@BillRisser is not a Social Media Guru

Link to article on DeedStreet Blog

Link to DeedStreet

“I’m not a social media guru, I just love social media.”  And thus begins one of Bill Risser’s (@BillRisser) social media workshops.

Bill, along with Paul Guenther (@mytitleguypaul), help real estate agents get indoctrinated on various real time networking sites in a series of free workshops they hold throughout the Phoenix valley. Classes include a General Overview as well as separate Twitter, Facebook, Active Rain / Google apps and “Build your Blog” sessions (both Bill and Paul work for Chicago Title in Gilbert). 

Now I know what your thinking…everybody and their brother are going around teaching social media classes; and you’re right. But what makes Bill & Paul’s class so valuable and educational is that they are not social media gurus. Their is no hidden agenda in trying to elevate themselves to guru status in order to sell some higher learning (that’s code for expensive) social media classes as many gurus are doing so today (although, if you ever have a title related question, I’m sure they’re more than willing to help).

The laid-back approach of not trying to sell “guru” status sets the right tone for these workshops. Bill and Paul are like kids in a candy shop; they’re just excited to be teaching a subject they love. And their authenticity keeps you entertained and focused at the task at hand throughout the entire two-hour workshops.

Another facet that I think Bill and Paul have down is the structuring of the classes. Instead of cramming every social media website into a 2 hour presentation, they have wisely broken down the classes into separate 2 hour presentations (this excludes the General Overview, which is really a pre-requisite for the separate sessions). Let’s take the Twitter class for example.

First, before attending the workshop, they’ll make sure all attendees have a Twitter account (as well as some other twitter relevant accounts, such as HootSuite). For the actual class, you are required to bring your laptop. Bill and Paul take you through all the nuances of getting started on Twitter (on your own personal computer) and all the necessary supporting applications. When you’ve finished the class, you don’t just have the knowledge of how Twitter works, but you’ve already had a test drive and been given the keys to “Twitter” car. Where you go from there (in Real Time of course) is now up to you.

I can’t tell you how much more valuable this is than the customary social media guru workshop, where over the course of a two-hour session, they speak of the 10 social networks you have to go sign-up for. You take notes, get all pumped up and excited about joining. The next day, you haven’t signed up for a single social networking site, the class is a passing thought and you’ve accomplished nothing.

In short, Bill and Paul are not social media gurus. But ironically, they could teach a social media guru a thing or two about social media. But don’t take my word for it. Attend one of their classes, even if you’re already an expert on these subjects, and see for yourself.

Doug