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Six Pixels of Separation: Everyone Is Connected. Connect Your Business to Everyone.
Through the use of timely case studies and fascinating stories, Six Pixels of Separation offers a complete set of the latest tactics, insights, and tools that will empower you to reach a global audience and consumer base—which, best yet, you can do pretty much for free.
Is it important to be connected? Well, consider If Facebook were a country, it would have the sixth largest population in the world.
The truth is, we no longer live in a world of six degrees of separation. In fact, we're now down to only six pixels of separation, which changes everything we know about doing business.
This is the first book to integrate digital marketing, social media, personal branding, and entrepreneurship in a clear, entertaining, and instructive manner that everyone can understand and apply.
Digital marketing expert Mitch Joel unravels this fascinating world of new media-but does so with a brand-new perspective that is driven by compelling results. The smarter entrepreneurs and top executives are leveraging these digital channels to get their voice "out there"-connecting with others, becoming better community citizens, and, ultimately, making strategic business moves that are increasing revenue, awareness, and overall success in the marketplace—without the support of traditional mass media.
Everyone is connected. Isn't it time for you and your company to connect to everyone?
Is it important to be connected? Well, consider If Facebook were a country, it would have the sixth largest population in the world.
The truth is, we no longer live in a world of six degrees of separation. In fact, we're now down to only six pixels of separation, which changes everything we know about doing business.
This is the first book to integrate digital marketing, social media, personal branding, and entrepreneurship in a clear, entertaining, and instructive manner that everyone can understand and apply.
Digital marketing expert Mitch Joel unravels this fascinating world of new media-but does so with a brand-new perspective that is driven by compelling results. The smarter entrepreneurs and top executives are leveraging these digital channels to get their voice "out there"-connecting with others, becoming better community citizens, and, ultimately, making strategic business moves that are increasing revenue, awareness, and overall success in the marketplace—without the support of traditional mass media.
Everyone is connected. Isn't it time for you and your company to connect to everyone?
304 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 1, 2009
50 people are currently reading
1700 people want to read
About the author
Mitch Joel
4 books80 followersMitch Joel is currently an investor, media personality, podcaster, journalist and Co-Founder of ThinkersOne. His first book, Six Pixels of Separation, named after his successful podcast is a business and marketing bestseller. His second book, CTRL ALT Delete, was named one of the best business books of 2013 by Amazon.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 84 reviews
January 12, 2010
I won this book from Goodreads months ago, but have not been able to finish it because everyone kept borrowing it from me to read first.
I figured that I had read enough of it to review it, and when I am completed, I will write more about what I thought of the book.
I initially was interested in the book because my husband works for a company that relies a lot on "get the word out" marketing. So when I saw this book, I thought "perfect".
As I was reading it, I would mention parts of it to my husband, and comment on what interesting concepts the book posed. While some of the ideas were not new to him, this book was completely new to me. I have never taken a business class in my life and while I am good at what I do, have no need to understand how business works- I was interested in reading the book purely for my own personal interest.
The next thing I knew, the book ended up on my husband's side of the bed, and during our nightly relaxing time, he was reading my book and I was left to find another one.
I was amazed by how many ideas he enjoyed out of this book. He had a yellow sticky pad next to him and he would place pieces of into the book when he found a certain idea that he liked. By the time he was finished with the book, his sticky pad was almost empty, and the book looked like it just grew in size from the sheer quantity of notes sticking out of the top of it.
The book then disappeared from our house, and I later found that it made its way into the hands of his boss. I found this out only because it was mentioned in one of the interviews that he did, which asked him "what are you currently reading?" He was reading my book.
The book is still out there somewhere, but I hope to get it back into my library sometime soon so that I may share it and pass it on to others that may be interested in it- sticky notes and all.
I figured that I had read enough of it to review it, and when I am completed, I will write more about what I thought of the book.
I initially was interested in the book because my husband works for a company that relies a lot on "get the word out" marketing. So when I saw this book, I thought "perfect".
As I was reading it, I would mention parts of it to my husband, and comment on what interesting concepts the book posed. While some of the ideas were not new to him, this book was completely new to me. I have never taken a business class in my life and while I am good at what I do, have no need to understand how business works- I was interested in reading the book purely for my own personal interest.
The next thing I knew, the book ended up on my husband's side of the bed, and during our nightly relaxing time, he was reading my book and I was left to find another one.
I was amazed by how many ideas he enjoyed out of this book. He had a yellow sticky pad next to him and he would place pieces of into the book when he found a certain idea that he liked. By the time he was finished with the book, his sticky pad was almost empty, and the book looked like it just grew in size from the sheer quantity of notes sticking out of the top of it.
