Recently, I finished reading “Trust Agents” by Chris Brogan and Julien Smith. I purchased the book because I wanted to gain a better understanding of social media tools and techniques.
After reading the book, I can say without a doubt it provides all kinds of strategies and approaches for effectively leveraging social media. But there was something else I gained from the book that was unexpected.
The authors provided me with a much better understanding of the true potential of the web as it relates to helping people and working more constructively with others.
Though the authors provide detailed explanations of how to leverage Twitter, Facebook, and LinkedIn, what is perhaps more interesting (and important) is their discussion of the Internet as a tool for providing value to others.
This idea of “being human” and doing right by others is a central theme that runs throughout the book. And it is this part, if embraced by enough people, that can transform the way we use the Internet.
In the book, they share their knowledge and experience via six major concepts:
- Make Your Own Game
- One of Us
- Archimedes Effect
- Agent Zero
- Human Artist
- Build Armies
I’ve created a mindmap that summarizes these key concepts:
(Click on Mindmap to Enlarge)
I highly recommend this book. It is one of those books that will expand your thinking about the Internet and social media. But perhaps more important than that, it will expand your thinking about the Internet as a vehicle for helping people and doing good work.
For those interested in downloading the mindmap, go to Biggerplate.com.
