How to Be a Social Media Expert: Chop Lettuce

I’m gonna tell you a secret.

Some very popular bloggers say there’s no such thing as a social media expert. I think they’re wrong…that there is such a thing as an expert. And I’m gonna tell you how to become one.

Shhhhh…

Okay, here it comes…are you ready for it?

Here’s the secret to becoming a social media expert: Chop lettuce.

That’s it! Simple, right?

The credit for this discovery goes to Matt Bacak. Yeah, that Matt Bacak. Lisa Hoffmann and I had a chance to grab dinner with him when he parachuted into Charlotte for a gig. Matt gave us an inside peek at how he makes money. And, though he and I don’t always see eye-to-eye, he made a great point: People will pay you to make things easier.

Chop lettuce.

Experts Don’t Know It All…They Just Package It Better

A head of lettuce goes for, what, about a buck? Chump change. Too busy or too lazy to chop it yourself? They sell it pre-chopped, too! You’ll pay 3-4x as much, but it’s a small price to pay for your time.

If you want to be an “expert” at social media — or anything else for that matter — be in the lettuce chopping business. In other words, do the work to understand social media, then package what you’ve learned into small, easy-to-consume and quick-to-digest bites.

People are busy. They’re rushed. They want to learn how social media can work for them. They just don’t have time to track down all the info.

Write how-to posts, yes. But also be an aggregator. Gather the most useful, most informative, most helpful posts in a single place. You could bookmark them all to Delicious, compile them into a “10 Useful Tools” post, or distill the collected wisdom into a short e-Book.

I’ve seen plenty of definitions of “expert,” but I like mine best: An expert is any person who knows more about the subject matter than you do.

Even if you’ve only been studying social media for 12 months, you’re an expert in the eyes of someone just getting their feet wet. Could they acquire your level of knowledge and become an expert? Sure. But they won’t. They’ll buy the pre-chopped lettuce. And who better than you to chop it, bag it, and sell it to them?

http://www.yi9nkaolaito.com yinka olaito

To become an expert requires passion, dedication, energy, experience. I strongly believe there is nothing bad if we have people who have sacrificed all the above for social media not to be called social media expert.
http://dannybrown.me Danny Brown

“The greatest trick the Devil ever pulled is convincing the world he doesn't exist.”

Although I'm not a huge fan of pre-packaged foods (I love the mess I make when experimenting), I agree with you 100%. There are various levels of expertise, just as there are better lettuce options available depending on need.

To me, sharing that expertise and not hoarding it is what separate the real experts from the dead lettuce variety. I know which one you're in, fella – cheers!
Pingback: Ten Green Bottles or Drinking From the Information Kool Aid | danny brown
http://www.yi9nkaolaito.com yinka olaito

To become an expert requires passion, dedication, energy, experience. I strongly believe there is nothing bad if we have people who have sacrificed all the above for social media not to be called social media expert.
http://dannybrown.me Danny Brown

“The greatest trick the Devil ever pulled is convincing the world he doesn't exist.”

Although I'm not a huge fan of pre-packaged foods (I love the mess I make when experimenting), I agree with you 100%. There are various levels of expertise, just as there are better lettuce options available depending on need.

To me, sharing that expertise and not hoarding it is what separate the real experts from the dead lettuce variety. I know which one you're in, fella – cheers!
http://mcwflint.blogpot.com mcwflint

loved the lettuce example and down-to-earth ideas of how to be an expert
http://www.timjahn.com/blog Tim Jahn

I am really not a fan of everyone calling themselves experts these days. But you have put things in perspective here and I must say, it's the first time I am actually ok with the idea of “experts”. You're exactly right – people will always go for the chopped lettuce.

The idea of an expert doesn't necessarily mean you know it all but you know how to help well. Thanks for opening my eyes to the other side of this idea!
http://mcwflint.blogspot.com/ mcwflint MaryannChickWhiteside

loved the lettuce example and down-to-earth ideas of how to be an expert
http://www.timjahn.com/blog Tim Jahn

I am really not a fan of everyone calling themselves experts these days. But you have put things in perspective here and I must say, it's the first time I am actually ok with the idea of “experts”. You're exactly right – people will always go for the chopped lettuce.

The idea of an expert doesn't necessarily mean you know it all but you know how to help well. Thanks for opening my eyes to the other side of this idea!
http://www.mindcomet.com Marcelle

Scott – I agree whole heartedly. Any Tom, Dick or Harry lettuce chopper who knows more than those who don't know how to chop lettuce can call themselves an expert, a master or any title they want. (Personally, I'm always a fan of the “magical fairy wizard of social media” type titles.) I think that's why there are so many consultants out there in niche markets…some sell lettuce, others sell tomatoes.

I'm an avid reader and a loyal fan of a genuinely brilliant mind–whatever their specialty. With all of the experts of this, that, and the other out there I'll tell you who I'm really interested in listen to (and hiring): someone who can make me a great tasting, nutritious and interesting salad!
http://www.mindcomet.com Marcelle

Scott – I agree whole heartedly. Any Tom, Dick or Harry lettuce chopper who knows more than those who don't know how to chop lettuce can call themselves an expert, a master or any title they want. (Personally, I'm always a fan of the “magical fairy wizard of social media” type titles.) I think that's why there are so many consultants out there in niche markets…some sell lettuce, others sell tomatoes.

I'm an avid reader and a loyal fan of a genuinely brilliant mind–whatever their specialty. With all of the experts of this, that, and the other out there I'll tell you who I'm really interested in listen to (and hiring): someone who can make me a great tasting, nutritious and interesting salad!
http://mediaemerging.com Scott Hepburn

Most of the time I'm with ya, Tim: “Expert” used to suggest a higher level of expertise, a greater degree of experience. But I'm toying with this new idea of “expert” as a measure of helpfulness. After all, an expert who doesn't share his expertise isn't of much use.
http://mediaemerging.com Scott Hepburn

Most of the time I'm with ya, Tim: “Expert” used to suggest a higher level of expertise, a greater degree of experience. But I'm toying with this new idea of “expert” as a measure of helpfulness. After all, an expert who doesn't share his expertise isn't of much use.
http://mediaemerging.com Scott Hepburn

Most of the time I'm with ya, Tim: “Expert” used to suggest a higher level of expertise, a greater degree of experience. But I'm toying with this new idea of “expert” as a measure of helpfulness. After all, an expert who doesn't share his expertise isn't of much use.
Pingback: Mengel Musings » Blog Archive » Don’t let the “experts” intimidate you