The book then disappeared from our house, and I later found that it made its way into the hands of his boss. I found this out only because it was mentioned in one of the interviews that he did, which asked him "what are you currently reading?" He was reading my book.
The book is still out there somewhere, but I hope to get it back into my library sometime soon so that I may share it and pass it on to others that may be interested in it- sticky notes and all.
June 20, 2012
Convincing assessment of the transformation of the way businesses (big, small, even one person) connect to and communicate with their consumers in this web/social media era. Mitch Joel's point that we're all just one degree separated (or 6 pixels, as he puts it) is perceptive and intriguing. Not a detailed how-to, exactly. More of a strategic view - a "what-to" and "why-to".
Even though it was written three or fours years ago (virtually a millennium), it seems perfectly relevant today. Some of his ten predictions have already "aged" enough to test out: His prediction #9, that the rise of the digital nomad will require the "convergence of web and mobile," has already happened. Pretty cool, especially when you consider that when he wrote the book, the iPad wasn't even a rumor yet, and MySpace was always mentioned with Facebook, and listed first.
Book rambles a bit - stream of consciousness, collection of blog entries. But there are pearls of wisdom on just about every page, and it's very readable.
Even though it was written three or fours years ago (virtually a millennium), it seems perfectly relevant today. Some of his ten predictions have already "aged" enough to test out: His prediction #9, that the rise of the digital nomad will require the "convergence of web and mobile," has already happened. Pretty cool, especially when you consider that when he wrote the book, the iPad wasn't even a rumor yet, and MySpace was always mentioned with Facebook, and listed first.
Book rambles a bit - stream of consciousness, collection of blog entries. But there are pearls of wisdom on just about every page, and it's very readable.
December 11, 2009
I really enjoyed Mitch Joels voice and message. I found it refreshing that he decided to consider the impact of all of these changes rather than offer up the same step by step Social Media books we are seeing these days. He encourages you to get out there, connect with your customers and helps you understand why this is important. It is a great twist on the old Kevin Bacon game and does help put all of the shifts that the web has brought into our lives into perspective. Mitch will help you and your business make a longer lasting connection with those you are looking to do business with.
January 26, 2010
Six Pixels of Separation is an excellent read for any business exec who wants to know why everyone's buzzing about "social media." Mitch Joel put tools like Twitter, FaceBook, and LinkedIn into perspective by emphasizing the paradigm shift that is happening in the business world as a result of new technologies and social media. Joel explains social networking in a way that will pique the interest of businesses getting started with growing and managing their online brand. On the other hand, seasoned social networkers may not find a lot of new information here.
September 30, 2014
Didn't bother finishing it, actually. It's geared towards people in small business and start-ups, not freelancers. While some of the ideas were pertinent, most of them were high-level, preachy, and not a little pretentious. That's great, that some people have created personal brands and become 'internet famous' with social media. It is, however, not a tactic I intend to take myself. If anything, the book has turned me off the idea of personal branding and using social media to make money in general.
March 25, 2011
I read this book together with 3 other books (Long Tail, Super Freakonomics, and Buzz Marketing) in the same period. Well-written. I took a lot of notes. I love the 5 C's of entrepreneurship 2.0 Connecting, Creating, Conversations, Community, and Commerce. I'm doing all of these except the last C. Not enough of it at least. I've been blogging since 1999 --- so it's nice to be validated by the messages in this book.
Read
March 26, 2010Six Pixels of Separation: Everyone Is Connected. Connect Your Business to Everyone. by Mitch Joel (2009)
June 11, 2015
This is a good book for beginners to the digital marketing, social media and connectional intelligence space.
April 27, 2012
Here is an ultra brief recap. You need to monitor your brand. There are a plethora of tools (free tools) that allow you to proactively monitor yourself and your brand that make it so easy and critical that you cant afford not to.
“people are confused about the meaning of the word ‘branding’. Branding is not the logo, the brochure, or the email. Branding is the heart and soul of a business-and of the people who make up that business. Branding is what the company (or person) ‘is’.”
So what is your brand? That’s the main theme in this book, finding what your brand is and utilizing the wide range of tools available to ensure that you/your brand is taking advantage of what is available to you.
“There are three main reasons why all of us need to nurture our personal brands:
1. to add more value to our lives
2. to make more connections and build our personal network and community
3. to increase our business opportunities”
It’s also about recognizing that what you say and do on the Internet will affect you. If not today then tomorrow or at some point down the road. The long tail of the Internet has prove that content is king and everything is indexed by Google. So be smart about it.
The book is more geared towards business people or entrepreneurs who don’t know much about the Internet. I found myself reading the book and thinking to myself, yea, I.already know this.
For example, a lot of the principles he talks about are similar to what Seth Godin talks about in tribes….creating that strong community of followers who are passionate about what you do.
