October 15, 2009 99 Comments

Overnight Success 2- A Call to Arms

I have more to say about overnight success. Here’s part 2:

(can’t see it? Click here to watch it.)

I’m issuing a call to arms, a call to action. If you’re still on the fence, get in the game. What can YOU do to help others? What will YOU do with all this stuff you’ve learned? Help me by going out and finding the people around you who could use your help. Share what you know with each other. Form PodCamps and educate each other, and then get out there and embed in the important stuff that needs doing.

What say you?

ChrisBrogan.com runs on the Genesis Framework

Genesis Theme Framework

The Genesis Framework empowers you to quickly and easily build incredible websites with WordPress. Whether you're a novice or advanced developer, Genesis provides you with the secure and search-engine-optimized foundation that takes WordPress to places you never thought it could go.

With automatic theme updates and world-class support included, Genesis is the smart choice for your WordPress website or blog.

Become a StudioPress Affiliate

Newer Comments →
  • http://www.simplyzesty.com Lauren Fisher

    Chris – two amazing videos, all I can say is thank you for doing them! I set up a social media agency a few months ago, moved to Ireland (originally from England) and haven't looked back since! Gotta admit that sometimes the hours get to you and you start going a little crazy. Then I just remember what I do, why I'm doing it and I just get back to work with a smile on my face. Because that's the route I chose. Your videos have just spurred me on even more.

    Community is the key. At the start of the business it felt like I was just *using* the community – looking for advice on starting a business, running an agency, social media etc.. and just soaking up all the information I could. But I remembered to give back and now it's starting to pay off. Now I get emails from people that I don't know looking for help with their thesis or tips on engaging with bloggers. It's not a business thing and I just love that even more.

    You're right – we should all keep helping each other. The biggest challenge I face every day is convincing people that social media is right for them, that it isn't scary. When I know that there's examples I can point businesses to, to show how others are doing it, it makes my life a whole lot easier. We all just have to remember to keep sharing and telling our stories. And not just about social media, but everything it takes to be a success in life.

  • edhart

    Great blog. I keep meeting individuals and businesses who express feeling of isolation and helplessness. The power of the community is huge and seriously underused and underestimated.

    Are we moving towards a world where the greater good has more value than any individual?

  • http://www.letblog.com Roezer

    Good point Lauren and Welcome to Ireland.One of the Main problems on Social Media is the Twitter Snobs who tell us what to do but don't inspire us with Anything Original.

  • http://www.BrandMyCareer.com Mohammed Al-Taee

    You reached a point that everything you say is a lesson to learn.

    Good Job!

  • http://www.thinking-outside-of-the-square.com/blog iconic88

    11yrs? Right on Chris!!

    Your blog helps others achieve more through the sharing of your rich insight and knowledge into social media, its utility & effects.

    Thank you.

  • http://twitter.com/eggmarketing Susan Payton

    Chris–
    You seem tired. No one would doubt that what you do is hard work. There is no overnight success. There's just the unknown finally becoming known. You have a mission and you are busting your butt to achieve it. Thanks for that, because you give people like me material to disseminate down the ranks. It is because of you I can do my job well. Keep up the good work (but don't overdo it!).

  • jimegly

    Good stuff Chris. Just got my company signed up for reasonforacleaning.org. We will provide free house cleaning for woman getting cancer treatment,
    Keep it up sir

  • http://lava7.com/ Jack Hadley

    Hi Chris. In your video you asked us to drop in and tell you one thing we are trying to do to stop talking to the social media crowd and to start pitching in where we can do some good.

    Last year, my partners and I were asked to develop the curriculum for a social media marketing course for the Communications/Advertising Department at Brigham Young University. We’re currently teaching (and really enjoying) this progressive class. It has been so rewarding for us personally. The students are so excited to learn. They read, post, and comment on each other's blog posts on a custom social network we built for the class ( it is called: byuwebworkshop (dot) ning (dot) com in case you wanted to check it out… it's cool how much they participate ).

