How to tap the power of social software and networks to build your business
In "Trust Agents, " two social media veterans show you how to tap int... read full description
reviews
Sep 17, 2009
Eric
rated it: 
Excellent read for those wanting to jump into this space but are a little hesitant. Chris and Julien do a nice job relating examples to the points they want to make. TRUST: This space is about creating trust whether it's between friends, new friends, potential clients, etc. Trust is the underlying factor that lets realtionships flourish. It's not about soliciting your service 24/7, it's about engagement and sharing value in which your audience can utilize. The sales will then follow because of t
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Oct 27, 2010
Hiten
rated it: 
Social media superstar Chris Brogan and digital media maven Julien Smith take a stab at the very complex issue of 'Trust' in this widely-lauded book. Unfortunately, it failed to resonate with me.
Usually if a book doesn't impress me, I don't write about it. You'll notice that most books I bother to review, I rate them at 4 and above.They've made a difference to me, and I want to share them with others. Scathing reviews are best left to professionals, my time is better spent writing ab More...
Usually if a book doesn't impress me, I don't write about it. You'll notice that most books I bother to review, I rate them at 4 and above.They've made a difference to me, and I want to share them with others. Scathing reviews are best left to professionals, my time is better spent writing ab More...
Oct 10, 2009
Mari
rated it:
This book is a how-to/handbook for getting traction online. I'm not sure I want to be so popular, but I guess the thinking behind why I should read this book is to get ideas for how to make my employer popular online.
Of course the "real" reason I bought (!) and read the book is because I like Chris Brogan, his blog and his attitude, which is the point of the book (be nice and people will like you and spread your message).
Page 190 "Words comprise only 7% of wha More...
Of course the "real" reason I bought (!) and read the book is because I like Chris Brogan, his blog and his attitude, which is the point of the book (be nice and people will like you and spread your message).
Page 190 "Words comprise only 7% of wha More...
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Feb 11, 2010
Marko
rated it:
Just finished this book today in a train and have to say that it was worth reading.
This is a book where Chris and Julien describe the things that get you forward with the whole social media or the [oh so forgotten term:] Web 2.0.
I like how they do it by introducing the thoughts behind the whole thing, but in the same time give hands-on advices how to behave and act in the digital world without getting beaten by the natives, or the potential customers.
There are More...
This is a book where Chris and Julien describe the things that get you forward with the whole social media or the [oh so forgotten term:] Web 2.0.
I like how they do it by introducing the thoughts behind the whole thing, but in the same time give hands-on advices how to behave and act in the digital world without getting beaten by the natives, or the potential customers.
There are More...
Sep 27, 2009
Elise
rated it: 
Wow. The weird thing is that "The Matrix" (the first one) was on today. Then when I picked up the book later, I was thinking: Weird, it's almost like The Matrix. And, wouldn't you know it (foreshadowing) Brogan refers to the Matrix. I think our world's about to change. Again.
Got to hear Chris in person last week and was awed by a guy some may think of as a mere blogger. Mere bloggers don't generate the kind of following that Chris does - well maybe the "kind of followi More...
Got to hear Chris in person last week and was awed by a guy some may think of as a mere blogger. Mere bloggers don't generate the kind of following that Chris does - well maybe the "kind of followi More...
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May 13, 2010
Doug
rated it:
This book, in a nutshell: Don't "sell" online; be helpful. Don't expect to see directly measurable monetary results from social media efforts. Don't expect to be able to track one specific act to one specific sale.
In other words, social media marketing is not like traditional media marketing. The worst thing you can do in social media is make a specific sales pitch.
It's a difficult lesson for many traditional marketers to hear and a tough nut for many business o More...
In other words, social media marketing is not like traditional media marketing. The worst thing you can do in social media is make a specific sales pitch.
It's a difficult lesson for many traditional marketers to hear and a tough nut for many business o More...
Dec 10, 2009
Michael
rated it:
A great book for a narrow audience. It is not basic enough for those just starting to get their head around the net and too basic for those who have been living in it, but is PERFECT for those who have been sitting around in the shallow end. This book may not show you step by step what do on the social web, but it really helps you refine who you want to be.
My only real "complaint" about the book is that I happen to be a regular reader of Chris' blog and am familiar with More...
My only real "complaint" about the book is that I happen to be a regular reader of Chris' blog and am familiar with More...
Sep 07, 2009
Jeffrey
rated it:
The book opens with the story of Joe Pistone, aka Donnie Brasco. Authors Chris Brogan and Julien Smith describe how Pistone spent years infiltrating the mob by establishing a reputation and earning trust. The level of influence his was able to exert on the organization eventual helped the FBI put over 100 mobsters in jail with him as its star witness. But they ask the question, would the Donnie Brascoâs cover be possible with the access to information the web provides everyone today? Their boo
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Apr 25, 2011
Ian
rated it:
Wonderful read! If you want to use the social web to improve your brand (yours or your company's...or, ideally, both) and make more money, this has got to be on your "short list." They get in to both the high-level, philosophical approach you should take to earning the trust of your audience, as well as the very specific tasks that can help you reach your goals (many of which are insanely easy so beginners need not be intimidated).
