5 Must-Reads for Social Media Wannabes

Last week I went to a thing called Social Media Camp, hosted by Chris Heuer and Howard Greenstein, founders of Social Media Camp. Since there were so many great lectures to choose from I "butterflied" between them, jotting down notes and names like a first-day freshman.
I came away having learned a lot in only a day long session, but certainly not as much as a social media expert. I wanted to know more.

First I did a search on Twitter for the hashtag #smcamp#iwny--for social media camp and Internet Week New York. (If you don't know what a hashtag is. Mashable will teach you in 5 -30 minutes).

Then, skimming through my notes a few days later I found the following suggested reading items. While I haven't read all the books and articles below, the few I have skimmed were excellent.

1. For starters, you can learn about social media principles by reading The Clue Train, available as a free download. Published eons ago in 1999, this book realized that the real purpose of the Web was to tell stories. People go online "to debate, to disagree, to laugh at themselves, to compare visions, to learn, [and] to create new art."

2. Chris Heuer was right to call this article, “The Brand Called You” published in 1997 "prescient." The author, Tom Peters, asks everyone to take the "15-word-or-less-challenge" and brand themselves. What sounded gauche at the time is now in some ways absolutely necessary.

3. In Personality Not Included by Rohit Bhargava explains that successful businesses are learning to expand their vision beyond the product in front of them and capitalize on the personality behind a brand. Bhargava cites Apple as an example. When producing the first iPod shuffles, about the size of a gum-packet, a slip of paper read, "do not eat iPod". This little wink generated some buzz about the product (are they kidding? is this real?) helped sales, and demonstrated to other companies that it's okay to show your playful side. You can download the first chapter for free.

4. Chris Brogan's 100 Personal Branding Tactics using Social Media is a fabulous resource. If you read past the tips for "ego-searches" (not as important for the newbies) Brogan offers tips on creating Web sites and blogs, face-to-face interactions, and the dreaded oops moments: "Apologize when you mess up. Be very sincere."

5. And lastly, there's Howard Rangle's Virtual Community which SMC co-founder Heuer said "changed his life." I don't think he's getting commission from the sales, and his other picks were so great I'll believe him. After it changes my life, meaning after I've read it, I'll let you know what I learn.

Of course there are more than 5 books and articles written about social media. I'd love to hear your favorites. Thanks for reading!
Shannon