This whole internet thing has been around for a while. And the past few years I’ve seen it’s really take off. I have an eye for these things you see. Seriously though.  With this whole blogging, Twitter, Facebook, Social Media boom, I’ve noticed more and more “experts” popping up.  Experts that tell you how to become the best Social Networker in the world, or become the best at Twitter.  Really?!  Become the best at something called “Twitter”?  I don’t know about you, but I’m a little sick of the advise.  I’m sick of being told how I should do something to widen my digital footprint.  You?

“But Brody, that’s what you do for a living right?  Social Media strategy?”

No.

Some people might think I’m an “advise guy” or “Social Networking person” and as uncomfortable as that makes me, I can see where they are coming from.  I know more about certain things than they do.  Fair enough.  What I do is passionately encourage people to be themselves online.  If you’re not a “catchy title” person.  Don’t force yourself to write catchy titles.  If you like video blogging over typing, grab your flip and go to town.  If you want to focus on Facebook, do it.  If you’re the quick one liner type, rock Twitter.  Who cares how you do what you do.  Just do what you want and be yourself.

“But Expert A. says in order to get more followers I need to do x.”

Okay.  Well, if you are doing it for more followers than what happens when those followers find out that you tricked them?  What happens when being yourself sneaks out and you offend the masses?

Now, I’m sure there’s ‘advise’ on this blog.  Times where I’ve tried to sound like I know what I’m talking about and again, I might know more about something than other people.  There’s a thousand other people out there that know more than me about different things.  That’s what makes the internet fun right?  See, I look at it like this.  I’d never walk into your living room and start telling you how to decorate to maximize space.  I’d never say that the color you decided to paint the walls wasn’t accommodating to the general public.  Or that your carpet was ugly.  I’d never say that your ‘style’ wasn’t good enough for people.  I look at blogging, and Social Networking the same way.  Do what you like.  Who cares if it’s not “right”.

This morning I read a blog post by Don Miller briefly touching on this and I couldn’t agree more with him.  This internet is a huge place and no one needs to fit into a perfect box to ensure readership.  Sure, learn from people.  Take what they say and apply it to YOU.  I’m never going to be Seth Godin, but you know what?  He’s never going to be me.