Blame the sub-zero temperatures outside, or the fact that the #genYunconference dates have to change, or that I’m just feeling a bit sassy today – but this week I am rolling out a #WTF Friday post – because, well, this week a lot of stuff made me think that.
I’m setting my sites on Social Media Experts AKA Guru’s or Rockstars.
I am not a social media expert. Guess what, neither are you! You may have a lot of followers and make money convincing other people you are – but you (more than likely) aren’t.
How do I know this? Because:
- Your “expert” status is self imposed. No one else called you that. If they did -it was someone that you were just introducing twitter (or something else) too so they are way off the skew of what they consider and expert and don’t count..
- You tell me. Seriously? Do I even need to explain this one? Ok..read on
- When I follow you (back) on twitter you respond with an automated DM telling me you are and “expert, guru, rockstar, etc” and then frequently include a link back to the latest “e-book” you’ve written on the subject. #lame
While I’m on the subject – STOP USING THE TERM ROCKSTAR!!!! Seriously. Enough. It has made its way onto a gazillion blogs lately – a few were obviously done in a more sarcastic term – but the majority think they are serious. WE ARE NOT ROCKSTARS – There are not really HR, Accounting or any other job in corporate America Rockstars. There are people that kick a$$ at their jobs – but still, they are not rockstars.
Seriously. Please. Stop.
To Clarify: “Rockstar” – If you are using that term in anyway but sarcastically, well, I just have nothing else to say. We work in corporate america. We are not rockstars. We are not even real stars. And for most of you – you don’t even Rock.
I have to disagree – in ‘corporate america’ or business in general, these terms are used for people that stand out from the crowd and can deliver. While I agree that it shouldn’t be a self-proclaimed description – totally annoying when people call themselves gurus or mavens – they are out there… and guess what – they are in Corporate America too.
Cynical much?
.
@Jason – Cynical? No! Just stating the facts….And, before you get your feelings hurt (I know you just did a kick ass series on being a Project Manager Rockstar http://hrthinktank.net/project-management/rockstar-project-management-the-art-of-escalation/) this was actually not about your post.
Was this post really more about the people that are self-appointed rockstars, gurus, experts and telling everyone they can be one? YES
Do we create words in corporate america (and everywhere else) to pump ourselves up for jobs well done? YES!
Have we taken it to the extreme and now assign the term to people who are just not “subpar” at their job? YES!
Did I secretly like Rockstar at one point? YES! – But like Tubthumber by Chumbawumba c. 1997 – a good thing can get overplayed and ruin it.
I’m not going to say I agree or disagree, because people that might consider me a rock star might be reading this…not trying to hurt my chances of reaching expert, guru, or rock star status, and I’m also clearly not as grumpy as you are!
In all seriousness, I kind of agree with Jason here. In the work place, ‘rock star’ or ‘super star’ was used a lot. Using it for self promotion is pretty lame, and it actually looks really bad. If someone were to call me a rock star, I’m not going to stop them.
@Rich – You are a rock star to Gen Y’ers around the globe. Or at least Philly.
What if I like rock and like to rock? Does that count?
you’re good. You live in Cali – totally different set of rules.
I’ve appointed my 2 month old son a rockstar. While he’s kick-ass in many ways, every once in awhile he needs to be medicated. If that isn’t a real rockstar, I’m not sure what is.
Hey Rich, you can only use “superstar” if you put your hands in your armpits and then smell them before you throw your arms up in the air and yell “Superstar!” – Just kidding.
I think anyone who proclaims themselves a “Rockstar” needs to have a totally different blog written about them. Which then starts the conceited or cocky vs. confident debate.
Leave the labels at home, if you are good at what you do then others will already think of you that way.
@Bryon – In their case – total rockstars.
@Travis – OMG – I can’t believe I didn’t use that picture!!! HILARIOUS! See, just proving how non-rockstar I am by missing out on that.
FYI – I went to 3 Social Media Events and met 15 “gurus, experts & rockstars” this week. Only 1 of them could back it up.
I think u are a Rockstar because you change your profile pic like wardrobe changes in a Brittney spears concert.
I have made it a point to model my life around hers. Now, if I can only get married for 72 hours the next time I’m in vegas then marry a scrubby back up dancer with a pregnant girlfriend my life will be complete.
