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"Trust Agents" - Chris Brogan & Julien Smith - Quick Book Review

To state that Chris Brogan is a social media rockstar might just be an understatement. He has over 31,000 subscribers to his blog at ChrisBrogan.com. He has over 100,000 followers on Twitter right now. Clearly, he knows how to develop an audience of people who will pay attention to him.

And now, he has a book, too.

"Trust Agents", which Chris co-wrote with veteran trend analyst Julien Smith of InOverYourHead.net, is a solid field guide for new users of social media as well as seasoned veterans. The tips are practical and easy to start implementing right away.

The book is comprised of six overarching ideas on how to position yourself online and make a real impact using tools that are readily available to all of us, most of which are absolutely free.

With chapter headings like "Make Your Own Game" and "One of Us", Chris and Julien deftly explain how to leverage the web for business use, while remaining a trustworthy and interesting figure (a "trust agent"). If you're looking for ways to connect with influencers in your industry, this book is a must-read.

As a sidenote, I remember when I started on Twitter over a year ago that Chris Brogan was one of the first people I heard about from multiple sources. Even back then, people that I know and like were referring to Chris as genuine, likeable, "the real deal", etc. Clearly, this stuff works!

I am about to say something that will mean a lot to you if you know me very well. I will probably read this book again. Every word? Probably not, but it will serve as a great reference source going forward.

I like to think that I have a relatively sizable following already, but this book provides a great playbook on taking things to a whole different level. I appreciate the fact that the authors didn't speak only in broad generalities here - they give actionable tips and a path for anyone looking to effectively use social media for marketing.

I would highly recommend this book to anyone sincerely interested in building a solid online reputation. The ideas contained therein can help you, no matter what your business is. In fact, I might just need to get a few copies for the agents that work for me, as an early Christmas gift. :)

I found the Amazon link if you're interested in picking up a copy now:

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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. Thanks!

Posted by Jason Crouch, Broker - Austin Texas Real Estate (512-796-7653) on 10/18/2009 09:11 PM

Comments (28)

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Originally posted at: Cool Austin Texas Real Estate Blog : "Trust Agents" - Chris Brogan & Julien Smith - Quick Book Review

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28 Comments on "Trust Agents" - Chris Brogan & Julien Smith - Quick Book Review

OCT

Hey Jason, thanks for the recommendation, this sounds like a good read, and a good source to follow!

Well,, if Jason Crouch recommends it....then I'm sold! Bookmarked! Thanks for passing this on! I need all the help I can get.

Heather - I found myself nodding along as I was reading. Good stuff!

Lina - Thanks for the compliment! It's definitely worth your time to pick up a copy of this one. I have read a bunch of books about social media and marketing in general - this is stuff that is immediately actionable, but it still covers protocol and higher-level philosophies of building trust, etc.

Thanks Jason. I'll definitely check it out on your recommendation. After all, you're one of my "trust agents."

I met Chris in Vegas this past week and he is a very likable guy with a rock star following. His keyote was fantastic and he's just one of those shoot straight kind of stand up guys. My favorite CB moment was his call to action for people on FB who play Farmville to "Get rid of Farmville, you Monkeys!". Loved it and am ordering the book.

When you have the right book in hand it can propel you to new levels. Thanks for the review. Invaluable.

Thanks for the recommendation, Jason! I'm going to order a copy right now... sounds like a great find!

OCT

I am sold too. I just started reading a book about blogging "say everything", Trust agents will be the next one.

Got to chat with Chris for a few moments while he signed my copy of the book at BlogWorld Expo. He's very approachable and generous with his time. I'll be writing chapter by chapter reviews over the next few weeks.

Jason, I can see why you will read Chri's book again. I have read a lot of books in the past few months on blogging but none come close to Trust Agent. I am just halfway through and I found myself taking it in the car on the way to golf yesterday morning. I wasn't driving, Jason, LOL

Hi Jason, you should make a commission, because I trust you and therefore I will buy the book. I have been looking at several and since you reccommend this one I will give it a try. Thanks for the info. Hope all is well in your neck of the woods.

I will look for this today......I was already planning a trip to Barnes & Noble anyway. I need to learn how to be more purposeful with social media. Thanks for the recommendation!

Thanks Jason - I'll plan to read this. It sounds like the kind of info we all need to help us with our social networking.

I love Brogan. I rss his blog. It's really good stuff to say the least. Never read anything written by him, but in my quest for knowledge.....I'll add it to my list.

Thanks for the reminder Jason! Chris Brogan is one of my favorite social network gurus too. He makes a lot of sense in what he brings forward... we need to get a copy to give away at RE BarCampRDU here in Raleigh next month.

I'm curious though - when can we expect a Crouch book? I know there's one in there somewhere!

Hey Jason, thanks for the recommendation. I plan to pick this up and even follow chris on twitter myselfccometure

Hi Jason - Sounds like a great book for anyone interested in Web 2.0 marketing....thanks for sharing the info!

John - He is slated to be on our show on November 22nd - looking forward to it!

Charles - If you use that link I provided, I WILL receive a small commission. :)

Lee & Pamela - I am working on several ideas for books at the moment - trying to decide which one to pursue first. :)

"Dear Santa..I've been a reasonable good real estate broker, person, parent, citizen this year...for Christmas, if it's not too much trouble..there's this book that Jason Crouch..you know, that blogging kind of guy from Texas says would make me happy if stocking stuffed so..thanks Santa. Next year, I'll try harder to make it in to the book of good boys. Your Maine REALTOR Andy."

Thanks for the heads up about this new book. I'm looking forward to seeing John Novaks chapter one review! :)

OCT

Thanks for the tip Jason. I have been wanting to get a good book on Twitter, but it sounds like this one may be better.

OCT

Hey Jason, Thanks for the recommendation. I'm reading a book now, called "The FaceBook Era" by Clara Shih. Basic premise of that book is: the 90s were the decade of the dot coms. If you could get a dot com, you could be successful. She says that the 2010's will be the social media decade. If you can master social media, you will be leaps and bounds more successful than if you can't master it. Good read, too. I'll add your suggestion to my list of "to read".

NOV

How novel, a book about social media that's a "real book" and not just an e-book.

NOV

Hi Jason,

Thanks for the recommendation..I will definitely plan on picking this up..I also expect to see one from you..is it in the early stages?

Dorie - Indeed it is. I have two concurrent book projects - one about real estate and one about social media. I intend to self-publish both of them, since I've had too many friends get ripped off by traditional publishers. The profit margins are about 5-8 times better with publishing myself.

NOV

Jason, can't wait to get the book, and sorry to miss your show today

NOV

I followed your link from the post I just read. This looks interesting. They seem to have some unique ideas. That is exactly what I need! I'm sick of hearing the same old crap, over and over again.

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