    They are really excited about it. And WE can't wait to teach it each time! And that excitement spills over big time into our client work.

    I recommend to anyone in this space to find a place to teach, without charging any money, and see how pumped it makes you feel about your work, and about social media marketing.

    Thanks.

    Thanks.

  • susangiurleo

    Chris, people say you are an overnight success because you work over night :-).
    Just want you to know that I appreciate and am grateful for you and your desire to share, teach and learn.
    I'm trying to spread the word of the power of the internet and social media to mental health and other wellness professionals. We have so much important info to share that can improve people's lives, it almost seems unethical to keep it to ourselves, given all the resources to spread the word.
    I'm working it by offering teleclasses, presenting at association meetings, holding meet ups in my community. It's work, it's energizing, I love it.
    Anyone who wants to join a movement to get mental health and wellness out in the social media world, give me a buzz, would love to collaborate!

    Susan
    http://www.bizsavvytherapist.com

    PS: I agree, you do look tired. Make sure you take a break once in awhile (like, maybe sleep 'til 6:30 some morning).

  • http://twitter.com/chrisandersonis Chris Anderson

    Here is a quote I'd like to share with all of the overnight successes:

    “Well done is better than well said”

    - Benjamin Franklin (1706-1790)

  • http://toolulu.com/ Deb

    You're right! It's all about getting everyone a leg up and teaching other people what we know. When you say 11 years, that makes me tired…. I've been hitting the ground for over a year now, working non stop and I'm tired. :) Overnight success is tired, but we're doing what we love!

    I live in the Midwest and am working on getting people up to speed in the social media arena. I co-founded the Social Media Club in our area and I speak to the students at Universities to get them ready to go out into the work force armed with the proper tools. At my company, we also offer social media classes/workshops which professionals have really enjoyed. Also, we freely share information on our blog and when we meet with people. We believe that knowledge is power and we want the companies we're working with to succeed.

  • http://www.doblerwins.com davidnc

    it is funny how overnight success takes several years to occur. i have some friends in the music industry. after 5-7 years of playing whenever and wherever they finally made it as a top 40 group. they were touted as overnight successes. only it took time to try-fail-adjust, associate with the right people, etc. all of us is more powerful than one of us. collaboratively we can shift thinking and redefine the game.

  • http://www.twitter.com/danieldecker Daniel Decker

    I don’t want to make a blanket statement because there are indeed a LOT of really great people in the social space, people and experts using their talents for good… but there are also far too many today who seem more concerned about lifting themselves up rather than lifting others up. Sure, they might “say” they want to help others but there is often an underlying self serving agenda that shows itself. I just hope others can learn from what you are saying and invest in others not because of what they can offer in return but also for the mere sake of making a difference. Using the gifts and talents as a blessing to others as well. Ironically the more we lift up others, the more we too are elevated. It's like the Golden Rule on steroids. :)

  • christopherthiede

    You asked what I'm doing to get in the game and help others elevate themselves. Although I've been in business for myself for almost three years now, I had not, until recently, been focusing my efforts. Now, I'm aiming for the bull's eye on every throw.

    What's my bull's eye? Small companies in the residential building & remodeling category. Why that category? Because that's where I cut my teeth, it's what I know and love, it's where my passion is. I can't claim any great successes yet, but I'm working on it (on 4.5 hours sleep, I might add).

    Thanks for your continued inspiration.