Thanks for this post – I got a huge laugh from it.
Totally agree about the self-proclamation thing. If you’re calling yourself an expert, a guru, a rockstar, whatever, you’re probably not. Have a sense of humility. Seriously.
But calling other people that? It doesn’t bother me. It helps keep things casual and fun at work. It’s half sarcastic because obviously no one’s rocking out in the office, but it’s got some kernels of truth – we have a marketing coordinator who is a rockstar because she’s so great. Then again, I also don’t mind referring to someone as awesome, even though that’s not professional. They’re just words.
I love the term awesome. Totally professional.
I agree that the term rockstar is over used. In the course of a regular day – I work with a programmer rockstar, an accountant rockstar, and… … and engineer rockstar… WHAT?
Just like everyone has “great communication skills” they are all also apparently “rockstars”
I think it’s just another word of the day in the business world. Much like “A-Player” and to some extent “Lifer”.
You nailed it in the comment here: http://imsocorporate.com/2010/01/29/wtf-friday-social-media-experts-gurus-rockstars-etc/#comment-732
Let’s not take this too seriously, because another word will come around soon enough to replace it.
Great Post!
Rock on Sarah
Oh No…Cliche words and phrases in biz – could be a great topic. Sometimes brilliance comes in the comments vs the post – so i’m glad you liked that
My suggestions for the next word: ICEMAN – lets bring back the Top Gun and 80′s movie references.
ICEMAN! lovin it.
Cliche business word posts come up here and there from time to time..and to be honest, they’re always hilarious and refreshing. Do it…or I will
Own it Dan! I’d love to read that post on your new blog!!
AMEN!
A perfect rant for a Friday afternoon and spot on.
Thanks Melissa!
I’ll call anyone I want a rock star!
Really, I don’t have a problem with it as it is simply a change in vernacular for someone who kicks ass (I assume nobody is actually physically kicking ass), is a high performer (but not on the stage, microphone or screen) or otherwise stands out at work (but not standing up). People outside of HR understand what it means (whereas a HiPo or high potential employee has virtually no meaning to anyone outside of it). Even the term rock star has been expanded in the music business. So no shame.
The term I have a problem with is social media ninja. By their very definition, ninjas operate in secrecy. Ninja is a term you would use if you wanted nobody to know what you did (but you did it with deadly precision and awesomeness). NOBODY in social media is a ninja.
Lance – you have earned the right to call people by whatever you want. And it has nothing to do with any blackmail you may or may not have on me.
It is just a change in vernacular, and quite honestly never really bothered me that much until like 40 people did posts over the past few weeks. AHH!!! YES!!!!! I HATE social media ninja. Seriously??? Who keeps coming up with this stuff?
Social Media Ninja…I have to say I have not heard that one before, but Ninja’s are also assassins are they not? So if you are a Social Media Ninja are you going to go around and kill your competition or just your clients brand?
I think I will dress like a Ninja at the next Dallas SMC event instead of the usual lab coat and see how it goes over…
Funny and coincidental you posted this today. I am watching micro-celebrity clog the carotid of more than a few lately with 2 cases of it particularly disturbing. While it may seem fun in a fantasy kind of way, when one starts believing their own hype, confusing fiction with fact and self-promoting it as a factual “personal brand” based on a fictional career then there are issues… I don’t like issues, they’re messy. Reinventing oneself doesn’t mean purporting to be who one truly is not – unless one is into comedy and that is clearly understood.
Thanks for bringing this up and giving each and every one of us a reality check Sarah. I hope the people that really need to read this do and rethink their “strategy”.
P.S. Your new head shots are stunning =)
Thanks Karla – I totally agree! be your self – if you are a rockstar it will show.
PS. Glad you liked my pics
Whenever someone calling themselves a “Social Media Guru/Rockstar/Maven/Expert” follows me on Twitter, I always ask them how they earned the title. The responses are amusing without exception.
LOL! Do share those sometime!
Oops! I just tweeted that I thought someone was a rockstar. I just read your post AFTER the fact.. My appologies. I will delete the word from my vocab!
Great new avatar, and very nice headshots.
Shennee
Shennee – Listen, if you want to call other people rock stars as a term of endearment – have at it! It’s a term that EVERYONE seems to have grabbed up for their use in 2010. I won’t unfollow for RockStar talk
Wow, Sarah, 24 comments, you are a ((rockstar)) ummm, I mean real blogger….
