Who Are Your Influencers in Social Media?

There’s a lot happening in social media these days.

New ideas, new people, and new tools seem to spring up every day.

Recently, I blogged about how to stay on top of constantly changing topics like social media.

But, who are the thought leaders that you follow in social media?

Who are are the subject matter experts (SMEs) with both the depth and breadth in a given area?

In a word, who are the “go to” people that you turn to when you need to know something quickly and it has to be right?

All these people are your influencers!

Let’s discuss how to find them and what to do with them once you do.

Yes, Feedly and Google Alerts are great starting points to uncover trending topics in social media.

And, let’s not forget LinkedIn and its groups either.

But, what are your criteria for identifying influencers?

(Do you know how many people call themselves Twitter experts. have less than three hundred followers, and only a couple of dozen tweets?  Get my point?)

Knowing the characteristics of true SMEs versus the also rans can help you a lot.

Next question, what do you do with influencers once you’ve found them?

How about learn from them!

What are they saying?  Is it new, controversial, or helpful?  Maybe all of the above?

Why do they say it?

What do you take away from this?

How about engage with them?

Like, share, or comment on their content.

How about starting a conversation with them?

(This one really separates the grownups from the kids.)

Ask them a relevant question.

If they’re authored a book then do a book review of it to share on your social media channels.

Don’t be shy!

Remember what our mothers told us growing up?

“Show me who your friends and I’ll show you who you are?”

One way to become recognized as an influencer yourself to become associated with influencers for all the right reasons.

Think about it!

That’s it for now!

Also, never forget to reach out to either ask questions or to ask for help from someone like myself!

In the meantime, thank you for following and reading my blog!

I look forward to any and all comments that you may have.  I will reply to any comments made to this blog post as promptly as I can.

Remember!

I do this for a living and if I can be of any assistance to either you or your organization, please feel free to call on me.  Our initial discussion will be of no charge to you.

I can also be reached at conpsweeney@someddi.com.

My Twitter handle is @conpsweeney.