I have one question, though - a matter of practicality: If a person knows to check a so-called “expert’s” Technorati authority and the quality of the links pointing to said “expert’s” blog, and that same person knows to investigate the “expert’s” awareness of Utterz and Seesmic, and that same person also understands the concept that social media is about much more than blogging, why does this person need an “expert”? This person sounds like an expert - or at least a damn savvy person.

Now, of course, this savvy person could have gained much of that intelligence from reading this informative blog post, but even to find this blog post and to be vaguely familiar with the likes of Geoff Livingston, BL Ochman and Chris Brogan indicates a very basic level of familiarity with social media.

Sure, a true “expert” or adviser could help improve upon this basic knowledge, but aren’t the people who really need our help the ones who have no idea how to even begin investigating the credibility of the snake-oil peddlers? I guess this is taking me away from your ideas above; you’ve certainly laid out how to investigate a consultant’s credibility. The next question, then: How do you make sure people make sure to investigate?

Longest. Comment. Ever. It’s late and I ramble.

Thanks for the post.

Also, Lauren Vargas commented as you can tell by BL’s remarks. Lauren basically agreed with the post, and said you have to experiemnt on your own time before engaging with clients. You can read her views here: http://12commanonymous.typepad.com/my_weblog/

Sorry for the inconvenience.

Thank you.

It’s funny, because my post about Snake Oil salesmen was partially because I was called out for using the term “expert” on my blog. I call myself a social media and social networks expert, or I did, until I read the upcoming David Maister book, Strategy and the Fat Smoker. He says that he prefers “advisor” to “expert,” because expert seems like someone who always has to be right. So, upon reading that, and/or upon giving some consideration to how snooty it sounds to call oneself an expert (even if I am), I figure I’ll call myself an advisor. : )

And with regards to Radian6, I’m hoping Santa gets me one for *.holiday.

I thought my Technorati rating was pretty good, until I was standing there when Shoemoney put HIS blog in there. Me? I’m in the thousands or something, and I still have no idea what it means to my overall bacon.

Happy Monday!

Lauren - boy are you right! keeping up with trends sure can make your head spin!