On a more positive side, he does tell.some interesting stories about his interactions with other Internet,marketing big wigs.
In the end, Mitch is trying to impress the idea that everyone is connected. Social media and the Internet allow you to do anything and promote yourself or your business to the masses with little or no costs involved.
“In this world of interconnectedness, the bigger question is , how are you going t spread your story, connect and add value to your life and the people whose lives you touch? How are you going to explore your network to grow your net worth? how are you going to add tremendous value to a brand, product, or service that can always be made cheaper and faster by some one else? how are you going to connect and stay connected?
Everyone is connected. Connect your business to everyone.”
So should you read this? Are you very familiar with digital marketing? If you are, I’d say pass. Partly because the book is a little dated (one of my favorite lines in the book was at the time he wrote this, Facebook was valued around $15 million….they were just valued recently for $100 billion) and partly because if you’ve read other book on the topic, some of this may seem a bit redundant. On the other hand, if you’re not familiar with this topic and even better, if you have a business that could benefit from some digital marketing. This would be a good course on what to do.
“people are confused about the meaning of the word ‘branding’. Branding is not the logo, the brochure, or the email. Branding is the heart and soul of a business-and of the people who make up that business. Branding is what the company (or person) ‘is’.”
So what is your brand? That’s the main theme in this book, finding what your brand is and utilizing the wide range of tools available to ensure that you/your brand is taking advantage of what is available to you.
“There are three main reasons why all of us need to nurture our personal brands:
1. to add more value to our lives
2. to make more connections and build our personal network and community
3. to increase our business opportunities”
It’s also about recognizing that what you say and do on the Internet will affect you. If not today then tomorrow or at some point down the road. The long tail of the Internet has prove that content is king and everything is indexed by Google. So be smart about it.
The book is more geared towards business people or entrepreneurs who don’t know much about the Internet. I found myself reading the book and thinking to myself, yea, I.already know this.
For example, a lot of the principles he talks about are similar to what Seth Godin talks about in tribes….creating that strong community of followers who are passionate about what you do.
On a more positive side, he does tell.some interesting stories about his interactions with other Internet,marketing big wigs.
In the end, Mitch is trying to impress the idea that everyone is connected. Social media and the Internet allow you to do anything and promote yourself or your business to the masses with little or no costs involved.
“In this world of interconnectedness, the bigger question is , how are you going t spread your story, connect and add value to your life and the people whose lives you touch? How are you going to explore your network to grow your net worth? how are you going to add tremendous value to a brand, product, or service that can always be made cheaper and faster by some one else? how are you going to connect and stay connected?
Everyone is connected. Connect your business to everyone.”
So should you read this? Are you very familiar with digital marketing? If you are, I’d say pass. Partly because the book is a little dated (one of my favorite lines in the book was at the time he wrote this, Facebook was valued around $15 million….they were just valued recently for $100 billion) and partly because if you’ve read other book on the topic, some of this may seem a bit redundant. On the other hand, if you’re not familiar with this topic and even better, if you have a business that could benefit from some digital marketing. This would be a good course on what to do.
October 24, 2009
Mitch Joels' blog, Six Pixels of Separation, is a blog where I make a daily effort to make sure to read or listen to his latest posts. He has such an insightful mind and the conversations that derive from it are extremely interesting, and quite humorous. Through my interaction with his blog it made my reading experience that much more exciting.
He is a journalists at heart who now lives in the advertising/marketing world.
His book takes a look at how your business (entrepreneur, small, medium, or large), or personal brand can capitalize using free online tools. Through social networks, blogging, bookmarks, RSS, etc. allows brands to create a community around their product or industry. He stresses the importance of humanizing your online presence by engaging and interacting in the conversation. Being authentic, trustworthy, and allowing for your customer to absorb something of value closes that gap between you and your customer through a much more intimate connection. Monitoring your brand's presence is as important as engaging. Being able to take a negative comment and reach out in a timely manner with utmost sincerity for their experience, will allow your brand to gain respect and trust.
I'd definitely recommend this book to any business owner, entrepreneur, one building their personal brand, or any marketer who wants to better understand this space and it's channels. The structure, the voice that's portrayed and the use of real world examples puts this read at the top of my SM and business book lists. As you read this book ideas will begin to flow on how to improve your brand's online presence.
He is a journalists at heart who now lives in the advertising/marketing world.
His book takes a look at how your business (entrepreneur, small, medium, or large), or personal brand can capitalize using free online tools. Through social networks, blogging, bookmarks, RSS, etc. allows brands to create a community around their product or industry. He stresses the importance of humanizing your online presence by engaging and interacting in the conversation. Being authentic, trustworthy, and allowing for your customer to absorb something of value closes that gap between you and your customer through a much more intimate connection. Monitoring your brand's presence is as important as engaging. Being able to take a negative comment and reach out in a timely manner with utmost sincerity for their experience, will allow your brand to gain respect and trust.
