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There’s so much talk about “how to dominate your niche and turn yourself into an expert” but very little about mentorship. I think that’s a mistake.
“Given Expert Advice, Brain Shuts Down” ~Wired.com
What do you think? Is there a time and place for blindly taking advice?
Two other things: (I know this is a lot, sorry)
1. Would you prefer I keep my old comments system vs. Disqus?
2. Would you like more video posts or shall I stick with writing?
Thanks! -Seth
You know what I love about your writing Seth? You keep it real. This post captures that authenticity that drew me in as a new reader. It's consistent with your post on why you unfollowed 45k people on Twitter. I wholeheartedly embrace your focus on engaging, connecting, sharing, learning, coming alongside, mentoring and being mentored. (And you're so right that “mentoring” is a two-way relationship. We ALL learn from each other, regardless of who has the “mentor” or “mentoree” hat. In my 21 years of parenting, I've found that I probably learn more from my children than they learn from me.)
To answer your questions:
1. I don't think doing anything “blindly” is ever a good idea. My experience with advice from experts is that I absorb best when I'm hungry for answers, but I always filter everything. I'm one who questions experts (even if just quietly in my head). But experts, just like the rest of us, are people too, and they may have some insight or experience that proves of value to me. I don't discriminate – all input treated equally, sifted through my mind, separating wheat from chaff.
2. I guess I vote for Disqus, just because I could log into Twitter. (Not exactly up to speed on these things. I just know I see my face posting a comment via Disqus as opposed to the other…so yeah…valuable input?)
3. Your writing is what drew me in to your blog. I didn't know what to think with the vlog (other than @david_mann will be happy about it). Thought I wouldn't like it, but it's actually a nice variety. I like the change. I think it's good to mix it up. Keep writing! I love the writing. But throw in an occasional vlog for variety. That's my vote.
Great post! Keep us on our toes…and we'll keep you on yours!
Totally agree, the expert stuff has gotten out of control. The Lord will always be the only real expert!
Great perspective on the topic, Seth, and I really do appreciate the use of video: we can experience a richer dialogue through this channel.
The more we give up to experts, the more myopic and limited our own thinking can become. A great read on the topic is a book called Predictably Irrational, by Dan Ariely. He points out how our choices and decisions are influenced by experts, by misinformation, and by other clutter. The impact is big not only on ideas and creativity, but on our habits as consumers, too.
Great perspective on the topic, Seth, and I really do appreciate the use of video: we can experience a richer dialogue through this channel.
The more we give up to experts, the more myopic and limited our own thinking can become. A great read on the topic is a book called Predictably Irrational, by Dan Ariely. He points out how our choices and decisions are influenced by experts, by misinformation, and by other clutter. The impact is big not only on ideas and creativity, but on our habits as consumers, too.
David
PS – I have no preference on the comments format. I'll get used to whatever you go with. I do, however, want to figure out how to get my mug shot to appear!
To engage an expert implies to listen, to learn, and to mix in the brain. Not to turn off and follow blindly. Unless, of course, it is a plumber – then you let the professional do their work (and surgeons too)
If it makes you feel ANY better, my brain has to work really hard when I listen to you. (Teasing)
In all seriousness, Seth, you should listen to yourself speak. You lead by asking questions—a very engaging way of encouraging real learning.
In my past life, I studied cognitive psychology. The experts (sorry) used to tell us that when someone hands you information, ya know, just shovels at you, it never anchors. But when you get new information and are made to turn it around in your own hands and understand it based on 'old,' already-known stuff, a synapse actually grows from the old information (neuron) to the new and binds it. Literally. A bridge is built. I've never forgotten that. Synapses all over the place.
I've watched two of your videos. I've read two of your posts. I hate to tell you this, but you're an expert question asker.
Pretty cool. And pretty challenging.
Best,
Jen/MissIve
I just wonder if sometimes we think we're processing things on our own when it turns out that we actually shut down for the expert? I suppose it would depend on how much time we have to make a decision and how much information we assume to have already.