  • loisardito

    Well Chris, I think whether you read this or not isn't really important…….I think I'm writing this for myself and my business partners.
    25 years ago faced with a sizeable mortgage, a broken kitchen stove and needy car and two children.. my husband and I ( both artists) decided something had to give. I went to work as a realtor. I was surprised to find that I love it. I loved helping people find homes in my adopted twon of Arlington, MA and making people happy. It was a high, I'll admit. New homeowners would send flowers, write nice notes, I'd see them in the local foodstores and we'd hug. I forgot I wasn't making art. That's as simple as it was in the late 80's.
    Then things changed, the early 90's bad time for housing and then the internet! We, as realtors, we no longer the “keepers” of the info. Everyone become skepitcal. It appeared that no one trusted the transaction anymore. The “high” of helping changed and as a realtor you really had to work hard to be a convincing Trust Agent.
    Last year I started, along with 4 other woman, a RE online company. We have spent alot of time thinking about how we are going to change the game. Tools, tech, resources for the client, etc. etc. But guess what? As of today I am going back to the attitude of the 80's and I am going to think daily how I am going to answer your question….How can I help others, how can I do good and pass on that attitude. That should be the core of our business, yet again. I'm not going to tweet RE relevant info but I'm going to ask the question daily, “What can we do for you?”. “How can we help you?”
    Thank you for reminding me why I do what I do.
    PS I wish you a weekend at home with your family real soon!

  • http://www.tommartin.typepad.com Tom Martin

    Love this Chris. What am I going to do?

    Well you already know — and I'm so glad you have agreed to be a part of it — and I look forward to sharing the learning we get from the project this spring. Gonna be great and I hope be the kind of project/case study that peeps can show their bosses to say, “see — we need to get into this game, it really works”

    In the meantime, for anyone that is looking for a “How to use Twitter to change brand perception” case study — they can go here http://budurl.com/TomMartin6 I put the entire project from beginning to end, including the final results and case study, into a single post.

    Hope this helps a few peeps that are trying to get their head around Twitter and how it can be used beyond just conversation.

    See you in Vegas brother.
    @TomMartin

  • richdixon

    You inspire, which is maybe the highest compliment I can offer.

    I just posted some thoughts this morning at Bouncing Back about Service Without Strings, then I drop in here and see this. Maybe the universe is telling me something?

    I once had a guy tell me that his goal was to do well so he could do good. It rang a bit hollow, and now I know why. I think he had it backwards…the goal is doing good. Doing well is a nice by-product.

    Thanks.

  • Pingback: Overnight Success 2- A Call to Arms » Arms, Call, Success, Overnight » HotBytes

  • lesmckeown

    Hi Chris –
    Great stuff – thanks for posting with honesty and conviction.
    When I was in my 20's and 30's, I traveled maybe 3 days a week, every week, building my business on three continents. I loved it. Looking back, I only have one regret – I never (never being never) once took an extra day or two anywhere I went, just to hang out and smell the roses. I went to some amazing places, yet my memories are all of those 5.45 flights, midnight arrivals, conference rooms and hotel suites as gerry-rigged office substitutes.
    Don't do that thing, buddy. Take it from someone who's closer to 100 than 10 – make some memories on the way that are just for you :)
    Keep going. Loved the book, loving the updates.
    Les McKeown

  • http://netvibes.com/monikahardy monika hardy

    i've followed you for a while…ever since i joined triiibes.
    i love this video. so frank.

    about education..so many are trying to change it. so many roadblocks. so many think change won't happen. so many don't get that it needs to be an overhaul.

    we need to do what you are saying. quit flapping and take action.

    i just watched freedom writers for the first time. we need that. but we need to power up with networking so we can overhaul. and for the masses, not just a few.

    you're right – we can if we come together with one voice – one movement.

    do you see this happening anywhere?
    if not – can you help this peon – or find someone to help this peon – to take some substantial action.

  • Name

    A simple… THANK YOU for telling it like it is…. Best, Brian-
    PS When my children are grown, and out of the house, I will join you on the road!

  • http://twitter.com/TDefren Todd Defren

    Totally empathizing with the hotel room blues, amigo.

  • http://chrisbrogan.com Chris Brogan

    I can imagine. You've had a fruitful and lustrous career of doing amazing stuff and no doubt having the best room with only a view of a desk.

  • http://chrisbrogan.com Chris Brogan

    I watched Freedom Writers for the first time a few months ago. It's totally a great analogy for some of this, at least.