I'd definitely recommend this book to any business owner, entrepreneur, one building their personal brand, or any marketer who wants to better understand this space and it's channels. The structure, the voice that's portrayed and the use of real world examples puts this read at the top of my SM and business book lists. As you read this book ideas will begin to flow on how to improve your brand's online presence.
May 15, 2010
"The new economy is driven by your time vested -- and not by your money invested." Six Pixels of Separation shows you how to become your own media channel and capitalize on making the new economy work for you.
The premise of Six Pixels is to show you how to build your circle of influence via digital channels by adding value to your community and helping others get what they want.
One vehicle to help you accomplish this is to start and maintain a blog. A blog should be one communication component designed to help your business accomplish what should be a simple calling: to provide new and compelling products and services that customers want to buy.
The author provides several tools to help you start and manage your media channel. These include Your Personal Brand Questionnaire and a Personal Brand Audit. Bottom line: the biggest lesson you should apply to your online endeavors is to Do One Thing Great. If you don't, you may be susceptible to Digital Darwinism. Evolution or extinction? It's your call.
Six Pixels is a solid entry level primer for taking your business into the digital economy. If you'd like additional information on this topic, check out Trust Agents which is a little edgier and a bit more challenging.
The premise of Six Pixels is to show you how to build your circle of influence via digital channels by adding value to your community and helping others get what they want.
One vehicle to help you accomplish this is to start and maintain a blog. A blog should be one communication component designed to help your business accomplish what should be a simple calling: to provide new and compelling products and services that customers want to buy.
The author provides several tools to help you start and manage your media channel. These include Your Personal Brand Questionnaire and a Personal Brand Audit. Bottom line: the biggest lesson you should apply to your online endeavors is to Do One Thing Great. If you don't, you may be susceptible to Digital Darwinism. Evolution or extinction? It's your call.
Six Pixels is a solid entry level primer for taking your business into the digital economy. If you'd like additional information on this topic, check out Trust Agents which is a little edgier and a bit more challenging.
February 21, 2010
I enjoyed this book, even though it is primarily intended for business owners. I sold my last business several years ago, but I liked reading about how web 2.0 has changed marketing.
I already knew a lot of this information, but there are things that I learned to help me, such as "unconference". The internet helps bring people together with sites like meetup.com, ning, upcoming.org, etc. Setting up things like google and technorati alerts will allow you to find local events that may be of interest to you.
Zig Ziglar is quoted as saying, "You can have everything in life you want, if you will just help other people get what they want." He goes on to talk about how the web is based on reciprocity, "If your actions are carried out with sincerity (be they big or small), the community quickly takes notice and repays."
He also mentions LibriVox, which makes public domain audio books available for free. I have been volunteering for distributed proofreaders for years now, which takes public domain book scans and turns them into formats that can be read by computers, kindles, etc. But, this is for audio versions, where anyone can volunteer!
I will be checking out the author's blog at twistimage.com and feel that the ideas in this book will be able to help me get more noticed on the web, find other like minded people and maybe eventually help me to make some cash!
Definitely recommended!
I already knew a lot of this information, but there are things that I learned to help me, such as "unconference". The internet helps bring people together with sites like meetup.com, ning, upcoming.org, etc. Setting up things like google and technorati alerts will allow you to find local events that may be of interest to you.
Zig Ziglar is quoted as saying, "You can have everything in life you want, if you will just help other people get what they want." He goes on to talk about how the web is based on reciprocity, "If your actions are carried out with sincerity (be they big or small), the community quickly takes notice and repays."
He also mentions LibriVox, which makes public domain audio books available for free. I have been volunteering for distributed proofreaders for years now, which takes public domain book scans and turns them into formats that can be read by computers, kindles, etc. But, this is for audio versions, where anyone can volunteer!
I will be checking out the author's blog at twistimage.com and feel that the ideas in this book will be able to help me get more noticed on the web, find other like minded people and maybe eventually help me to make some cash!
Definitely recommended!
March 9, 2011
Six Pixels of Separation: Everyone is Connected. Connect Your Business to Everyone was one of those books I picked up by chance. The title had me, I didn't even have to read the synopsis, but I knew something special was within the pages.
This is an outstanding book that finally takes the growing Social Media movement and wipes away any fears and better yet, sets out - step by step - how a business should be utilizing the channels of Social Media. This includes Facebook, LinkedIn, Twitter and the Internet in general. Every business owner should read this book.