Yes, the Twitter log-in is handy…I think it makes things easier for those not using auto-fill-in. The day I set my browser to fill in everything it could with my site/email/name…the day commenting got a LOT easier! =)
Thanks for the thoughts on the video. I'm still getting used to the whole elevator-speech style of video but I figured I needed to start at some point. I'm not going over to videos (I like writing a lot) entirely. Just enough to mix things up!
Consider me on my toes. Thanks!
THAT is a reply I hadn't expected. =) Don't we now begin an argument over which translation and grouping of books counts as the “actual expert guide”? =)
10 points for using the word “myopic”. I love that we have a quick and easy way of saying “short-sighted”…but most don't know/love the word!
1. I need to check out the book. There's a lot of “clutter” out there to filter through for certain.
2. http://gravatar.com is your one-stop-shop for sexy photos that show up wherever you comment using one of the email addresses associated with the pic. Works great!
Dr. Simpson! You mean, you don't like it when a patient has read a few pamphlets and decides they're in a position to question your choice of procedure? =)
I think your definition of “expert” is a proper one that implies a whole package of experience, intelligence, and thoughtful decision-making. We don't really find any of those online now. It's mostly about proclaiming oneself to be an expert and spending hours defending that position.
The “real world” in many cases, does a better job of vetting its thought leaders…no it doesn't!
I still don't think I'd question a surgeon. I would, however, be very interested in what they were going to do. I'm a curious dude and like to know what's getting chopped up!
If we had more thoughtful decision-makers gleaning information from those with more experience and varied perspectives…it's possible that we'd have a better time of things. Mentorship takes more work though. Few have interest in the added work.
I'm still looking for my version of The Teacher though. I love the challenge of trying to keep up.
It's so confusing to sort through the multiple personalities. I'm assuming that Jen is primarily speaking here and I'll respond to her. =)
I think its very cool if any of my crazy questions inspire others to rethink how they approach a platform, a tool, or a decision they need to make. I don't think that makes me an expert at it though. I just talk about what I'm thinking and ask others the same questions I ask myself.
I like that, about “building a bridge.” I wish it were easier/simpler for us to burn some of those bridges when it's in our best interest.
But that's an entirely different line of questioning. =)
Thanks Jen!
(Missive, you were very sweet and I appreciate it. Thank you.)
Love this! Really Seth, you are one of the few people on Twitter that truly “get it”. You are sincere in your desire to connect with others and it shows in your writing. I have found myself falling into the “expert” trap recently. I have a nice pile of books and audios but not putting them to use because I am not implementing what I am learning. So am I really learning anything from these experts? Absolutely not. A mentor is exactly what I need. Love both video posts and writing. Nice to mix it up. Keep up the good writing and the thought-provoking questions and issues.
Stephanie
Given the choice, I always go with non-fiction over self-help, too. =)
I don't think I'll do a lot of videos (some book reviews, perhaps). I'm still having lots of fun with the writing.
Thanks Stephanie, and best of luck finding that mentor. Don't sell yourself short!
Seth:
Nothing to do with you, but I always prefer the writing. That way you, the reader, don't have to sit through something at a pace determined by the creator rather than the consumer. The consumer can read all or some, consume at her own pace, jump around, look ahead, etc. Video is controlled by the creator not the viewer. And if it's just a post being recorded why assume all the control. The only reason that social media exists is because the consumer wants a say in the conversation. Easier to have that say when reading. My two cents.
You've eloquently stated one of my greatest concerns. Namely, that the scanners among us won't sit through a video.
I wanted to try it out and have my “face up” for at least one post. It's a sad state of affairs when multi-level-marketers dress so well that the rest of us have to dress-down for videos in order to be taken seriously.
Another problem I have with Video is that it's difficult to check back during a comment to make sure you've “heard” something correctly before remarking on it. Writing makes that very clear.
Now back to scheduled programming. =)
That is one of the values of social media to me … you engage and watch, and find those who you want as mentors.
