Some of you know the story about how I came to own a bunch of copies of Chris Brogan’s new book, Trust Agents 
If you haven’t heard about it, I’ll share it with you when I see you (with Chris) at New Media Atlanta Conference on Sept 25th. But, suffice it to say that there’s one in each bathroom in my house now – and I’ve got a few more to share with you next month.
Started into it today. I spent the first hour of reading going… “yes, yes, yes, yes” – lovin’ it because it just resonates so clearly with how I view my online world. Once I understood how Chris & Julien define a trust agent, I kept thinking… “Man, that’s me!”
Only one problem. Chris says I can’t call myself a trust agent. He insists that I need to let others call me that (if it’s true of me).
It’s not that I don’t get what he means. I absolutely do. I’d never call myself a guru or an expert and (sorry y’all) it doesn’t improve my impression of you if you have “diva” in your twitter name. Doesn’t mean we can’t be friends. In fact, I’ve got some good friends that I respect who DO have diva or expert or guru in their branding. My point is, it doesn’t help them. Might not hurt too bad – but maybe not the best idea.
Anyway, I don’t feel the same way when I call myself a trust agent. It feels pretty good. I’m like “yeah, you can trust me. I’m a trust agent”.
Chris, I promise not to call myself that in your presence (but, I’m SO a trust agent man!)
Thanks for giving me the words – even though I dare not speak them.
{ 5 comments… read them below or add one }
Man, your blog has smoe really cool plugins. : )
I will pretend I don’t notice when you say it, and then it’ll be cool. : )
Great blog post. I’ve got to get my hands on a copy of that book. I know it will resonate with me as well and look forward to reading it. I’m with you no Gurus Experts or Divas please. (But a Wandering Gypsy is not so bad)
Thanks Leah. Hope you can make it to @NewMediaAtlanta!
Oh Leah give Divas A Chance
I’ll leave the pink boa at home. Looking forward to some lively conversation.
Matt (& Chris),
The word guru is thrown around like love at a high school especially around Social Media. No one can claim themselves as one. It is all relative. You may know more than me, but do you know more than Chris? There is no test or set of guidelines you need to do accomplish to deserve that title so people self proclaim it.
Chris is absolutely right, an expert, thought leader, guru is all in the eyes of the beholder in “their world”. You can be an expert to one person and a novice to the next. So stay humble and just provide the best valued content you can and let the chips fall where they may.
Cant wait to meet Chris and be a part of the event.
Chad Rothschild