Over the past week, I’ve read some great contrarian posts… There were the life without Twitter posts from @djwaldow (here), @unmarketing (here) and @lisabarone (here). @justinkownacki had some great pain point posts as well, especially Why I Need You To Be a Better Audience, which had comment discussion that rivaled the awesomeness of the original post.

To add fuel on the fire, I had a great side DM discussion with @ambercadabra during one of her webinars last week where she invited me to disagree with her on a certain topic.

The limited number of folks in the social media space who know me personally know that I’ll happily disagree if I feel passionately about a subject, but I don’t do that a ton here (my blog).

I don’t think it is intentional though… I don’t think saying the same things that everyone else says or talking about topics that everyone will click on is important.  It is writing with passion, conviction, or just sharing what you know.

That leads me to this post.

Tonight I was followed by another self-proclaimed social media expert.  I’m not going to bash on that, because in all honesty, there are folks that I DO consider to be social media experts despite the audible groans heard throughout the crowd if anyone says that.

My favorite thing about success is that you can’t fake it.

You can’t game the system (at least not for long).  And for the most part, the thought leaders self-regulate the community, even if unintentionally.  The cream will metaphorically rise to the top.

Think about the last networking event you were at.  For the most part, whether it is someone who is mega-famous, or a bottom feeder like myself, if you can hold intelligent conversation and offer insight… you can talk to anyone.  There aren’t as many cliques in social media as it appears.  Smart people like talking to smart people.  Followers don’t matter.  Blog subscribers don’t matter.  Popularity doesn’t matter.  Authentic smarts matter.

I grow tired of posts about social media etiquette. Yes, it is very important, but to me it is pretty easy… be yourself.

If you’re an ass, people will know.  If you’re a nice guy, people will know.  If you have your act together, people will know.

Personal branding awareness is at an all-time high.  Anyone off the street can start a blog, proclaim expertise, build a following, and appear to be one hell of a social media expert, consultant, guru, ninja, or whatever you prefer.

But who the hell cares?

If we spend our time policing against the imposters – we suffer.

Our communities suffer.

All of those things will work themselves out in the end.

What are you doing to improve your community?

So people of power with your Twitter followers, blog subscribers, advertisers, sponsors, etc… What are you doing to advance those around you?

I have been absolutely amazed by the folks I’ve met that are doing incredible things in their communities… even if it is taking the time to talk with anyone and everyone about what they’re doing and what questions they have.

I love seeing that and love you all for doing that.

Being able to monetize what you love and making your career feel less like work is extremely important, but there are plenty of times we can help others without expecting compensation.

That could be volunteering select speaking opportunities, helping high school or college courses in your areas of expertise or engaging with your community to the point of being helpful.

Nothing ground-breaking here, I just think we need to say: ask not what your community can do for you, ask what you can do for your community… or something like that.

Please feel free to comment on what you’re doing to help others through social media or in social media. The NCSU MBA course on social media is coming back this Fall and I’d love to add more of you as guest speakers. Thanks for taking the time to read this and please drop a quick comment if you have another minute. :) @cnmoody