So your church staff has decided to dive into social media. Congratulations. So how do help them get started? There are lots of tutorials out there to help with the “how” of social media (if you would like a list just go here), but how do you help your staff understand the “why” of social media?
Here are three books from authors that I have found to be informative as I have developed social media strategies. These are not “how to” books, instead these are books that will help your staff begin to understand the “why” of social media and how it can help further your church’s mission.
The Thank You Economy
Gary Vaynerchuck is full of energy and his writing exudes that. Every time I ready something by Gary, I impressed by not only his passion for social media, but also his ability to boil down large concepts in a way that can be quickly digested. In Thank You Economy, Gary gives insight on how to connect with your audience by listening to them rather shouting at them.
Trust Agents: Using the Web to Build Influence, Improve Reputation, and Earn Trust
Chris’s blog is one of the most insightful things that I read on a weekly basis. Chris is excellent at giving a behind the scenes look at what it takes to pull of a blog, a newsletter, author books and be a speaker. His book Trust Agents, dives into how you and your church can build trust and its’ reputation online.
Platform: Get Noticed in a Noisy World
If there is one book that I would put the hands to every single one of my staff members, Platform would be that book. Not only is this book an easy read, it is very practical for new social media users. Michael details everything from setting up a blog, planning out tweets and finding your audience. Even people on your staff who are seasoned veterans of social media wlll learn something.
Questions: Do you have another book suggestion? Is there another book that has influenced you? You can leave a comment by clicking here.
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