some very solid tips for those of us in the trenches as well. Considering that social media is still in its relative infancy, I suppose I'm somewhere between rookie and grizzled veteran at this stage, and "Digital Handshake" definitely spoke to me.
Based on some of the success examples that he cites, including Ines Hegedes-Garcia and Stephanie Edwards-Musa, it is clear that Paul holds the real estate industry near and dear, although the lessons therein are valuable for any industry.
The book is served up in three sections, which are essentially as follows:
- history of media and advertising, along with trends that led to social media marketing
- current tools at your disposal
- a pragmatic blueprint for moving forward in this arena
Included in the seven (or more) strategies are business blogging, social networks (like Facebook, LinkedIn etc.), niche communities, microblogging (Twitter), online video, podcasting, and an interesting new concept: the social media news release.
I was happy to realize that I am already using most of these tools, although I would love to expand my use of video in 2010 and beyond. Paul gives some excellent and specific pointers on this. I also have some ideas about building some local communities online, and this is addressed as well.
In essence, this book serves as a great reference guide for anyone who is still on the social media sidelines, while also giving a playbook for those of us who are already in the game. Much like "Trust Agents" by Chris Brogan and Julien Smith, I have found myself referring back to "Digital Handshake" for particular websites that are mentioned therein.
I might just need to buy copies for the agents who work for me. :-)
Thanks for reading - get the book!
If you enjoyed this post, why not connect with me elsewhere or subscribe via email?
If you're looking for a home in the Austin area, you can also visit my primary Austin real estate website at www.austintexashomes.com. If you're interested in social media training, visit 210 Consulting. Thanks!
Jason - Thanks for the recommendation. I'll have to give it a look.
Thanks for the review Jason. I love books that cross technology with business. People need to learn about the business impact of Social Media.
Jason,
I'll be giving it a look. Thanks for the post, I'm always on the lookout for good book.
Jason, The Digital Handshake was a great book which I recommend to everyone getting started or already active in social media. Right now my wife is about 2/3 through reading it, so I've seen it around the house a lot and we're both talking about some of the ideas and pointers.
I'll have to check it out! Right now, we're all staring at You Tube watching this dude blend everything under the sun!
Sheree - It's highly addictive. I watched it for 20-30 minutes with my kids earlier tonight!
Jason
I sure need to read this book . It souds like something that would help me a lot!
Jason - Paul's book is on my list, just haven't gotten around to buying it. I have a great deal of respect for him and his work - I still refer to his first book from time to time and recommend to folks in my blogging classes.
Looks like you may have some holiday gifts to buy.
Jeff
Hi Jason-I must have one of Paul's books, on my way right now and thanks as always for keeping us on top of top of technology and business! Hope the family has the Happiest of Holidays!
Got it, read it, loved it!....
I will check this book out. Even those of us already in the game need a new playbook on occasion.
Jason, thanks for that very fine review of the book. I appreciate it. And, btw, yes, you do need to purchase a copy for each of your agents, ahem. :-)
I'm happy to answer any questions any of your readers may have about the book. As such, I'll be attentive to the comment stream.
Included in the seven (or more) strategies are business blogging, social networks (like Facebook, LinkedIn etc.), niche communities, microblogging (Twitter), online video, podcasting, and an interesting new concept: the social media news release.
Very interesting ideas. My problem is finding enough time for everything!
Jason,
I bought Realty Blogging - Build your brand and outsmart your competition and it has been really usefully too me ever since. In fact there's dogears, pink and yellow highlighter marks all over it and many notes written in the margins. It was really been a great help too me as an online media newbie. So I will definitely be on the lookout for The digital Handshake. Thanks for the heads up!
:)
Jason - I have a copy of Realty Blogging and spoke to Paul once on the phone. He's a really smart and decent human being. I'd definitely buy his new book. Thanks for suggesting it.
I need to read that book! And my husband needs it even more. I'm going to head over to Amazon and look for it ;-) I'm everywhere I'm supposed to be, but I have to admit, being everywhere does nothing but create so much work (to be everywhere) that it gets overwhelming!
Jason,
Thanks for thisd post, I will check this book out.
A great item for my Christmas list! Thanks Jason!
Sounds like a great book. I'll be curious to see what his social media news release is all about. Perhaps he is describing the spread of news via bloggers? -Marian
Jason,
"Digital Handshake" is next on my "Must Read" list. I just finished reading "Crush It" by Gary Vaynerchuk. Social Media is still in the infant stages and will continue to grow in importance for business development.