Quick disclaimer: This is a sincere book review and it contains my honest opinions, and I haven't been compensated in any fashion for this. That being said, I consider Shel Israel to be a friend now, so I will dispense with any formality (i.e. I won't be referring to him as "Mr. Israel" here).
Having had a chance to speak with Shel Israel when he appeared twice on our radio show this past year, and having met him in person when he was in Austin, I was looking forward to acquiring my own copy of his latest book, "Twitterville".
In a nutshell, Shel did not disappoint with this effort, managing to cover Twitter from almost every conceivable business angle. Non-profit? Check. Medicine? Check. Politics? Indeed. Local businesses? Absolutely. What about big business? Yes. It's all here.
Shel has a broad understanding of public relations and corporate marketing strategies, and frankly, it shows here. If you're looking to create a social media marketing plan, this book is certain to give you some new ideas. In fact, I would be surprised if "Twitterville" didn't stimulate some new methods and techniques that you can implement with your own business.
You will learn about what some businesses are doing right when it comes to social media engagement (think Zappos and Comcast), and which ones missed the mark altogether. You will also read about customers who are forming groups of their own around specific brands.
At just under 300 pages, this is a relatively quick read, and Shel keeps things moving along by providing plenty of "real world" stories to illustrate his points. He did a great job of locating the stories themselves, then an even better job of distilling them into a holistic work that supports his thesis. Speaking of which, the main thrust here is that Twitter is a revolutionary business tool which serves to bring people together and makes things happen that might not otherwise have happened. In essence, the world is made smaller and more intimate. The full title is "Twitterville: How Businesses Can Thrive in the New Global Neighborhoods", which is appropriate.
Shel also covers the history of Twitter from its inception and its public debut at SXSW in 2007. I got a better feel for the guys who run the show by reading his take on them and their distinct personalities and backgrounds. He also details a handful of social media rockstars who are just plain doing things the right way, including Chris Brogan, Veronica Belmont, and Jeremiah Owyang.
"Twitterville" will remain on my bookshelf as a reference book, and I can't recommend it enough if you want to gain a better understanding of how Twitter serves to interconnect millions of lives, projects, and conversations.
To pick up your own copy, visit http://budurl.com/twitterville.
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If you're looking for a home in the Austin area, you can visit my primary Austin real estate website at www.austintexashomes.com. If you're interested in social media training, visit 210 Consulting. Thanks!
I need to start learning more about the Tweeting. I stuck my toe in but got overwhelmed. A guide would be good. Thanks for the review Jason
I heard that Shel is a rock star on Twit......It'd be good for me to "LEARN" it once and for all......
Thanks for the review-I think I might pick this one up or see if it is in Kindle format. Thanks Jason!
Jason, I very much enjoyed reading Twitterville and also seeing Shel Israel in person in the Fall at a Northern Virginia blogging event called BlogPotomac. He's very engaging.
Thanks Jason, this is on my list of things to read for sure. Your recommendation is appreciated.
Thanks Jason. I will get my copy and learn some more.
I am really not too sure how productive my tweets are. I dont know anyone who found me through twitter. Not yet anyway. meanwhile, my AR posts are all getting posted on twitter too so who knows?
Uuuuugggghhh. Yes, I'm whining. Of ALL the MANY social networking sites, Twitter is my LEAST favorite! I don't really care that you're waiting in line for coffee... I don't even drink coffee! I REALLY couldn't care less that your kid has a runny nose. I rarely log in at all. I just have it linked to my other sites that I do use. Yeah, yeah. I've heard it all. But we can't do it all anyway. I'll just have to get my clients from one of my other avenues. There is certainly no shortage of ways to network!
I, too, am slow to embrace twitter. But more from lack of understanding than anything else (why would I want to learn about some dreary, long coffee line?). I hope it's chock full of advice on creating meaningful tweets. Perhaps it will persuade me to jump on the bus?
Lisa - You're right - there are plenty of ways to network. I'm sure that lots of people feel equally irritated by hearing about AR and blogging. :) I don't talk about getting coffee or my kid having a runny nose, although I can tell you that today I went to Starbucks and TWO of my kids have runny noses.
Jason, thanks for the review! It sounds like a must buy!
Love your reviews Jason :-) AND the 'flying turtles' are in YOUR backyard :-) The Oasis!
Thanks Jason, I value your recommendations, sounds like a very informative read. will pick it up tomorrow.
Bill
Jsaon,
Thank you for the book review. I will have to check this out...
Ann Hayden in windy Wildwood, MO
Liz - I KNEW that they looked familiar! :) I almost had my birthday party there in 2008, but opted for the County Line.
Thanks, I will get this. First, I always like hostory whether it is Twitter or real estate. It gives you an appreciation of trends and changes. Hopefullt he will address in the book, the hyer-local way that Twitter can be used. I have been studying that, and that is what excites me about Twitter as a marketing without looking like you are marketing tool.
Jason..Thanks for the review..and thanks to Pat Kennedy for your review or would have missed this great post..will check out this book ..Thank you
HELPFULHANNAH
Mornin Jason....Glad you liked the Realtor Man remix...it is a great song !!
Thanks for the Saintly comment ...
Gary D for Denver
Jason, Thanks for the review. Twitter is a great spot to be for business relationships.
Steve
Jason, thank you for the informative post, I think Twitter is great it spreads the word, listings, post, market statistics...no not about runny noses:))
Thanks Jason. I will check it out.