I enjoy your writing and enjoyed this video too. I'd make it shorter and sweeter (bet you never thought I'd say that!). A mix of the two mediums would be great.
XXOO
Yes, that is a bit of a surprise. =)
I think I'll mostly stick with written content here for now. Just wanted to try out the video. Glad you found it interesting. I typically speak faster IRL, too.
Social Media definitely seems to level the playing field a bit when it comes to accessing mentors. I'm sure there are people it would have taken me months to get through to had I not interacted with them through SM first.
Best!
Great article and point to bring up! It is so important to think for yourself, no matter what an expert tells you in any arena of your life. Your brain can, and will, shut down in the most unexpected way—including even the expert.
A long time ago, I adopted a very young orange tabby kitty from my vet's office, who told me that it was a male cat. I never questioned it, but became concerned when I didn't see the correct “equipment” descending. I knew I was looking at a female cat (had been a cat owner for many years, even had another female cat then), but because my vet told me it wasn't, my brain didn't allow me to trust my own eyes.
I called the vet and told him about my concerns, but he assured me it was a male, probably deformed in some way. How could a vet possibly make a mistake? I eventually brought my kitty in for another round of feline distemper shots. Well, was my vet's face red. He assumed automatically that “she” was a “he” because female orange tabbies are extremely rare, and this female kitty looked like a male—all her life, people thought she was a male cat.
So totally correct female organs were identified as deformed male ones. Shades of Freud!
Experts make mistakes, everywhere and anywhere. Your brain can shut down in the most unexpected of circumstances, so learn to trust those “red flags” that pop up and do your own research.
Hey Seth,
I'm happy I came back to see your post on a computer – I'd checked it out earlier in Google Reader on my iPhone and with no sign of the Flash video it was rather odd – to say the least.
Anyway, I agree with you on the expert thing. I've always looked to learn as much as I can myself and I'd go to people I know or respect to get some help if I was to get stuck.
In case I've been “doing social media” for several months now so I'm a bloody expert now anyway!!
There are just too many people claiming to be experts around.It's the same in photography – I have a wedding photo business. I used to like hanging around a particular forum where it was great for sharing advice and ideas. Of late it just became full of “experts” looking to promote their latest seminar or DVD series. No thanks!
On the comments – I recently started using Disqus as well, but I'm not sure it is doing much for me. I thought it would help manage my 2 or 3 comments a month, but I've not noticed any huge gains in productivity
One thing I have noticed, is that if I want to comment on a post from my iPhone, after logging in to Disqus, I've never yet found the box to type in – not too helpful.
Oh – I had another thought re your comment about well dressed MLM people.
I've not made a policy of this, but I've noticed that people who follow me on Twitter who wear a suit in their avatar are very unlikely to get a follow back!
By using Disqus and not an in-house blog commenting system, e.g. Wordpress, you are giving up control to a blog commenting “expert.”
Something to think about.
I tremendously enjoyed how–aside from a few seconds here and there when you collected your thoughts–your eyes stayed focused on the camera and, by extension, on me. Kudos.
Great post Seth. Key component of your question, what stands out to me, is the word “blindly”. When I was much younger I follow “leaders”, “authority figures” and “experts” blindly and got myself in a heap of trouble but not doing my own examination of the details of whatever the issue was. It was sort of how I was taught by example by my parents. After realizing at the age of twenty that I'd followed an “expert” on one of the most important issues of life and they'd been wrong, I stopped following blindly the advice and opinions of those who are supposed to be experts. I learned that we're all human and subject to err in our thinking, beliefs, opinions, etc. I say listen to all the opinions and advice you can and then study the issues for yourself, check the experts. They can be wrong just like me or you. That's my 1 cent worth.
“Shades of Freud' = ahha! =)
That's an awesome real-life story. I didn't know cats had to spend so much time at the vets…always used to barn cats, I guess.
Thanks!
Hi David, Sorry about that. Perhaps I'll include [video] in any future post titles to take care of any possibly confusion.