While those of you who've read a few social More...
While those of you who've read a few social More...
Jun 13, 2009
I had the good fortune of seeing the authors, Chris Brogan and Julien Smith, at the "Trust Agents" presentation at BookExpo America 2009, and I was immediately taken with that most valuable asset, which they both possess: "real-ness," by which I mean that they are approachable, human, down-to-earth. They seem to be the perfect duo to write a book called "Trust Agents"--I'd trust them in a heartbeat, in part because of this exhortation to the group assembled: "B
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Jan 08, 2010
Doug
rated it:
Are You Trying to be a Trust Agent?
Yes? Then you have probably already read at least part of Trust Agents: Using the Web to Build Influence, Improve Reputation, and Earn Trust, the new book from Chris Brogan and Julien Smith.
Most likely, you are wondering what a “Trust Agent” is supposed to be.
“Trust agents have established themselves as being non-sales-oriented, non-high pressure marketers. Instead, they are digital natives using the web to be genuine and to More...
Yes? Then you have probably already read at least part of Trust Agents: Using the Web to Build Influence, Improve Reputation, and Earn Trust, the new book from Chris Brogan and Julien Smith.
Most likely, you are wondering what a “Trust Agent” is supposed to be.
“Trust agents have established themselves as being non-sales-oriented, non-high pressure marketers. Instead, they are digital natives using the web to be genuine and to More...
Jun 27, 2010
Bill
rated it:
Most useful for those new to the social media world. Not especially remarkable. Reading Brogan's blog is just as good. I do applaud the authors' effort to draw in a different crowd.
My rough notes.
Emphasi More...
My rough notes.
Authors talking about social media strategy and personal ethics. How to get ahead online. What kind of person to be online? (I think they would not draw online/offline distinction)
trustworthy
likable
generous
unselfish
kind
Emphasi More...
Jun 07, 2011
Rob
rated it:
My generation hasn't embraced social media as fully as younger generations have. Some of my best friends refuse to sign up for Facebook, or only tepidly dip their toes in. Most don't tweet. Many of my developer coworkers don't Facebook, tweet, blog, or use github. We're still the anti-social tech generation, which I find curious.
The subtitle of this book describes its contents fairly; it's the "how to win friends and influence people" of the rising web-social generation. Wh More...
The subtitle of this book describes its contents fairly; it's the "how to win friends and influence people" of the rising web-social generation. Wh More...
May 08, 2010
Gene
rated it:
Web 2.0 is about "joining the conversation" and Trust Agents provides a useful blueprint on the process. "Trust agents" are business professionals who understand this blueprint and use the Web to build business.
Trust agents are power users of the new tools of the Web and have established themselves as being non-sales-oriented, non-high-pressure marketers. One core concept to becoming a trust agent is to write everything online, where it is eternally visible to e More...
Trust agents are power users of the new tools of the Web and have established themselves as being non-sales-oriented, non-high-pressure marketers. One core concept to becoming a trust agent is to write everything online, where it is eternally visible to e More...
Feb 08, 2010
John
rated it: 
What a terrific book. It lays out the ways in which interactions are not that different from in-person to on-line and how we need to ensure that we are doing the fundamentals of interacting to better others and ourselves along the way. The examples that were given were great, really can be applied to almost anything and I really love how this was not technology specific, so that it can be ported out to other mediums and environments. If you want to grow a community, enhance your interaction p
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Feb 02, 2010
Elizabeth
rated it:
Chris Brogan is, in my mind, one of the great thinkers in the world of online marketing. He has teamed up with a technical and systems maestro, Julien Smith, to get readers thinking way beyond the software or the hype or the sale...these authors want us thinking about ways that people and companies and brands become known and trusted using modern Web tools. It's not just image anymore; it's transparency and authenticity. It's not just thinking about how to sell yourself, but how to solve problem
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Oct 18, 2009
Justine
rated it:
Trust Agents fascinated me from the beginning, not just for the subject matter but the community that the authors were busy building around it months before it came out.
I was so charmed by the book's Facebook fan page -- in which Chris and Julien asked questions, sparked off conversations and made the dialogue about other people as much if not more than their product -- that I ended up buying a second copy just because I liked and trusted them.
So the marketing for the More...
I was so charmed by the book's Facebook fan page -- in which Chris and Julien asked questions, sparked off conversations and made the dialogue about other people as much if not more than their product -- that I ended up buying a second copy just because I liked and trusted them.
So the marketing for the More...
Dec 28, 2009
Dufour
rated it:
This is a great book about the nature of trust networks and how they work on the modern internet. Brogan & Smith leverage their years as Web superstars to bring some extremely valuable insights actionable ideas to anybody looking to understand the currency of trust amongst online communities. Those most likely to benefit from this book include marketers, CEOs, business leaders, community organizers, fundraisers, and creative entrepreneurs.
