It was October 27th 2007 when I became a Mitch Joel fan after hearing him speak at PodCamp Boston 2. I remember writing the guy’s name down on my event program so that I could appropriately “permission-based stalk” him to learn more about this particular digital marketing thought leader who really struck a chord with me. In addition to subscribing to his blog, I downloaded as many back episodes as I could of his podcast through iTunes – And for a couple of months, Mitch and Six Pixels of Separation were a daily part of my life during gym workouts and office/client commutes until I finally caught up to his weekly production schedule.
I relate to Mitch not only for the fact that he’s a fellow Canuck but because of his passion for digital marketing, contagious work ethic, entrepreneurial mind, and that he’s a constant student of leadership. It’s been a joy over the past two years following and being inspired by Mitch’s career growth as he expanded his business to Toronto, secured a column in the Montreal Gazette, and now (finally) released his first book, appropriately named after his blog and podcast: “Six Pixels of Separation”.
I anxiously picked up my copy last week at Boston’s Barnes & Nobel in the Pru and it was the last one on the shelf (see photo above). And I can understand why as the book is filled with rich (and timely) case studies and is positioned as the “prequel” to Mitch’s blog. The book is ripe for those who are just getting started understanding how social media has fundamentally impacted business, marketing, and personal branding as well as those of us within the industry that are always looking for more fodder for our clients and projects.
A few select sound bites from Six Pixels of Separation that jumped out at me – the book is filled with many more great one-liners as well as contextual and thought provoking anecdotes:
- Embrace your community as the new currency.
- Trust is earned by an overall great experience with a foundation of authenticity.
- Digital marketing is not a one night stand…tangible results take time.
- Instead of asking “what” [the channels/tactics], please ask “Why” [the strategy].
- Ripples grow wider and bigger until they become waves. Waves never stop.
- The new business game is not about control. It’s about the volume of voices.
- Google is like an elephant: it never forgets.
- Branding is not the logo… Branding is the heart and soul of a business.
- You can’t fake passion.
- Great content = great word of mouth.
- Transparency is easy. Credibility is hard…credibility is everything.
- We’re seeing a new era in which everyone has become a citizen journalist.
- Take time to develop your own niche. Be the Cirque du Soleil of your industry.
- Remember, I’m Googling you just like you’re Googling me.
- Your business life just became a high-speed game of virtual paintball.
- Content is media…all content will become more and more portable.
- Mobile goes where other media cannot.
- Think in terms of tribes, not mass.
- A new business model does not have to be complex.
I had recommended Six Pixels of Separation to clients when it was on pre-order and will continue to help evangelize Mitch Joel’s debut into book publishing – I not only believe in him and his credibility but have personally benefitted by Mitch openly sharing his experiences and thought leadership over the years. I already can’t wait for his next book.
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