I think you've experienced what has turned into the typical life cycle of a forum/platform. Once enough “experts” turn up, the real ones split off to form another forum and the cycle starts again. I'm interested to see if Blellow makes any progress with their development of a “professional” Twitter.
I didn't know that about Disqus. I'm most likely sticking with this until I can get the customized in-house comments perfect. We'll see.
Thanks!
I know, I know. Unfortunately, the “expert” I rely on for the more complex technical things (like customizing comments) is tied up with other things. Trying out disqus for awhile as the twitter sign-in seems quite appealing. I hear you though. =)
Thanks for the kudos. I'm new to video and hadn't outlined my thoughts. Was just rolling with it to see how things turned out. I think I'll stick to writing when it's just *me* talking in the future. Videos are much more fun for interviews, etc. We'll see where it all goes!
You've got a post on your blog about adding the twitter field, yeah? I couldn't find it through the site search.
Hi Todd!
Your 1 cent worth is of tremendous value and speaks to a wisdom I hope has served you well in your own life!
I use intense debate on another blog and it works well. Disqus is the popular one for the SM crowd though. I'm going to try it for awhile and see what happens.
Thanks bro!
Not you – I blame the Jobster for lack of iPhone Flash! It's nice to see people trying new ideas – we got a little Flip camcorder and I've been playing with that.
I think I'll stick with Disqus as well, at least until I get bored or something else comes along.
I have a flip and a kodak. The kodak is elegant, easy-to-use, and less money than the flip. A win in my book.
“Until I get bored”
I hear you! =) Have an awesome week!
Hey Seth, great post once again. I was surprised to hear this – usually experts are looked up to from everyone in their “niche”. There should be more “mentors” around to lead you in the right direction (and actually care where you end up) then these hot-shots who don't care about you, just their appearance as an expert.
As for video posts, I love them. Keeps the blog more real and personal. Way more fun than reading text, too!
About DISQUS, I like the fact that it links to your twitter and blog, rather than just one. (Let's see if it does that for me, though). Other than that, I don't see the big advantage in using it over the traditional comment system that comes with WP.
Thanks again for the helpful post, Seth.
I really like the mix. both the vids and the words. Im a word person mostly yet love to HEAR your wisdom and be reminded of the person behind the musings from time to time.
I also adore your readers' comments.
Such a smart wise witty group you attract.
One of the few sites where I read the post/watch the video.
reread the post/rewatch video.
and then hunker down with a snack to see what others say and what you respond to them.
I'm entirely with you on the value of mentorship, obviously.
I'll continue to post videos on occasion…probably interviews and such (written Q&A's are boring) but regular posts will stay written.
re: disqus, I like it for now. Once I have my custom comments ready, I'll switch back. Twitter links will be included in the new system. =)
Thanks Matt!
@Carla
By “snack” you're referring to beef jerky? =)
Always awesome commenters, you're among them, I'm glad to find. I'm not sure how many videos I'll be doing, but there will definitely be the same dosage of writing. That's what I like best.
Thanks!
1. Keep Disqus.
2. Good advice Seth. The word expert has lost all meaning, as you touched on, I think theres levels of expertise like in most things, where someone can be an expert but that dosent mean they are any good… Maybe the right thing to say is “Excellent Expert” and if your not excellent then you could be called…”Crap Expert”
I personally prefer the term “practising (expert)”, like lawyers and doctors are referred to. This implies they have a level of ability but are continually learning more as required by their field.
The problem we have in the SEO and web design industry in general is that the only definition of expert is someone who has made money, but most people dont ask how they made money and they dont usually tell!
Seth, this is pure gold–a sensible, compassionate perspective. 'Course, if their brains don't shut down, how will I bill them?
Seth,
Seriously great video man. I just posted up my first “official” video blog this Monday. It is a learning process for me, mainly on how to overcome the awkwardness of talking to my camera like a person. But I'll get there. You, on the other hand, have such a natural ability to speak your mind and be comfortable doing it in front of the camera.