In fact, this book re-ignited my desire to become more involved in Social Media. I even re-activated my Twitter account (@redeyery) - and have experimented with other Social Networks to see what I like and what I don't like.
This is unlike any business book I've ever read. Mitch Joel writes with a voice that is passionate and fun and speaks on a level that is simple and concise.
I urge you to track this book down and read it and use the tips Joel presents. For those more experienced in Social Media, you may find some of the things presented common sense and nothing new. However, I guarantee, you'll take something away that you didn't know before.
By far one of the best books on the emerging and ever-growing Social Media trend.
This is an outstanding book that finally takes the growing Social Media movement and wipes away any fears and better yet, sets out - step by step - how a business should be utilizing the channels of Social Media. This includes Facebook, LinkedIn, Twitter and the Internet in general. Every business owner should read this book.
In fact, this book re-ignited my desire to become more involved in Social Media. I even re-activated my Twitter account (@redeyery) - and have experimented with other Social Networks to see what I like and what I don't like.
This is unlike any business book I've ever read. Mitch Joel writes with a voice that is passionate and fun and speaks on a level that is simple and concise.
I urge you to track this book down and read it and use the tips Joel presents. For those more experienced in Social Media, you may find some of the things presented common sense and nothing new. However, I guarantee, you'll take something away that you didn't know before.
By far one of the best books on the emerging and ever-growing Social Media trend.
November 23, 2009
There is no shortage of books on social media and it can be difficult to pick one for someone new to the topic. Mitch Joel's Six Pixels of Separation is a fine place to start. Many themes common to the subject, such as personal branding, blogging, multimedia, mobile Internet, community, transparency, credibility, are all covered. This is not A step-by-step guide to setting up a blog or executing business success on Facebook, but rather the big picture, with enough detail to get you started down the path of social media in a constructive manner.
Interesting stories are mixed with tips in all the major areas relevant to building community, commerce, and expertise in today's Internet while also looking to the changes on the horizon. Some familiarity is assumed, but there are few people who would be interested in this book who have not at least heard of, or dabbled in, Facebook, blogging, Google, iTunes or other major social media channels. Mitch Joel has provided a book that reinforces those at the forefront of this medium, while encouraging those lingering on the edge to dive in. For businesses who may be honestly ignorant, or those burying their heads in the sand, it serves as a warning shot for where marketing and relationships are succeeding and where they are heading.
Interesting stories are mixed with tips in all the major areas relevant to building community, commerce, and expertise in today's Internet while also looking to the changes on the horizon. Some familiarity is assumed, but there are few people who would be interested in this book who have not at least heard of, or dabbled in, Facebook, blogging, Google, iTunes or other major social media channels. Mitch Joel has provided a book that reinforces those at the forefront of this medium, while encouraging those lingering on the edge to dive in. For businesses who may be honestly ignorant, or those burying their heads in the sand, it serves as a warning shot for where marketing and relationships are succeeding and where they are heading.
July 17, 2010
Have you heard of the six degrees of separation? The concept that you are only six degrees away from meeting anyone who you want to meet or who you need to meet in order to make your business or any other endeavor you have in life a success. Well, now that social networking is here, you can learn to use it to create an environment where you are only six pixels of separation away from anyone you want to meet. In this fascinating, helpful and highly interesting book, Mitch Joel who owns a social media marketing firm talks all about the various ways that any business or individual can use social networking sites to connect your business to everyone literally. He also talks about the up and coming trends with mobile marketing and how to best prepare your business to take advantage of this trend.
Take a few hours and read this book and you will not be sorry you did. Every business owner who is marketing with social media or really any business owner should digest this treasure of a book and discover how you can make your social networking a much more powerful tool for your business.
Learn more about how to profit from social media at Online Branding and a Passion for Reading
Take a few hours and read this book and you will not be sorry you did. Every business owner who is marketing with social media or really any business owner should digest this treasure of a book and discover how you can make your social networking a much more powerful tool for your business.
Learn more about how to profit from social media at Online Branding and a Passion for Reading
October 11, 2010
Expert guide to leveraging the internet for personal success
Columnist Arianna Huffington was once just another ink-stained scribe. Then, in 2005, she launched her liberal blog, The Huffington Post - which, by 2008, was valued at $100 million. A miraculous transformation? Not really. On the web, Huffington's story is not that unusual. Many writers, artists, businesspeople and specialists have used online social networks, blogs and other internet tools to develop profitable personal brands. To learn how, read web-marketing expert Mitch Joel's eminently savvy book. He discusses the "myriad digital channels and free publishing tools" you can use online to promote yourself, your personal brand and your business. When online publishers act with energy and verve, Joel says, they can quickly build interest and influence. This author stresses that "content is king" and, accordingly, his book has superb content. getAbstract recommends it to CEOs, budding or established entrepreneurs and others who want to leverage the amazing connectivity of the internet.
