Comments on: Five Tips for Composing a More Effective Social Networking Bio

By: Brian

Brian — Mon, 11 May 2009 13:41:22 +0000

Maria – Thank you for responding to my post. I follow all types of people because I am interested in many different perspectives. Ultimately I am more interested in what people have in common rather than their differences.

Some of the most interesting people I follow do have some of the most controversial user names and bios. “Christ-Follower” would catch my attention, but I would read some of your posts before making a decision to follow. The more “polarizing” the bio, the more conviction I would anticipate from the author -that’s all.

Your list was great, I just wanted to add my two-cents worth…..

I don’t know if Christ twitters, but if God does, then I suppose Christ does as well, think Trinity….

Keep up the good work,
BD

By: Maria Langer

Maria Langer — Sun, 10 May 2009 22:03:14 +0000

Heather, this is my opinion. It isn’t a rule. Other people obviously like the word “guru” because they use it.

I just think that if someone calls himself a “guru,” “expert,” “maven” (saw that one today), etc., it shows that he’s insecure about his expertise in an area and has to assure others that he’s tops in his field.

I’d rather not be told. I’d rather make my own judgments about a person’s expertise based on what he says or writes or advises others.

Of course, if “guru” is part of your company name, it would be pretty silly to change it just for social networking. (But I wouldn’t make it part of my company name, either.)

Just my opinion. Take it with a grain of salt.

By: Heather

Heather — Sun, 10 May 2009 12:54:14 +0000

I'm concerned now because @cottageguru is my twitter name. It was a name applied to me by a newspaper after an interview about the vacation rental properties I owned and the book I wrote about it. I thought it was catchy and have used it ever since. In my particular field I guess I am known as an expert but don't want to put people off by 'self-proclaiming' it. Are you referring more to the internet 'gurus', or is this a general guru thing? I'm always turned off by people listing their religion and political persuasion but that's because I was brought up in the belief those subjects are best kept private. If those folks are only looking for followers or friends who they feel are compatible with their beliefs it's probably OK. Heather´s last blog post: Is The Welcome Mat Out for Your Vacation Rental Guests?

By: Maria Langer

Maria Langer — Fri, 08 May 2009 12:50:08 +0000

Brian, I guess I don’t understand. You said:

I think “Christ-Follower” clearly helps me decide if I want to follow you or not. No ambiguity there.

Does that mean you do or don’t follow people who put “Christ follower” in their bios?

If you do, is it because you’re trying to find religious connections in social network? Or if you don’t, is it because you’re trying to avoid them?

Also, you said:

Don’t try to please everyone by being nothing.

I don’t think I’m suggesting that you leave your bio ambiguous. In fact, I think I was pretty clear that you shouldn’t do that. I’m also not suggesting that a bio attempt to “please everyone.” On the contrary: it should provide information about what you’re all about. If you’re all about following Christ, for example, well I guess putting “Christ follower” in there is a good idea.

Just don’t expect people who aren’t looking for that kind of connection to follow you.

And although I know God has a Twitter account, I didn’t realize Christ did. ;-)

By: Brian

Brian — Fri, 08 May 2009 03:51:57 +0000

I’m no “guru” but I say plant your stake in the ground and tell us what you stand for – I think “Christ-Follower” clearly helps me decide if I want to follow you or not. No ambiguity there. Don’t try to please everyone by being nothing. I’m looking for a community of like-minded people. Social Entrepreneurs and World Changers wanted…..

By: Jay Philips

Jay Philips — Thu, 07 May 2009 22:43:21 +0000

Keeping it short and simple is always good advice. A great tip is to never post anything that is in the “TMI” category.

By: Fuzz One

Fuzz One — Thu, 07 May 2009 10:13:12 +0000

I giggled with your comments on turn-off words like self-proclaimed 'guru' or 'expert'. Very true....very true indeed. Fuzz One´s last blog post: First Hand Advice from a Google Adsense Millionaire (podcast)

By: Shawn

Shawn — Fri, 20 Mar 2009 17:19:16 +0000

sooo true.
I wish the site you listed above, would give us more of an option to describe ourselves, especially twitter.
besides that, I love your tips…
thank you

By: Janet Ching

Janet Ching — Fri, 20 Mar 2009 13:42:49 +0000

Hi Maria, I was reading your posts while I was away from home from my iPhone. I enjoyed reading it very much and I was just planning to rewrite my bio again when I move over to my own domain (in 2 mths time hopefully). Your post is very helpful and useful, thanks for sharing! Janet Ching´s last blog post: korean style braised beef brisket with red dates

By: Ian Smith

Ian Smith — Mon, 16 Mar 2009 14:46:42 +0000

I loved this post. Particularly, the "turn-off words" section - I am constantly irritated by self proclaimed gurus, etc. Great stuff.. thanks! Ian Smith´s last blog post: Loving Pzizz

By: Andy Piper

Andy Piper — Mon, 16 Mar 2009 14:43:31 +0000

Nice post. I wrote something similar a while ago, and also even earlier when I was trying to formulate a snappy (ish) tagline for myself. It's worth applying Twitter-thinking (keep it short) but also using the words as keywords in a slightly longer bio paragraph. Andy Piper´s last blog post: Veronica Belmont on Dogear Nation