    YOU can make it happen. : ) Start tweeting about making a get together in your area, and enough people will form. Happens all the time.

  • http://chrisbrogan.com Chris Brogan

    It's a really good point, Les. I'm doing that now, the “not taking the extra day” thing. : )

  • http://chrisbrogan.com Chris Brogan

    You know what? I actually understand that guy's sentiment. I'm on that same path. When I have money, I can do much more social good. When I don't, I can't. So I'm working on that same theory, only, I'm doing good along the way.

  • http://chrisbrogan.com Chris Brogan

    Wonder what we'll do to move that forward? The learning. Once you realize what you get or don't get from embedding a nerd there, what will we do next? (And by “we,” I mean you. :) )

  • http://chrisbrogan.com Chris Brogan

    I read everything you send, Lois. Why wouldn't I learn from you? You've got the skill.

    You're good people. Oh, and I had a family weekend this last weekend. : )

  • http://netvibes.com/monikahardy monika hardy

    so – i tweet with many all over the world about making this change happen. are you suggesting i focus more locally.

    i was imagining a worldwide revolution.
    :)

  • http://chrisbrogan.com Chris Brogan

    You're right about that. There are lots of people not sharing what matters, what's next, what others can do to make it better. Some of us will be sharing some new stuff today at BlogWorld Expo. : )

  • http://chrisbrogan.com Chris Brogan

    That's a great thing, Jack. I'm glad you're doing that. Will I see you tomorrow in Vegas?

  • http://chrisbrogan.com Chris Brogan

    That's such a cool project!

  • http://chrisbrogan.com Chris Brogan

    Look at that. You've got the Irish connecting up with you via the blog comment section. Who knew?

    I love hearing that you're out there doing the good stuff. : )

    You do stuff with Thesis? How much stuff? I might have some work for you from time to time.

  • loisardito

    Hopefully you skimmed it and didn't notice the spelling errors. I have to learn to type slower and think more!
    Happy about the family stuff…….the “Littles”do keep us grounded, don't they.

  • curtislwalker

    Recession Buster Tip of the Day. FREE http://my.rosevillept.com/detail/132387.html

  • human3rror

    Chris, quick Q: What are you using to record your vids?

  • ryanshell

    This is not a rock start example, but it’s something I did yesterday to help inform a local hospital of some thing they could do better at in terms of social media. Check the example here: http://bit.ly/3GnRI6

  • http://nateriggs.com nateriggs

    Chris – right on man! The time for talk is over. No is the time to take action and apply.

    Please don't take this as shameless self promotion (who knows, maybe it is – sorry), but you asked what we were doing. How we are using this technology to make money and develop businesses. Here's one things my partners and I are doing that will launch this weekend.

    For everyone in this conversation, were working on http://tweetmytime.com. If you are a runner, rider or triathlete, you'll get it when you visit the site (niche audience :)

    TweetMyTime is a Twitter app that uses D-chip timing device to track racers timing data and automatically publish it to Twitter and their Facebook wall. It's free for racers to use (we're selling it and other services to the actual race events themselves as an Inbound marketing tool.)

    We launch this weekend at the Nationwide Better Health Columbus Marathon, so if you see a tweet this Sunday (October 18th) with #cbusmarathon – that's us.

    BIG idea here is to see if we can generate enough auto tweets (estimating about 10-20 thousand in a 4 hour period) to seed a REALLY BIG online conversation and and maybe even trend #cbusmarathon. Using bit.ly links, we're going to drive traffic back to a destination website where people can engage with the race via stream video live online (thanks to our new friends at R2Integrated) Their will be ways for visitors to convert for the following years race as well.

    To everyone here – what do you think? What could we do better? You all read Chris so you're all smart people, and my peeps in Columbus and I could use your brain power… :)

  • rob19

    Another great video Chris. I want to get into Social Media full time but just not sure how. I work for a bank full time to pay the bills and blog on the side for pleasure. I am new to blogging (maybe 6-7 months) and still trying to figure out what direction to go. Not sure if I will figure this out but I am going to try.