Real blogger? Not by a long shot.
Sarah,
Thanks for saving me from writing my next blog post, which had the working title: “False Gurus and Fake Experts.” Now I can just point to your blog when I want to rant (is that an overused word too? hmm).
It is lonely fighting that good fight for education and awareness (mine being the resume/career services biz). It’s not bad enough that there is no regulation, the claim of expert is thrown around loosely, and resume writers steal certification logos — the unsuspecting consumer doesn’t know what to believe.
One way I try to combat it, is by stating I am an “expert,” and then gladly listing all the reasons why when someone asks. Then they have a barometer to guide them and a better understanding of industry credentials and organizations as a minimum. I don’t know what I’ll do when peeps start proclaiming to be “gods” of something.
Hopefully you will have a blog post on that too and I will be off the hook again;-)
Link back as mush as you’d like! Rant – over used, but I like it. How about you do that blog post and I’ll link back to it! You are on the hook for this one.
There is a simple although confrontational way to address this, ask the person to prove it. Ask for stats, metrics, wins/losses, success/failure, client names etc.
As attendees (and commentators) we should ask these questions of event organizers and of the speakers. Ask for an example of a Facebook Fan Page that “did” something. The awkward silence will be deafening.
hello. hello. is this they on? (exactly)
Paul right on — but don’t leave it to the Attendees – before anyone should consider having someone SPEAK at a conference, or radio show, or promote their wonders and prowess.. or consider them to be the Top Echelon of our industry.. we should Hold them accountable for what they claim to be -
If individuals have a voice in their industry, we must remember that there are others who also look up to them for what or who they recommend.. Thus we must hold ourselves accountable as well.
Sarah, your post was good, but then at the same time we should also remember that what is good for the goose,is good for the gander.. that means that we can’t spur someone that calls themselves rockstar, but say it is okay to call yourself say Goddess.. — not about anyone in particular , so please don’t take offense if one thinks I am speakign about you
Finally – don’t assume that people Know who you are speaking of when we write posts online, they are not mind readers.. and not everyone thinks something is about them..
so wouldn’t the Adult and non high school thing to do rather than attempt to shame someone online would be to call them up in private, and discuss your concerns with them?
Karen – My post was good. Thanks
but, I’m making commentary on the overwhelming number of people trying to play themselves off as experts who really aren’t. People using twitter handles of goddess or anything similar 99% is more just fun – not really thinking they are a God/Goddess.
This post IS NOT about a particular person – so, honestly, no one should think that its about them. There are some GREAT posts and AMAZING people that use the term “rockstar”
I just find the term becoming overused and not as special when it is.
But hey – I <3′d high school
Sarah
Totally agree with you – the arrogance of so called experts? – the people I place in this category are the people who cut open peoples bodies and save lives through their expertise, learning and wisdom – it completely de values the word when some muppet comes along and says they are an “expert in social media” – the vacuous lives they lead!
I didn’t even want to comment on rockstar because anyone using this word in any business context need to prefix their own name with loser.
Feeling quite sassy myself today.
See you on the 18th for TRULondon
@LisaScales
Thanks for the comment Lisa! I think we were def having a bit of a sassy day on Friday!
Wow you are stirring it up today! How about “Peak Performer” (groan)- I think you can compliment people you know with any sincere term of endearment you want – the key is it needs to be yourself , not over used and sincere- When someone gives themselves a term of endearment like rock star- instead of “Expert others have learned from” – agree its lame.
HAHA – I think anyone that gives themselves nick names is funny. Sad, lame and kinda funny.
Life is short and if you can go through it considering yourself a Rock Star, then all the best to you!
Diane – I totally consider myself a rockstar. But not in social media or anything work related. I’m just a rockstar in life and think everyone should consider themselves as such.
(Shh…don’t tell anyone)
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Sarah,
Clearly a wrong side of the bed day. Maybe we should start a laugh at a social media guru Monday. A bit like follow friday with a lot more laughs. Call them out to prove there worth.
I did consider putting “social media gnu” on my bio to see if anyone noticed and wanted a deffinition.