To learn more about this book, check out the following link: https://www.getabstract.com/summary/1...
Columnist Arianna Huffington was once just another ink-stained scribe. Then, in 2005, she launched her liberal blog, The Huffington Post - which, by 2008, was valued at $100 million. A miraculous transformation? Not really. On the web, Huffington's story is not that unusual. Many writers, artists, businesspeople and specialists have used online social networks, blogs and other internet tools to develop profitable personal brands. To learn how, read web-marketing expert Mitch Joel's eminently savvy book. He discusses the "myriad digital channels and free publishing tools" you can use online to promote yourself, your personal brand and your business. When online publishers act with energy and verve, Joel says, they can quickly build interest and influence. This author stresses that "content is king" and, accordingly, his book has superb content. getAbstract recommends it to CEOs, budding or established entrepreneurs and others who want to leverage the amazing connectivity of the internet.
To learn more about this book, check out the following link: https://www.getabstract.com/summary/1...
March 5, 2012
Attention all Oldies but Goodies
It has happened - even if you weren't watching. The world has become a social media. Facebook Rules! Books are becoming obsolete as they are replaces by eBooks. Newspapers are folding. Magazines are dwindling. When shopping, a car is not as necessary as the Internet. It has come to this.
So for all folks who blossomed before the current revolution it is time to read this book and re-blossom. This book is the brain child of digital marketing expert Mitch Joel and he finally is able to explain to everyone - no matter the degree (or lack of ) sophistication - just how to make this new method work for us. He not only explains HOW it happened: he explains the ins and outs of how to jump on board and utilize the new miracles that now exist.
There may be a lot of books written about the influence on our lives - communication, socializing, business, even medical and mental care - but few do it as succinctly and as entertainingly as Joel. It is really worth a read - or two - or more. Read this book and realize we can complain no more about not `getting it'. The New Age is here. Use it.
Grady Harp
It has happened - even if you weren't watching. The world has become a social media. Facebook Rules! Books are becoming obsolete as they are replaces by eBooks. Newspapers are folding. Magazines are dwindling. When shopping, a car is not as necessary as the Internet. It has come to this.
So for all folks who blossomed before the current revolution it is time to read this book and re-blossom. This book is the brain child of digital marketing expert Mitch Joel and he finally is able to explain to everyone - no matter the degree (or lack of ) sophistication - just how to make this new method work for us. He not only explains HOW it happened: he explains the ins and outs of how to jump on board and utilize the new miracles that now exist.
There may be a lot of books written about the influence on our lives - communication, socializing, business, even medical and mental care - but few do it as succinctly and as entertainingly as Joel. It is really worth a read - or two - or more. Read this book and realize we can complain no more about not `getting it'. The New Age is here. Use it.
Grady Harp
January 6, 2011
I didn't learn a huge amount from this book, although I found myself nodding a lot as I read. It articulated a lot of thoughts that I shared, even though I might not have formulated them clearly in my mind before.
I think the biggest value of the book might be as a means of helping to convince a reluctant manager of the value of engaging in social media. With me, it was preaching to the converted. I'd be interested to see the reaction of a social media cynic to it - I'm not convinced that the arguments for engagement were strong enough to turn a non-believer around.
Although it is aimed at businesses, I would say that people working in non-profit sectors could also gain something from this book, if they're not already very familiar with the subject matter.
There was a lot of 'me, me, me' in it. I know the guy was talking about personal branding and the importance of getting your name out there, but his name (and that of his company) appeared so often in the text that I began to get irritated. Isn't having them on the cover enough?
I think the biggest value of the book might be as a means of helping to convince a reluctant manager of the value of engaging in social media. With me, it was preaching to the converted. I'd be interested to see the reaction of a social media cynic to it - I'm not convinced that the arguments for engagement were strong enough to turn a non-believer around.
Although it is aimed at businesses, I would say that people working in non-profit sectors could also gain something from this book, if they're not already very familiar with the subject matter.
There was a lot of 'me, me, me' in it. I know the guy was talking about personal branding and the importance of getting your name out there, but his name (and that of his company) appeared so often in the text that I began to get irritated. Isn't having them on the cover enough?
October 6, 2009
Simply put, this debut by Mitch Joel is a definite must-read for business owners, managers or people just wanting to better understand the digital/social media landscape.
Written in an easygoing, approachable style and without tossing around a lot of confusing technobabble, Joel takes the commonly understood concept of "six degrees of separation" into the digital landscape of "six pixels" and explains the importance of being connected.
The book is as much about understanding new media and personal branding as it is about rudimentary connectedness between people on a personal level.