  • http://www.retirepreneur.com/ Donna Kastner

    Loved Overnight Success Part 1 – Love Part 2 even more. Keep doing what you're doing. You inspire us all to dig a little deeper, try a little harder.

    Been following your blog for months and read Trust Agent cover to cover. Thanks to you (and oodles of hours listening, thinking, reading, doing, & tweaking), I'll be launching a new concept, Retirepreneur, next week.

    Thanks for challenging us all and stirring us into action, Chris!
    Donna

  • elizabethcogswellbaskin

    Love this post. Love the passion. Blogged about it at http://www.life-sizedbusiness.com. (http://bit.ly/FQ2qk)

  • http://frontofficebox.com stevensreeves

    Working my rear end off trying to drag several communities into the new age. Not a lot of luck so far, and trying to understand why.

    I figure the answer is they don't see the benefit.

    My biggest challenge is a bunch of brain surgeons (seriously). With these guys life is different. They spend their days cutting out pieces of people's grey matter and networking seems inconsequential.

    The goal is getting them to engage with other brain surgeons :-)

  • pcodella

    What am I going to do? Here's what I'm doing: a recent e-book called Integrated Marketing in the Digital World (which could be published by next fall), presentations on social media about every week (some local, some thousands of miles away), chairing the Social Media Club of Salt Lake City and launching the first Utah Social Media Awards, talking with traditional media about the role of social media, and creating and teaching an online course for University of California, Irvine Extension titled Using Social Media as a Tool for Public Relations.

    I agree with you Chris – there's not much time for sleeping!

  • http://www.petecodella.com Pete Codella

    I forgot – I also created a song about social media, and thanks to @MultiMediaWise, created a music video ane published it on YouTube – http://snurl.com/ks7ia

  • http://tweetmetv.com McMedia

    Chris – I love your enthusiasm and it IS contagious. I left IZEAfest armed with so many ideas after hearing you speak and was inspired by your level of commitment to what you do. You connected with everyone who you spoke with as if it was they that mattered most. While you had never met the majority of them before you took the time to listen, to make the connection. It reminded me that how important it is to make people matter. You shared so much valuable information while on the dais and while working the room.

    I am new to Social Media. I only started on Twitter a year ago yet it has been life changing. I have met incredible people. I have travelled abroad. Been presented with amazing opportunities, all that would have never happened if it weren't for social media.

    I share this story with EVERYONE I meet. I have experienced 1st hand the wonders of how social media shrinks the world, levels the playing field. If you “do it right” the benefits can be tremendous. You were one of the very first people I followed on Twitter. I learned so much from you and continue to “pay it forward” telling newcomers on Twitter, Facebook and Blogging to follow you. I also try to mentor people, companies and organizations on the benefits of social media done right!

  • http://lava7.com/ Jack Hadley

    Thanks for asking, Chris. Unfortunately, I have other business commitments this week that must take precedent. Will miss being there. Best to you during the event.

  • http://twitter.com/sharisax Shari Weiss

    Susan, I LOVE “'there's just the unknown finally becoming known.”

  • http://twitter.com/sharisax Shari Weiss

    Hey, Deb, you sound like you're doing a lot of what I'm doing. Tweet me and let's chat. I've been teaching SM at colleges here in the Bay Area, but I'm from midwest [cleveland]. Check me out http://sharisax.com
    I know Chris suggested “we not be talking to each other” but . . . hmmm . . . I believe that that is what this particular conversation is all about
    :-)

  • http://twitter.com/sharisax Shari Weiss

    Good luck, Chris. Sounds like you have a plan.

  • http://twitter.com/sharisax Shari Weiss

    Rob:
    (1) Understand that it will take time to “get up to speed” . . . and you can never be ahead since things are constantly evolving
    (2) Know that you will have lots of fun learning
    (3) Realize that you will need to WORK to learn, but for me, the Work is Play.

Newer Comments →
GetSocial