I’m happy with any celebratory term like: Expert,Guru, Legend (Ledge for short) or Rockstar provided it is bestowed and not self-proclaimed. I’ve been called many things on my time in twitter, some of them polite. It is nice to be acknowledged by others and we should keep this up. We should however, maintain a good dose of sense of humour with it and not get carried away by the press because we did some good work on that day that others liked.
given the comments, this is a rock star blog. please accept it as it was intended!
Looking forward to seeing you at #trulondon again in a couple of weeks. Thats the first leg of our world unconference tour. now that should qualify both me and radical for rock star status! Bring on the groupies!
@BillBoorman:
PS: Most i’ve laughed for a long time from Lance:
“Really, I don’t have a problem with it as it is simply a change in vernacular for someone who kicks ass (I assume nobody is actually physically kicking ass), is a high performer (but not on the stage, microphone or screen) or otherwise stands out at work (but not standing up). ”
Maybe that should be called stand-up social media!
Bill-
Thanks for the great comments! I too updated my twitter profile…haha
Can’t wait to have you as a guest blogger on here!
See you in london!
Calling yourself an expert, guru, or rockstar is like giving yourself a compliment. It seems desperate and reeks of a need for attention. That being said, if someone else is calling you these things and you roll your eyes or try to deny it, sometimes that can backfire and insult the person who is paying you the compliment.
My boss calls me a rockstar from time to time, but I know he wouldn’t say it unless I earned it so I am pleased to hear it when he does. It validates both of us – knowing that I did something worthy of the praise, and he knowing that he made a good hire.
Jason Falls did a fantastic video post several months ago regarding this obsession people have with being annoyed at self-proclaimed gurus: his take on it – “I’m too busy with clients to really care about them… shut up, get back to work, do good work, and you’ll live.”
(I love Jason Falls and consider him to be a true expert) http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u3GNSTqEcGY&feature=player_embedded
If some self-proclaimed expert ticked you off recently, I suggest you simply ignore them & continue to rock your own job. Those people will eventually fall by the wayside.
BTW, Karen I just read your comment here. This is the second known time that you’ve mentioned ‘goddess’ while discussing this particular topic with my colleagues, yet you tell me to my face that you respect me. I don’t know of any other people using that term in this industry, so if you have a specific problem with my silly (yet memorable) nickname that happened to stick, don’t tell me to my face that you respect me and then post things like this.
Well said
Amy,
this had nothing to do with you. this was a response to a post that described many different names.. you said this was the Second Time? when was the first?
YOu never heard of the “recruiting goddess?” the “job goddess” the “employment goddess”..
What I said, was we can’t be subjective in the industry.. It is okay to call somone out on using the Term rockstar — but then PunkRock will be okay? (nothing against Laurie, I am just making a point here)
So, let me understand this, when Sarah writes a post calling someone Rockstars – and Jason utilizes the word Maven, this is okay? they are just expressing an opinion on their thoughts on usage of words.. but when I do this, this is supposed to be an obvious reflection on you?
How about this, How about You picking up the phone and Asking me what I meant, and if this had been mean about you.. ??? in private? in person..
And as I said, above, No, this was not about anyone in person, as Sarah herself has initiated that this post is not about anyone else in particular as well..
Too funny. I have said in the past that I’m pretty sure “social media experts” are making about the same amount of money as my friends who are currently “in transition” or quite frankly, me. But boy do they feel better about that as they have a great title!
And I am a “Rockstar” to my little one…for now…at least until we hit those tween years.
Thanks for the comment Leanne. I owe it all to the networking events last week and the number of “experts” and “rockstars” that self introduced themselves to me in that manner. LOL
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No one has mentioned the obvious – ‘Rockstar’ is clearly discriminatory toward all other forms of music.
What, are there no Bluegrass, Hip-hop, Classical, or Barbershop Quartet stars working in business today?
It is shameful I tell you.
Its is an OUTRAGE!! Lets make a movement to bump Iceman and start calling each Bluegrass. As in “Steve, you are so bluegrass”
Clearly our minds are connected in some way (/end subtle Fringe reference) because I have been thinking about this FOREVER. I was actually going to write a post about this (and I probably still will) but you hit on all of the points I personally believe.
And another point: how can you be a guru or an expert in a technology (Social media) that’s really only been mainstream for, what? 3 years?
Posting a link to this article on my Twitter feed… now!
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