That article is really interesting. Something that applies to not just a study done on college students, but in our everyday lives. How often do we read, hear, listen to words from an “expert” and then automatically follow them blindly? But I like what you said about the value of having a mentorship relationship. That is something I strongly believe in.
1. I will until my in-house system does everything I want it to. The comment systems are proving troublesome for readers with older browsers. Not interested in causing more problems than it's worth, y'know? In the meantime, Disqus suits me just fine.
2. I like your idea about Dr's and lawyers. I know of a lot of experts in need of some practice! =)
I gravitate toward the people who are willing and able to eloquently share whatever they do know for certain to work. Even if it's basic information, I always find some value in them. I'm always thrilled to find a grounded money maker as well. It's just harder to find them since they tend not to brag much.
Many thanks, Sir Lowe.
I think you might get even more money by keeping their brains at a higher level of function and inspiring them to send you much moolah. =)
I'm not actually that comfortable. I just like yelling about things. =) Yes, we often give up on our sense of clarity when encountering expert advice. It's tough to weed through all the information and package the good stuff into edible portions. Definitely worth the work though!
I'll head over and check out your video. Looking forward to it!
[...] To Mr. Simonds, I thank you for bringing this topic to my mind. It is of great interest to me. I hope you continue to learn and do great things in your life. (Visit Mr. Simond’s blog here…) [...]
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10 Twitterers and Their Blogs Who Inspire Me…
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Happy Saturday!
Following-up on my desire to change my usage patterns on Twitter and in blogs, I’d like to share with you 10 Twitter users whose blogs I’ve read…
I think the term “expert” scares many people. I can understand why, but I also feel it's a shame. There are a ton of experts – or at least, people who could rightly call themselves experts – both online and offline. Yet they're afraid to use the term because of the stigma it involves.
Fair enough, obviously you can't be an expert in everything, but perhaps the answer lies in being expert in one thing and having various levels of expertise in others?
RE. comments, I don't like the fact that DISQUS controls your comments, inasmuch as they take ownership. So, if DISQUS goes down, all your comments go down with them (from what I gather). I've always been disappointed in their spam filtering as well.
So, personally, I've stuck with WordPress comments and a couple of plug-ins to add video and audio comment capability along with social media comments as well. Works fine so far.
Your cheery face definitely lends itself to more video posts, although don't give up on the written word completely
I love your vids! Keep them coming!
I am totally with you on this one about experts. I've never seen any research like what you mentioned but I used to say “It's like I hand my brain over to this guy.” whenever I was being “mentored”.
Seriously – it's true.
All the best!
Only if you “think” your the expert.
Heya!
I'm not talking about the stigma of the word so much as the issue I have with people perceiving something as expert advice and putting their own best sense away in order to acknowledge it. Scary stuff.
Yes, various levels for certain.
Disqus picks up a copy of the comment. There's still one placed on the actual site so that if something happens to Disqus, my site will revert to the original comment style. I'm still working on my custom comments so Disqus will have to do for now.
Haha! Cheery face. We'll see. =)
Hi Gabe!
Oh, I don't think mentorship should feel like you're handing your brain over to anybody. More of a give-and-take with a great mentor, I've found.
The Free dictionary defines an expert as “A person with a high degree of skill in or knowledge of a certain subject.”
So, do we assume by someone's self proclamation that they have a high degree of skill in a specific subject area? or do we look for quantifiable evidence that they know what they are talking about?
Here's an example. We have financial advisers calling us all the time to provide advice for our employees or to get our company setup with a retirement program. Our first question to any potential financial adviser is, “Great…please fax a copy of your last 6 retirement account statements to us as well as your birth date.” And that question is usually followed up with, “Uhm. Why?” to which we respond, “Why shouldn't we verify that you actually know what you are doing and can do a better job than we can on our own?”
That filters out pretty much everyone that calls…I have to say, 1 person followed through and sent us what we asked for and we did end up hiring their firm.
Ultimately, your decisions are still your decisions. Don't abdicate them…