They always say you never know who will respond or answer a tweet, question, snap, or even email inquiry. I’ve reached out to many different professionals online – some with some large followers – and I have never gotten a response back from them or even an acknowledgement. That changed for me a few weeks ago.
I was on Twitter preparing a few updates to share with my social media class (#Freberg16) where I saw Gary Vaynerchuk shared a tweet asking if any one wanted an advanced free copy of his new book on the #AskGaryVee show. If you are not familiar with the #AskGaryVee show, you will want to make sure to catch up and follow his episodes on YouTube.
I felt that it was necessary for me to respond because 1) I love books and am always on the lookout for ones that talk about social media, marketing, PR, and of course entrepreneurship, 2) I have reviewed other books and shared these reviews with my fellow professors and students, and 3) I have all of Gary’s other books and have used them as recommended books for my social media class. So, this is what I tweeted to Gary and waited to see what would happen next:
I went to class and realized pretty quickly Gary got back to me. Lots of thoughts were going on in my mind: WOW! Gary not only responded, but he said he’d send me a book to review! I was pretty excited and let his team (Alex and Brittany) know where to send the book to.
So, the day finally arrived and I got the #AskGaryVee book in the mail!
As far as the book goes, I pretty much sat down and read it straight through in one sitting (with some breaks to provide Twitter updates on how far I was in the book to Gary and my students).
Here were some things I took away from the book and what Gary has done with this latest contribution for both the professional and academic community in social media, marketing, and entrepreneurship:
Brought forth a truly integrated way to promote and market a book
If you ever are thinking about writing a book and want to take lessons on how to market it, make sure to check out what Gary has done with this book. He has tweeted, snapped, Insta, blogged, and recorded all about this book – but he did it in a way that was strategic and integrated all at the same time. I realized I couldn’t review the book just yet on Amazon (will make sure to do when it is open), but Gary gave out ways on how to review the book via all of the different social media platforms, like this post for how to review the book via Instagram. Bravo, Gary!
Great content and influencer content
I couldn’t have asked for a better time to review this book because I am actually covering content marketing and influencer relations this week in #Freberg16. I felt there were some really good fundamental and strategic points here in both of these chapters.
What Gary has done with both of these parts of his books specifically is focus on what are the underlying points that need to be addressed and emphasized in both areas, and make sure they are aligned with what you want to do for your business, company, and even yourself.
Personal branding as a strong foundation
I saw this emphasized throughout the book, and Gary tells some great stories about his own experience on how he has established himself as a businessman, entrepreneur, and author. You got to see Gary’s story of course in other books he has written, but I felt this was one of the distinguishing factors here that really showed up here in the #AskGaryVee book.
It’s really a template and guide for people to walk through and see where they stand in the industry, what are their goals, what can they bring to the table for others, etc. And this is a book not just for entrepreneurs to take a away key lessons from, but of course students and practitioners can as well. However, as I was reading this book I kept thinking – man, this is what professors need to read. We emphasize personal branding for our students and others, but do WE actually walk the walk as well? I try to do this myself, but I’m certain these are areas in which professors could greatly benefit from as well.
Education and Professors
Chapter 3 in the #AskGaryVee book is titled Education, and this is probably going to be the one every professor who reads this book is going to notice (and maybe react to). Some may say that Gary is 100% right, and then there are others who may be a bit surprised to see what he has written. Gary goes into detail with the rising cost of going to college, whether or not to take online courses, and where professors stand today with their students.
Yet, as we are looking at what is happening in higher education, we as professors have to be aware of these perceptions, trends, and challenges facing our field as well as the future for our students. As I was reading this chapter, I was thinking about some of the work I have been doing in my pedagogy research in PR and social media, and there are some points Gary made here that are absolutely true.
I think Gary raised an interesting discussion I know many professors may or may not want to have in relations to being on certain platforms and engaging with them on social media. That’s why I am not only using Twitter for my class, but I also have integrated Instagram and even Snapchat (here’s what I did for my virtual session last month).
To extend this further based on what Gary has written, from my point of view as a professor, there has been this underlying set of “rules” for professors when it comes to social media – how to use it for class, how to use it to communicate with students, etc. I get these questions all the time because I try and experiment around with platforms myself in the classroom. Sometimes things work, sometimes they don’t, but I think at the heart of it – there may be some who are afraid to experiment and be proved wrong. Personally, I have no problem being the “guinea pig” of exploration when it comes to social media in the classroom. In fact, I consider it research because either way – you learn something from the experience.
However, I would like to say there are professors out there who are actively engaged with their students, community, and practitioners online and offline. These are the professors who are trying to make these connections to the practice for our students so they have a leg up as they enter the workplace. Personally, I know I try to do this for my classes.
While I think there will always be professors who will not accept or want to be part of the social media community, there are a bunch more who want to do what they can to help their students achieve and be successful out in the real world. I think this is a bigger issue and one that is on everyone’s mind at the moment, so I think it would be good to potentially start a conversation getting everyone together and seeing what we can do together.
As a first step, I’d be more than happy to share with you my syllabus for my social media class at the University of Louisville, Gary. I guarantee it’s not your typical MBA/Ivy League course (I guess I am also not your typical professor as well!) Let me know and I’d be happy to send it over.
More content on certain subjects
While there were some great insights, takeaway points, and examples in most of the chapters (great insights related to leadership – so important!) but there were a few chapters I was like – YES! There’s a chapter on sports! I know Gary is a huge fan of the NY Jets so I was excited to see his perspective on the sports industry and where this is going with technology, entrepreneurship, etc. While I thought it was a good chapter, it was a little shorter than the others in the book. I think this is definitely an area of growth and expansion, plus the sports and social media community is full of wonderful people who would be THRILLED to chat with Gary about what they think are some of the major challenges and opportunities from their industry.
Even flow with chapters and personal insights
I liked how Gary put together questions from the show into his book, but also tied in each chapter with an overview of what was to be covered in this particular chapter versus others. I felt his gratitude chapter was one of my favorites to read.
This is one of those things that is almost expected, but you have to make sure people realize the power of saying thank you and being positive and proactive with relationships. Social media is indeed social of course, and I think it is good to see this being reinforced and discussed in this book. I liked how there were some questions and credit to those who asked these questions in the book with their Twitter handle as well. I do like the fact at the end of the book, there are some stories and insights shared by those who worked with Gary on the show. You don’t see that in most books, so it’s always interesting to get these stories.
Summary (Moment of Truth)
So, the moment of truth: Would I recommend this book?
Absolutely. I knew this would be a book that would focus and discuss the questions asked from the #AskGaryVee show, but I got a lot more than just that. I got a sense of where the field was going based on certain platforms and which brands were doing well. I had a chance to get a deeper insight into some stories Gary was willing to share at the beginning of each chapter. The tips nad advice he has towards personal branding are some to take note of – as well as his integration across all channels for this book. Gary truly walks the walk.
Overall, I think this is not only a good book to have for any PR, Marketing, and Social Media class, but one I’d recommend giving out at orientation for any graduate program AND new professor orientation seminar. There are many lessons, tips, and insights from the book that can be strategically applied and implemented in different areas and industries – as well as roles.
I would like to thank Gary for writing this book and for giving me this wonderful opportunity. Really appreciate you letting me review this book and I know it will be a success like your other books! I’d also like to thank Alex and Brittany from VaynerMedia for sending me the book so quickly (Gary – Brittany was awesome in her correspondence and was very professional!) So, friends and colleagues, make sure to check this book out when it gets published next month. It’s definitely one to add to your library.
Have a great day!
Best Wishes,