Brogan has long been a proponent of brining h More...
Brogan has long been a proponent of brining h More...
May 06, 2010
Fred
rated it:
When I saw that one of the leaders in social media at work was reading this book, I knew that it was something I had to read right away. Lucky for me my library had lots of copies. So far, it's a fascinating history of the social web written by digital natives. The ACTION sidebars challenge me with innovative and strategic ways of using tools I'm already familiar with. Ready for more!
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4/30/10. Trust Agents is an invitation to embrace the increased openness, transparency, and access o More...
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4/30/10. Trust Agents is an invitation to embrace the increased openness, transparency, and access o More...
Jul 13, 2010
John
rated it:
This book feels like it's directed towards older workers who have no idea how this who social media thing works and what the kids are doing on Facebook. For that audience it is great. I found the book used the right stories to explain how individuals can use this new medium to connect with others. Is there anything ground-breaking here? No. Thought-provoking? Maybe, depending on who you are. This became one of those airplane books that I read on flights to and from Toronto. And yes it was light
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Aug 08, 2011
Nura
rated it:
Good book but seems very much like common sense. I felt that it's as if this was a self-help book on relationships but from a social media context.
It's like it's a shame that this book needs to be written for those who forget how to build trusting relationships with people.
This book is targeted at marketeers and yet, the irony is that marketeers are human beings first, before they are marketeers, trying to sell stuff to people. It's funny how a lot of marketeers seem to c More...
It's like it's a shame that this book needs to be written for those who forget how to build trusting relationships with people.
This book is targeted at marketeers and yet, the irony is that marketeers are human beings first, before they are marketeers, trying to sell stuff to people. It's funny how a lot of marketeers seem to c More...
Sep 14, 2011
Melanie
rated it:
Chris, you can review your own book, that's OK. I LOVED this book. It was the first one I read about social media and it has colored (in a positive way) how I have thought and proceeded to engage with these tools. I have told numerous people about this one and gave my copy to an intern at the Center on Philanthropy. (Hey, I never got that back!). It is inspiring and yet practical. Love it.
Sep 10, 2010
Darlene
rated it:
This is a great book for those who are trying to find thir way through the maze of new media. Your business depends on hour understanding of it, and this book give you a wonderful understanding of how to use it authentically. Practical, readable, amusing, and very, very helpful.
Mar 05, 2010
Nick
rated it:
Trust Agents is one of the 3 best books on the new social media, the other 2 being "Groundswell" and "The New Rules of Marketing and PR." If you're wondering whether or not to dip your toes into social media, this book will give you the orientation you need to proceed with aplomb.
Jul 10, 2010
Sayo
rated it:
Be open, be transparent, be influential, be a trust agent. This book didn't provide the insight that I was looking for and seemed to be repetitive at times. But it did provide the "need-to-know" knowledge that brand builders and online reputation managers should have.
Jun 04, 2009
Chris
rated it:
I'm the author. I can't really review this, can I? I think it's pretty darned awesome. It's coming out at the end of August. I'd love to talk with you about it if you read it and/or like it. Heck, if you hate it, let's talk about that, too.
Jan 09, 2011
Kelsey
rated it:
Great book for business owners beginning to use social media. Also some useful nuggets in there for those of us who've been dabbling with it for years. It doesn't read like a business book at all, which is good. The authors keep it fun.
Jan 20, 2010
Clay
rated it:
I'm fairly certain I don't want to be a trust agent. In that sense, this book was a fantastic read. They outlined what is involved in occupying this social role, and it's not for me.
One applicable takeaway I got, though, was the idea of gate jumping and the larger idea of creating your own game. Very motivating to focus on ways of changing my world to better suit my logistical tastes.
One applicable takeaway I got, though, was the idea of gate jumping and the larger idea of creating your own game. Very motivating to focus on ways of changing my world to better suit my logistical tastes.
Oct 18, 2011
Lois
rated it:
Excellent book for learning how to navigate thru social media. Thankful they did not go deep into any site. The book showed you how to really get in the game. This will definitely be one I go back to again and again.
Apr 13, 2010
Brad
rated it:
Great business book! Thanks to Chris Rainey of Kerusso (apparel) for recommending!
Learned how to be a 'trust agent' in business and life.
Learned how to use the 'social web' and web 2.0 to build trust and leverage opportunities. Lots of great concepts to think about and revisit. They offered theoretical and practical insight into effectively using modern social networking tools and principles.
"Read" the audio book--read by the two authors. One of More...
Learned how to be a 'trust agent' in business and life.
Learned how to use the 'social web' and web 2.0 to build trust and leverage opportunities. Lots of great concepts to think about and revisit. They offered theoretical and practical insight into effectively using modern social networking tools and principles.
"Read" the audio book--read by the two authors. One of More...
