Trust Agents – by Chris Brogan and Julien Smith

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Trust Agents – Using The Web To Build Influence, Improve Reputation, And Earn Trust.

I think Chris Brogan and Julien Smith are the people who don’t need an introduction. But still, if you don’t know, here is a small snippet:
Chrish Brogan’s blog is ranked by Technorati as one of the top 100 blogs in the world. Advertising Age’s Power 150 ranks him in the top 15. He has been blogging since 1998. He is also co-founder of PodCamp and part of many other online projects.

Julien Smith has been connected to computers since the age of 12. He helped run early BBSes. He was one of the first people on the web to use podcasting in 2004, as well as being one of the first web personalities to get broadcast by traditional radio. He has since worked with and been interviewed by numerous media organizations such as CNN, CBC, CTV– and a bunch of others.

Before reading my review, know the fact that, Trust Agents the Book, in its first month, hit:
– the New York Times bestseller list (#13)
– the Wall Street Journal bestseller list (#8)
– the Amazon top 100 list (#30)

Trust Agents is a book which has 261 pages + some pages in the introduction part. And contains 8 chapters:

Introduction: Hey, I know You. Have We Met?
1. Trust, Social Capital, and Media.
2. Make Your Own Game.
3. One of Us.
4. Archimedes Principle.
5. Agent Zero.
6. Human Artist.
7. Build an Army.
8. The Trust Agent.

Index

In the first chapter, it starts with ringing the bell — “We read articles about how the person beside us at the bar ordering the Miller Genuine Draft is actually a paid buzz generator.” Shaking the Trust! and showing how this Trust factor can also be used to deceive people.

The book contains stories and examples of different kind of people, from mafia to gaming and wine shows and to Microsoft etc….a lot actually, and it connects all of them to the topic Trust Agent.
( Its a great idea to take a peak into their knowledge and years of experience, by just paying $16.47 )

There are some action tips in each chapter, which are packed with Chris Brogan and Julien Smith’s experience, with the web(and humans) all these years.

Some lines from the book:

Communities don’t want to be managed: They want to be cared for.

Those who succeed tend to be the ones who allow themselves to fail.

Be there, before the sale.

The Book also warns – By the end of this book, you’ll probably be a trust agent, too. Just don’t call yourself one.

One of Us:
Chris Brogan and Julien Smith have shared their story, of how they made the mistakes — and I must say, they showed a good example to be “One of Us“.
And reminds us to use the 3 A’s, when things go wrong – Acknowledge, Apologize, Act.

Chris the Social Media Guy:
If you are looking for pure social media related things, and the tools that will help you in rapidly building your social media, then this is not the book you are looking for. This book contains, how to be humans in using social media. How to treat people(online) like humans. Giving social media a different touch.

The downside:
1. The Book uses a lot of names, who you may not know, so it becomes difficult to catchup with the stories, if you get distracted.
2. Personal opinion: The language could have been simplified.

Other than that, the book is awesome and worth your time and money.

I am going to order some more books to some of my friends address, who badly need this book!

If you run a company/organization, then please get a copy of this book, spend some time to read and understand it and order some more copies for your employees/members/co-workers if you think its of use for them.

While I was reading the book, I felt like, I am practicing many of these things all these years, unknowingly. But the book is really a inspirational and motivational thing. It quotes some of the best examples of Trust Agents, and how they attained that status and how we can be Trust Agents too.

I know you want to know more, you can get your copy of the book at Amazon($16.47). I am sure, you will not regret.

Still not convinced ? Then read this Testimonial:

“Wow! Every once in a while you find a book that is a sit up in your chair, take notes, tell your friends, change your life breakthrough. This is that book. No kidding, you can trust me.” — SETH GODIN

If you have read the book. Please share your thoughts about the book.