Throughout the book, Joel continues to come back to the concept of using social and digital media not as a marketing broadcast mechanism, but something that creates real value. In producing this book and his podcast of the same name, Joel definitely walks the talk by creating something of incredible value.
Written in an easygoing, approachable style and without tossing around a lot of confusing technobabble, Joel takes the commonly understood concept of "six degrees of separation" into the digital landscape of "six pixels" and explains the importance of being connected.
The book is as much about understanding new media and personal branding as it is about rudimentary connectedness between people on a personal level.
Throughout the book, Joel continues to come back to the concept of using social and digital media not as a marketing broadcast mechanism, but something that creates real value. In producing this book and his podcast of the same name, Joel definitely walks the talk by creating something of incredible value.
October 4, 2009
This is a great reference book for businesspeople who want to know how social media can help grow their businesses, but don't have the time to hang out online and figure it out for themselves. (but if you do have the time, Howell Marketing does a very good job on Twitter.)
At a minimum, businesses need to monitor Twitter, Facebook, etc., to see what is being said about them, then move quickly whenever anything negative pops up. But why stop there when, as Joel says, "the Web provides the ultimate focus group (and it's free)"?
The key is to add value by sharing content, helping others and contributing to "the conversation." By doing that, you build trust. Joel cites a 75-25 ratio of community building to self(or client) promotion, though some other marketing experts follow a 90-10 ratio. Either way, this is a good basic read for someone who wants quick illumination about social media's business possibilities."
At a minimum, businesses need to monitor Twitter, Facebook, etc., to see what is being said about them, then move quickly whenever anything negative pops up. But why stop there when, as Joel says, "the Web provides the ultimate focus group (and it's free)"?
The key is to add value by sharing content, helping others and contributing to "the conversation." By doing that, you build trust. Joel cites a 75-25 ratio of community building to self(or client) promotion, though some other marketing experts follow a 90-10 ratio. Either way, this is a good basic read for someone who wants quick illumination about social media's business possibilities."
October 19, 2009
Short Review: This is intended for small business owners or medium/big business marketers who are fearful of facebook/don't understand twitter/think community is putting up a message board on their website. If you don't fit in that, this book will probably not be for you.
Longer Review: There were some awesome and amazing lists in this book that are great guides towards handling your social networking. If you've got a reasonable grasp on social networking and how you can come off as a friend of the community instead of a spam marketer, then 50-75% of this book isn't very useful.
I've been involved in social networking for quite some time and there was little in this book that was new to me - but I don't disagree with anything in the book.
-Nick
(Rent This At BookSwim)
Longer Review: There were some awesome and amazing lists in this book that are great guides towards handling your social networking. If you've got a reasonable grasp on social networking and how you can come off as a friend of the community instead of a spam marketer, then 50-75% of this book isn't very useful.
I've been involved in social networking for quite some time and there was little in this book that was new to me - but I don't disagree with anything in the book.
-Nick
(Rent This At BookSwim)
July 27, 2011
This book explains how the social media available on the Internet can be used as a marketing tool. By the use of statistics and many anecdotal tales, the author, Mitch Joel, explains how even the smallest business can utilize the power of social media to market their product or service.
There is so much information and so many ideas presented that they can easily overwhelm the reader. The best thing to do if one is to use the information in this book is to approach it one step at a time. Try one method or technique at a time. Try it for awhile. If it produces desirable affects, keep using it and try another.
My recommendation would be to read the book with a notebook handy. Write down the items that sound interesting or that you feel might be successful in your area. Then go back and start using them.
Mitch Joel presents the Internet in a non--geeky fashion and makes it much simpler to understand the way things work.
There is so much information and so many ideas presented that they can easily overwhelm the reader. The best thing to do if one is to use the information in this book is to approach it one step at a time. Try one method or technique at a time. Try it for awhile. If it produces desirable affects, keep using it and try another.
My recommendation would be to read the book with a notebook handy. Write down the items that sound interesting or that you feel might be successful in your area. Then go back and start using them.
Mitch Joel presents the Internet in a non--geeky fashion and makes it much simpler to understand the way things work.
November 10, 2017
This book is well-written, if you ignore the fact that it's very out of date (for example, MySpace was still commonly used at the time). The main point, however, is still relevant: you need to monitor your brand and add value to the world. Being involved in community has always been important, but we now have tools to join or create communities across the world.
“In this world of interconnectedness, the bigger question is , how are you going t spread your story, connect and add value to your life and the people whose lives you touch? How are you going to explore your network to grow your net worth? how are you going to add tremendous value to a brand, product, or service that can always be made cheaper and faster by some one else? how are you going to connect and stay connected?
Everyone is connected. Connect your business to everyone.”
