What Separates the “Gurus” From the Rest of Us
November 10, 2009 – 5:22 pm
What separates the “Gurus” from the rest of us?
Nothing.
Everything.
Nothing? I know enough smart people in the social media and communications spaces to know that there are many people not singled out as “micro-celebrities” in their field who are quite capable of being superstars. Heck, they are superstars through what they do. When I tell people to blog or produce other content despite the intimidation of competing with a known “expert” in their industry, I simply say “Chris Brogan is not smarter than you (or insert name of favorite expert that works for you).” If you have any ideas at all, you are capable of sharing them in some form- teach, blog, speak, podcast, comment, rant at a Speaker’s Corner. It doesn’t matter, express an opinion, relate an experience, share what you are learning. Snap! You are a guru (I know, we are supposed to hate that term, but I actually hate all of them, so no matter).
Everything? The one big difference is just doing it. This is where you need to eat a can of ego spinach and just bull your way up to the podium. The best know the difference between adding value and just hearing the sound of their own voice- but at some point you need to be comfortable with the sound of your own voice.
You don’t have to be the best or the most popular. But you do have to do it. I learned very early on, when I chose to be a radio major in college, that you have to put yourself out there. Humility is great, shyness holds you back.
Go ahead. Say something.
16 Responses to “What Separates the “Gurus” From the Rest of Us”
Nothing gets accomplished if you don’t take action. So this is true… everyone is smart but it is how they use their skills which sets apart the doers from the rest.
By Jamie Favreau on Nov 10, 2009
BEAUTIFUl. I wonder sometimes if these “experts”, toiling in a field that more or less did not exist only a few yrs ago are “experts” in bilking firms out of cash. Seems to me – and full disclosure, I am pretty new to social media – this is ENTIRELY possible. In many fields “expertise” takes awhile.
This is not to detract from the great work of Brogan, Solis, Mitch Joel, Defren etc. But there are lots of pretenders and the situation is so fluid that we can really learn from almost anyone – which is really cool.
By Jackson Wightman on Nov 10, 2009
You’ve done a great job of enabling and empowering those with ideas and yen, while cautioning against random or self-focused ’spewage.’ (its end of work day, I can’t be more articulate).
I waffle between wanting and doing more, and asking myself “Why would anyone care?”
I’ll take your post as encouragement. Thanks for confronting the awkward space. @heatherrast
By Heather Rast on Nov 10, 2009
Thanks all for coming by!
Jamie- true, sometimes the only difference is a little action spurred by confidence.
Jackson- there are snake oilers out there, but I wouldn’t put that group you name in that bucket (disclosure– I consider them all friends at some level, at least professionally). But yes– you can learn from anyone.
Heather- “Why would anyone care?” – I sometimes think of a post and think it’s a trifle, not worth hitting “publish.” I actually thought that about this post, but remembered that every other time I did, the post in question ended up getting a great response. So far, that record is holding.
By Doug Haslam on Nov 10, 2009
Twitter Comment
RT @SashaHalima: What separates the “gurus” from the rest of us? Nothing. Everything. [link to post] via @DougH
– Posted using Chat Catcher
By Jfavreau (Jfavreau) on Nov 10, 2009
Something to think about. But if you want enlightenment, follow @hannibal666. :P
Fondly,
h666
http://twitter.com/hannibal666
By @hannibal666 on Nov 10, 2009
Doug, where would want get their hands on that cool bag?
By Bobsy on Nov 10, 2009
What separates guru from the rest of us?
Key massages
Creativity
Sense of humor
Different angle
Experience
Devotion
Written skills
Extroverted personality
Moderating skills … etc
By pr on Nov 11, 2009
Great post, Heather. I think most of us struggle with releasing that inner guru every day.
Casey´s last blog ..Hello world!
This comment was originally posted on Insights and Ingenuity
By Casey on Nov 11, 2009
Nice post. One of the things you mentioned was about strengths.
Some people don’t really articulate their achievements, even though they are pretty good at what they do. There main goal is the new missions and goals they set themselves. People who interact with them likely share their stories.
There are others though, who perhaps like to share their stories and successes.
Somewhere along the line, one gets the feeling there is too much thought leadership and not enough Thoughtful Action.
While I did write the post in the context of a company but it would apply equally to the individual. http://futurechat.in/a-company-at-work/
So the leap the guru takes is at multiple levels. Would like your views…
This comment was originally posted on Insights and Ingenuity
By Syamant on Nov 11, 2009
Woody Allen said that 80 percent of success is just showing up. 80 percent of success in social media “personal branding” is cranking out the awesome content.
But in order to develop compelling, original content day after day, you need to participate in experiences and engage with people in a way that teaches you and helps find you wisdom. Since you’re spending 80 percent of your time banging out the content and 80 percent of your time participating in life, you’re always overbooked. Some people enjoy this. There will be time later for slow, leisurely days at the nursing home, they assume.
The content is always the thing. Merely having the chutzpah to get up in front of a microphone and open your mouth isn’t enough to attract and hold the limited attention of social media ADD’rs. You need a steady flow of experiences continuously adding to an overall level of wisdom that illuminates and entertains.
(And don’t forget to get the good stuff down right after it happens, because you’ll forget.)
So, coffee. Or tea.
By Tim Allik on Nov 11, 2009
@Tim Allik – Nice and concrete
By pr on Nov 12, 2009
I hear you man. But from over here I can easily name tons of cool things about Casey that make him front-of-the-room worthy. You’re about the most approachable, reasonable, even-keeled and genuinely nice guy I know. You shoulder hard work with quiet resolve, are a resourceful problem-solver, and a good communicator. You have an interest in growing breadth of skills as much as depth. You have this whole aviation passion thing which is pretty unique, and a desire to bring others along. You’re a man in need of a podium, that’s all. Get out there.
This comment was originally posted on Insights and Ingenuity
By heatherrast on Nov 12, 2009
Syamant, what I hear you say is as a society, we would serve ourselves well to temper some of the hot air some of us are so good at generating, and instead spend some time on introspection, self-reflection, and practicing moderation. Exercising empathy and compassion to support the needs of others can be a beautiful way for a natural star – we all know one or two of those – to let their work speak for themselves.
I have this very intelligent and humorous friend who is repeatedly called upon for speaking engagements. She shared with me that honestly, she just sort of fell into it. For me (someone who strives to get a few speaking gigs), that provides hope and I am comforted by her self-deprecation. But like you suggest, her status is really just a result of her being herself – the natural talent, spirit, and generosity shining through. Others see it and are pulled in; they quickly and easily connect with her.
I can admire someone’s know-how, but if they aren’t in touch enough to realize that humility is an important element of being important, then it’s a quick turn-off.
This comment was originally posted on Insights and Ingenuity
By heatherrast on Nov 12, 2009
So true and very well articulated..
This comment was originally posted on Insights and Ingenuity
By Syamant on Nov 12, 2009
Love the post, it is so true. Just like when you talk to C level people in business, we are all just people. We are all unique and all know something that others may not. It is how you carry yourself that makes the difference.
By Mike P on Nov 13, 2009