“In this world of interconnectedness, the bigger question is , how are you going t spread your story, connect and add value to your life and the people whose lives you touch? How are you going to explore your network to grow your net worth? how are you going to add tremendous value to a brand, product, or service that can always be made cheaper and faster by some one else? how are you going to connect and stay connected?
Everyone is connected. Connect your business to everyone.”
August 25, 2011
I had been reading this before I saw him speak. Post the session I saw I am even more into the book. The inspiration adds to the concept for sure. I will write a review when I am done for sure.
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Well as the post just before mine said, I am not sure I learned anything new but I found myself nodding in agreement a lot. I think there is great value in this book ( seeing as it was from 2009, it has stood up pretty well) for people trying to get the gist of what is happening in the digital business domain.
Everything from connected networks, blogging, social, mobile is included in this book.
Good read, good pace and covers a lot of ground. I am looking forward to seeing Mitch speak again as he really does get this market. Thanks and keep up the good work Mitch.
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Well as the post just before mine said, I am not sure I learned anything new but I found myself nodding in agreement a lot. I think there is great value in this book ( seeing as it was from 2009, it has stood up pretty well) for people trying to get the gist of what is happening in the digital business domain.
Everything from connected networks, blogging, social, mobile is included in this book.
Good read, good pace and covers a lot of ground. I am looking forward to seeing Mitch speak again as he really does get this market. Thanks and keep up the good work Mitch.
September 28, 2009
While the concepts in the book are interesting and useful for businesses, I found the author's style to be somewhat off-putting. He seemed to be like a coach barking at a player. I know a lot of books in this genre strive to be clear, concise, and to the point, but I found the particular style of Mitch to be not entirely to my taste.
Aside from the style, however, the book was fairly informative although as part of the internet generation and a tech geek at that, I do not identify with the seeming target market of the book (that of the technology-phobic social media is a personal platform only crowd)
Disclaimer: I won this for free from First Reads.
Aside from the style, however, the book was fairly informative although as part of the internet generation and a tech geek at that, I do not identify with the seeming target market of the book (that of the technology-phobic social media is a personal platform only crowd)
Disclaimer: I won this for free from First Reads.
October 10, 2009
This book will motivate you to get online and get active. Mitch Joel gives you the information you need to know about where you should be involved, how you should go about getting involved, and most importantly, why you should be involved - now. Before reading this book, I wasn't sure where I stood in relation to all the new media out there. It turns out I'm on the right path, and ahead of the curve compared to most, but I'm also not as cutting edge as I need be. I highly recommend this book to all business owners and entrepreneurs, and anyone else who wants to establish themself as an authority in their industry.
September 11, 2010
I'm not really the target audience for this book, but I quite enjoyed it. Mitch has a great writing style (both in this book and on his blog), and manages to synthesize a ton of information and practical advice into the book. There were times though when it felt a bit frantic, jumping between seemingly diverse concepts that weren't directly related.
I could see myself giving a copy of this book to clients who are really struggling understanding how to enter the digital space. The perspective that just being on the web isn't enough, but that you need clear strategies and consistent execution to be successful is something I think a lot of companies struggle with.
I could see myself giving a copy of this book to clients who are really struggling understanding how to enter the digital space. The perspective that just being on the web isn't enough, but that you need clear strategies and consistent execution to be successful is something I think a lot of companies struggle with.
June 21, 2011
This book was helpful in finding ways to use the internet more purposefully. I did find it was a bit repetitive and came across as a bit of an infomercial for his blog, podcast, website, etc. All in all, it shows how important it is to use our online presence in a conscientious way and to be responsive to all feedback. In particular the author focuses putting your presence out there with the assumption that nothing is private and that it could potentially be "out there" for a long time. Would you be okay with your mother reading your comments? Would you be okay with your children reading it? For those who are pretty new to online technology this would be quite helpful I am sure.
December 15, 2009
@mitchjoel does an excellent job of outlining how social media is evolving in today's environment! We should choose to participate and do so quickly. But, social media is not a quick fix, for we must be active and join the conversation! As Joel reminds us in the final two sentences of this highly-recommended book:
"Everyone is connected. Connect your business to everyone."
If you want to understand social media, where it was and how it is today, it is important to read this one!
"Everyone is connected. Connect your business to everyone."
If you want to understand social media, where it was and how it is today, it is important to read this one!
January 5, 2016
Great book. Would've given it 5 stars but I'm waiting for a new edition to come out. :) The material is slightly dated but Mitch Joel gives some incredibly helpful advice. This is not just a marketing book. Some will dismiss it because their job title is not marketing but that's short-sighted. We're all in marketing nowadays. If you are a professional on the Internet -- you're in Marketing and you'll find benefit in this book.
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